Thoughts of a First Year Teacher

I did not choose teaching, it chose me. At a time in my life when I was really trying to figure out how I would change the world I was called to teach. Your first year won't be easy everyone warned...hmm okay I thought but if I attack it with the same grit as I did law school it can't be that bad. HA. Just like the first year of law school, the first year of teaching is a process. It's filled with highs and all kinds of low but here are a few reflections. I apologize if they are random but this is the order they came to me in.

People will sometimes tell you it can't be just be about the kids. But I think they are wrong. Everyday I woke up because of my kids. I worked in conditions that I didn't always like or agree with because of my kids. Teaching brought me joy. Even on the days I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to get better each day for my kids. So first and foremost it should be about the kids.

Things will change it's how you respond to that change that matters. My job description has changed so much I barely recognize it. My bosses saw something in me and so they changed my schedule several times so that I could work with as many students as possible. So not only did I feel responsible for my homeroom students but also every student that I worked with for intervention. As I look back I am glad that my bosses forced me to do this. All of my students both homeroom and intervention are at or above level. To put this into context in August only 12/83 scholars throughout the entire school were on or above level. Today ALL of the scholars I have worked with which totals about 45 including my homeroom are on or above level.


So don't let anyone tell you that you can't be effective as a first year teacher. I was intimidated initially because every other lead teacher had at least 2 years experience but hard work, perseverance, and a deep belief in my kids helped propel me to success.

My biggest lesson from this year is that you have to have a deep belief and I mean a real belief of what's possible for every child in your class. It should drive you and on the days they are not living up to that belief, you must still challenge them. I am a big fan of high expectations but it has to be coupled with the belief that children can meet those expectations. When you believe they believe. There will be disappointments and even testing cycles where they don't perform the same way they do with you everyday. But do not be discouraged, keep believing, and keep striving. It is very much possible.

Never stop working on you. Teaching is definitely a job where you can not rest on your laurels. There is always work to be done. You are truly your students greatest assets and advocates.  Go to as many PD sessions as you can, go watch excellent schools and teachers if possible, use the internet. A few things that have helped me are Teach Like a Champion and Teach Like A Champion 2.0, Practice Perfect, Good Habits Great Readers, The First 100 Days of School, The First Year Teacher's Survival Guide, and The Together Teacher. Even if your district provides really good PD keep developing yourself.

ROUTINES, ROUTINES, so nice I had to say it twice. You must especially for K build strong routine and habits. This will help save you so much time and will help the pacing of your lessons. Think about everything you want students to do, from how they enter a class, early finish work etc. And write out a procedure and take time to do it again and again and again until it can become habit. Trust me great routines and procedures drive excellent instruction.

Take time for yourself. As I mentioned before you are students' greatest asset and advocate but if you are not 100% don't expect it from the kids. It's hard because the first year seems like there's always more work to be done and you're never really ahead. But Rome wasn't built in a day. Take time for yourself, set a hard stop on school and planning. Maintain your relationships. It makes a world of a difference in the classroom.

Find your organization system or adapt a mandated system to best fit you. Organization is really have the battle with teaching so if you're uncomfortable you can constantly fill frazzled---trust me.


Fall in love with your kids and the process. The best think about K is they were new to school to. But these kids want an amazing educator and are so eager to rise to your expectations. Fall in love with your class, appreciate their differences, celebrate them! The first year is a process---learn from it. Learn from the good, the bad, the ugly, and the I don't even want to talk about it but get me a glass of wine and take each day as a chance to get better.


Believe in yourself, believe in your kids, and believe that a first year teacher can make a difference.

Starting Over

So as I'm preparing to wrap up my first year of teaching (AHH how did it come so soon) I am also preparing to start all over at a new school next year. This makes the end of the year even more bittersweet. I truly love all of my students and would adopt them all if I could. The thought of not seeing them next year makes me extremely sad. But I am also excited to start a new school and the impact that I will have there.

However starting over is never easy. The schools are like night and day and so it will definitely be an adjustment period. With that I've began to start to prepare for this transition now. I've been archiving great finds from TpT more reviews and how I use the products will come later. Working on some professional development on my own. Making summer plans and many many to do lists. 

With all that I am cherishing each moment I still have with my current scholars. They have worked hard all school year and I am so excited in these last few weeks to celebrate their accomplishments. 

While it may seem daunting here are few tips I've found helpful when thinking of a new start

1. Pray about it!- This has definitely been one of the hardest decisions I've made and I've had to rely on my faith more than ever. However prayer certainly changes things and has made me feel more confident in my decision.

2. Stay firm in your decision- If you truly believe a fresh start is what you need, don't be persuaded that your decision isn't well thought out/or wise. Trust yourself!

3. Prepare- Make sure you do as much research as possible, ask questions, and start planning early. There may be new curricula, policies, or even a new grade to prepare for. The summer willy fly by. So start preparing now.

These are just my preliminary thoughts on starting over. Fortunately I will still be teaching Kinder so I will feel a level of comfort. As I prepare for a new group of Kinders and a new school I will post my journey here.

For now I'm enjoying my last few moments of Sunday and planning a Kinder graduation!

So You Teach Kindergarten?

When I was first told I'd be teaching I was elated. I imagined some Middle School or High School history placement. A place where history was alive and my students enjoyed fruitful discussions, reenactments, and became history buffs. Then I was offered a job as a Kindergarten teacher. Hmm Kindergarten. I consider myself a cheerful, optimistic person, but I am not the kind of person who loves to sing and dance all day. Though I accepted the job I was apprehensive at best.

I was graduating with a law degree, switching careers, and had no idea how to talk to little people; let alone explain abstract concepts. And then I began teaching and what I would like to call the New Kindergarten. Kindergarten has changed so much. Students are learning from the time they enter the building until the time they get on the bus. The songs and dances have much more purpose whether academic or just time for a wiggle break. Students are expected to learn more than just their ABC's and how to read simple sentences.

When I decided to switch schools, I was offered a middle school position and a Kinder position but then the lightbulb went off I LOVE TEACHING KINDERS! There is nothing like watching students experience the joys of learning. Creating a safe space for learning, failure, and development. The students are amazing and will go as far as you motivate them. I have discovered my role is that of a conductor, coach, and model and I love every moment of it. 

No we don't nap all day. Yes we are learning reading, writing, Social Studies, Science, math, as well as other important life skills. Yes we can have conversations and discussions and yes we cry sometimes. But NO, I wouldn't change it for the world. I hope that the joy that my students develop now will follow them throughout their educational journey. Kindergarten is the foundation for the rest of their life, and I am glad to be apart of that journey!

So YES I teach kindergarten!