I have been struggling with pacing units. My team members have done this for so long,they give me their lessons and units, but they are so dry! I like the more hands-on stuff. It's hard though because if I take too long, we won't finish the stuff we need to. They have basically been telling me what comes next, etc. It is getting better because now I am getting more confident and feel I don't have to rely on them AS MUCH (I still do since they are experts, just not as much). Also, my principal keeps reminding me that it's 5th grade...if I don't cover everything in the science and social studies curriculum in particular, he's like, it's no big deal...they are going to get it again.
Here is some advice/support/words of encouragement.
1. Find a mentor (at your grade level if possible). They can help you know WHAT to teach, give you classroom management advice, help you, etc. My team members help me with things at my grade level. My mentor teaches a different grade, and she helps me with everything else. She has given me great advice about documentation, record keeping, and has been a great sounding board whenever I am frustrated. If you are still confused about what to teach, ask your principal...do what he or she says...then if you get "in trouble" you can "blame" them
(I say that jokingly...my principal and I have a good relationship!)
2. Befriend your principal. Seriously. The day my principal gave me a tour of the building, we sat down for about 30 minutes to just talk some more. He told me his biggest expectation of his teachers was to come to him whenever there is a problem. He told me that he would not think I wasn't doing my job. He'd think I was doing my job, since I was concerned enough to ask for help. He has given me such good advice. I feel really good talking to him. Yes, I have had to admit failures, but his reaction helps me see it's not the end of the world. He always reminds me that I am a first year teacher and that I will keep improving. He shrugs off many of my mistakes as no big deal, which helps put things into perspective because yes I am very hard on myself. He gives me suggestions, but reminds me that he has been in education longer than I have. He has also told me that I am doing better as a first year teacher than he was, which makes me feel more confident!
3. Continue taking it day by day and again, remember you are a first year teacher...it will get better, I promise!
4. I wouldn't make a decision about your career until you have been at it at least 2 years. The 1st year is always the toughest. Next year won't be as bad. When you student taught, did you feel this way?
5. Try to focus on the good things. Keep a journal of all the funny/happy times you have with your kiddos. That will get your mood up.
6. Take time for yourself. I have found that when I take time for myself, I am a much better teacher. I admit, there have been a few days where haven't focused on school work as much as I should
, BUT I have found that in a lot of ways, it makes me a better teacher because I am in a better mood, more relaxed, happier, etc.
7. Keep posting and keep asking people for advice!
You can do it! You were hired for a reason. You would not have been hired if they didn't think your heart was in it!
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12-29-2011, 07:17 AM
