Source: study.com

Dear Educators,

We understand that you have plenty on your plate and we want you to start off your year right. The frustrations from getting to know your students, creating lesson plans and mastering classroom management can get overwhelming. So here are some things to keep in mind as you begin the year. 

Remember to have a plan. Teaching requires equal parts of structure and improvisation. Having an air-tight plan and knowing what you are going to do should that plan fall through is just as important. This kind of planning allows you to be ready for any unexpected occurrences. 

At first, this is maybe daunting because it may take time to absorb lesson ideas that will work with your personality. Just do your best, shake it off, and adapt to changes. Sit back and watch. Learn from what others are doing. 

Make friends, be friendly and do not be caught up with one group or person. At times some of the best teachers with best practices might not be the overly friendly person. Seek out the people who have years of experience in your new environment. Try to get someone that can be your mentor and guide. Ask them to help guide you to create realistic lesson plans that allow for success.

It is important that you remember why you became a teacher. There will be plenty of people and things that will remind you how much work you have to get done, how moderate your salary is or how under-appreciated you’ll be. These surely will come in every direction and even burnt-out teachers. You entered this profession for a reason, your passion for kids and for learning. Keep that in your mind all year, even when things get tough, they will keep your focus where it needs to be. 

Try to incorporate fun teaching strategies that can help your students increase their brain capacity to receive new information and increase their self-confidence with movement. Adding movement to your routine will get students on the right track. Focus your energy and attention on one task at a  time. Although it feels unproductive to focus on one thing at a time. It actually helps to narrow your focus down to :

1) Get tasks completed efficiently
2) Complete them with more creativity
3) Reduce stress, confusion, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

But most importantly separate yourself from work and find a balance because there will always be work to do. Take care of yourself.

Love,

The Complete Teacher.