New Teacher’s Complete Sourcebook,
K-4, p. 14]
Studies reveal that teachers typically experience ups and downs
during their first year of teaching. The following table describes the phases
that new teachers go through and offers strategies to help you navigate each
one.
Phase: Anticipation (excitement
about something that is going to happen)
Characteristics
*New teachers begin the school year full of excitement, certain
that they are going to change the world. They are ready to put their
hard-earned teaching credentials to use, making a difference in students'
lives. They know that they will love all of their students and that that all of
their students will love them. They have a vision of the ideal teacher as the
first day of school draws near.
Strategies
*Hold on to your vision of what you expect teaching to be. The
key is to learn how to teach without losing your excitement and idealism.
*Begin building connections with positive teachers at your site,
at other schools, or online - when things become overwhelming, you will already
have supportive relationships in place.
*Start a notebook of "Ideas for Next Year." Throughout
the school year, make notes of things you'd like to try or change, then revisit
the notebook as you begin planning for next year.
Phase: Survival
Characteristics
*The first month of school can be overwhelming. No matter how
well prepared new teachers are, unexpected situations arise. They struggle with
the day-to-day operations of the classroom and work countless hours each week.
During this time, new teachers are on the hamster wheel, working as hard as
they can, making it up as they go along, and running... until... they...
finally... run.. down.
Strategies
*Maintain your momentum by reflecting on what is going well.
*Talk to other teachers about specific ideas for lessons - why
reinvent the wheel this year when others are willing to share the wisdom of
their experiences? Use what others share THIS YEAR, and perfect it for yourself
NEXT YEAR.
*Forge a solid connection with at least one teaching peer, if you
haven't already done so. Establish a sharing relationship and spend time
together doing "teacher things."
Phase: Disillusionment
Characteristics
*A combination of stress, exhaustion, illness, and overwhelming
responsibilities can throw a new teacher right into the "pit of
despair." The new teacher tends to focus on what they have not
accomplished and what has gone wrong over the last several months. Report
cards, parent-teacher conferences, and the dreaded first teacher evaluation are
looming, bringing with them the realization that this is a never-ending job.
*Classroom management issues can be discouraging. Self-esteem may
be at an all-time low. During this phase, new teachers may begin to consider
leaving the profession.
Strategies
*Take heart! Getting through this phase will be one of the
greatest challenges you face as a new teacher. *Because it can last for
approximately three months, you will need great persistence during this
difficult time.
*Reach out to friends and family who may be feeling neglected.
Let them know that while things are difficult right now, there is a light at
the end of the tunnel. Ask for their continued support and patience.
*Reach out to your peers. All that relationship building with
peers at the beginning of the year will now result in support when you need it
the most.
*Ask for help or even just a shoulder to cry on. We've all been
through this stage ourselves.
*Visit other classrooms and watch teachers work with their
students to gain new ideas for managing your classroom. Another teacher may
even be willing to come to your classroom and demonstrate a lesson or two. *No
matter how you go about connecting, just do it! New teachers who have a solid
network make it... those who don't, usually don't make it.
*Keep journaling! It is important to find at least one good thing
from every day. Remember that your teaching probably doesn't match your vision
yet. It's ok. Success is a journey; give yourself time.
*Continue to identify baby steps that will lead you closer to
your vision, and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small it may seem.
Phase: Rejuvenation
Characteristics
Teachers have survived the craziness of the holidays and had some
time to relax with family and friends. They have made progress with classroom
management and finally have time to do some planning and organizing for the
rest of the school year. Spring is right around the corner, and the children
are beginning to blossom right along with the flowers. It's apparent that the hard
work is beginning to pay off!
Strategies
Focus on curriculum development and teaching strategies using
your newfound confidence and energy.
Try something new with your students and talk about the results
with other teachers, even if it doesn't work out the way you had expected it
to. Now that you have made it through the fire, you have valuable experience to
share.
Expand your professional circle of peers to include new and
experienced teachers from other schools. Pooling ideas from multiple schools gives
you many more resources.
Go back and examine your vision of successful teaching. Bump up
your action plan a notch.
Phase: Reflection
Characteristics
There is a rhythm to the class now and student learning is
actually evident. It isn't as exhausting to plan, prepare, or teach, so
creativity is starting to flow. New teachers are able to spend more time
talking to veteran teachers. Now they begin refining their teaching, keeping
what works, changing what doesn't, looking toward next year. "Reflection"
leads to "Anticipation" for the new year, a new opportunity to grow.
Strategies
Refer to your vision of the successful new teacher as you begin
to think ahead. Determine what you accomplished sand where you need to continue
refining your skills. Revise your vision if necessary.
Actively seek out partnerships with other teachers as you begin
to envision the possibilities that the next year holds. Select a teaching buddy
who will plan with you and even observe and coach you during your quest for
success.
Go through your "Ideas for Next Year" notebook and pull
out the best ideas. Set goals for next year and determine steps that will allow
you to reach those goals.
Have a special celebration with your students - you will never
forget your first class!
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