A Teacher's First Year: Support, Reflection, and Deep Breaths

Sarah Maloney History and English Teacher

Right after graduation, I decided to start my career in the United Kingdom. I was a new teacher starting in a new curriculum in a new country and in a challenging school. It was a risky move, but I became part of an amazing staff, learned some tricks of the trade, gained professional confidence, as well as traveled to 19 countries! As a first-year teacher, your passion and excitement throw you into this career with little idea of what to expect. You have studied pedagogy, teaching philosophies, techniques, assisted in classrooms, and have prepared as much as you can. However, you will not know the lifestyle of teaching until you experience it. Let me pass on some wisdom based on my experience.

First things first: you are not alone. You have to rely on the support from your colleagues, family, and friends. Your colleagues will be able to offer some advice, resources, or even an ear to listen. Ask your colleagues for old resources, ideas, websites, or strategies. Don’t forget to use your support network to highlight the good days. You will have days when you feel like the best teacher in the world, so be proud and let them know. Social media is also a fantastic way to connect with other teachers to ask for advice. Join some teacher groups; a stranger somewhere might just say exactly what you needed to hear. The praise and support you receive is crucial in your first year.

Secondly, it is important to reflect on yourself and your teaching—the good, the bad, and the ugly. No matter if you have been teaching for one day or 30 years, you should always be reflecting. Education changes in terms of strategies, philosophies, and what is the latest “best practice.” Find what works best for you and your students. One unsuccessful lesson might ruin your day, but it won’t ruin your career. Think back, reflect, and change your method. I knew a teacher who wrote in her journal each night and used her writing as a way to reflect on the teaching day. Taking the time to understand your changing strategies and philosophy on teaching will help your life, your teaching, and your sanity. Last, but not least, I strongly advise you to develop balance in your life. Your first year of teaching will be hard work, but don’t forget about the fun! About 3 weeks into my teaching, I realized that I had spent so much time trying to perfect lessons that I had not even eaten dinner that night. I would go to school and come home to work. I was exhausted. I finally realized that I needed a system—not to organize my work, but to organize ME. From that point on I stayed after school until my work was done; I used my prep time for planning, and I kept my home time for me. Sometimes there were exceptions, but I tried to keep to that routine. Make time to read for fun, watch TV, and go for a walk. You will be more focused and happier.

Your first year of teaching will be hard work, but you will also have those first “teacher moments” that you will never forget. Always remember your passion for the job!

What inspired you to become a teacher? What first "teacher moments" are most memorable?