Last year was my first year. My first REAL experience in a classroom. I interned last year. In my state, this is in place of student teaching. I mean I did spend three weeks in a classroom last semester but, in those three weeks, I only taught a lesson or two. It wasn’t a big deal. This really was the first time I was in charge of 27 kiddos on my own.
Student teaching is a little different because you have another teacher in your room 24/7. They are available to help ya out if you need it. I did not have that. I did have an AMAZING grade level team. I’m sure I drove them crazy with my constant questions. I also had an intern coach who is basically the reason I survived the school year. They were there when I needed to ask a question before or after school but, majority of the day, it was just me and these kids.
On top of having to teach full time, I also had this crazy hard and long project to do called edTPA. If you don’t know what it is, consider yourself lucky. If you do, I’m sorry.
The point of that huge rant was I was in survival mode for much of last year. I had NO clue what I was doing and my plate was beyond full. I don’t remember really anything until about late January early February this last school year. I can’t tell you what I did the first day, week, or really anything.
The new year is coming up very soon, sadly. But, I am feeling 10 times better about this year.
First off, I’ve had the entire summer off to recharge, relax, and get stuff done. Last year I worked up until the last week of July. Then I went right into classroom prep. There wasn’t any me time. This summer is filled with Me time, along with some working.
Next, even though I don’t remember the beginning of the year, I remember the end. I know what works classroom management wise. I had terrible management the first few months. Ask my team, I’m pretty sure I complained almost every day about these kiddos not listening to me and not following directions. That was mostly my fault. I got that figured out though. This year is going to start off SO much better because I know how to manage a classroom.
Third, I know what the heck I’m doing. I don’t have to be in survival mode. I don’t have anything else to do in life really. I can actually focus on teaching the kiddos and being the best teacher I can be. I also have time for ME. Any free time I had last year was spent working on edTPA. I’m sure I was a grumpy teacher multiple times last year because I was exhausted.
I’m excited to start fresh and start a new year. I am sad that summer is doing. Having no adult responsibilities is rather nice. I really can’t wait to be back with a fresh group of littles ready to learn!
But for now, I’m going to enjoy the last little bit of summer!
Check out my Donor’sChoose Project. Share the link please!
Confessions of a Real Teacher 