I felt as a new teacher I was not adequately prepared for all of the many administrative tasks involved in teaching. I also was not adequately trained on how to use the computer networks, but thanks to my ESOL chair eventually figured everything out. It was a very overwhelming experience.
As a new teacher I often felt as if I was a burden whenever I asked for assistance, asked a question, or sought clarification. Predominately I was told to read the emails and usually nothing more.
Hence near the end of the year I felt violated, used, and abused.
Perhaps you feel the opposite, as if your students delivered the most abuse toward you. Depending on the age group you are teaching that is very likely. My deans were awesome and did a great job helping me manage my classrooms whenever students got unruly or became uncooperative.
The extent of the abuse I felt was more based on neglect and the lack of emotional support I received throughout the academic year. Yet my administrators were kind not to pressure me to attend atheltic events, etc. as I was recovering (medically and financially) from a car accident.
Nevertheless I now understand why new teachers quit being educators. Here are some secrets to uplift your spirit and keep you going daily.
1. Remember all of your summer vacation you get as an educator.
Your life consists of time and educators keep a lot of it for themselves in the grand scheme of things. Holidays off are a blessing and you rarely have to work on the weekends.
2. Remember you are uplifting, molding, shaping, and impacting future leaders.
The younger generation you teach and impact daily are being groomed for greatness because of you. Therefore keep your heart and mind focused on your students and don’t let the little things distract or get you down.
3. Discover your own teaching style and be true to yourself.
Pinpoint your passion and unique gifting. Grow and develop it to best serve your students and your school.
4. The sun always shines above the clouds.
Focus on the good things and eliminate the negative (most of which you cannot change anyhow) from your mind.
www.PaulFDavis.com – worldwide speaker and author of New Teacher Success Secrets – 101 Survival & Success Secrets
Invite Paul to speak to your teachers and administrators about teacher retention. RevivingNations@yahoo.com
