Feeling like not enough as a new teacher
Let’s talk about feeling like you aren’t doing enough as a new teacher ⬇️
A couple of years ago I had several 2nd graders come into my classroom who didn’t know their letters and sounds.
(At this point we usually start diving # into chapter books)
We. Worked. Hard.
I pulled them for small groups, we worked on our letters, sounds, cvc words, and high frequency words.
I was there when these kids read their first book, wrote their name for the first time, and wrote their first story.
I was extremely frustrated with myself.
When they left my grade level I knew they made amazing growth but it still wasn’t enough to be on track with their peers.
Fast forward a couple years later I am stopping into the 5th grade high leveled reading group and who do I see?
My kids. 💕
Now I’m not saying I did that. But I am saying it’s all adding up.
As teachers it is so easy for us to beat ourselves up because our students weren’t at grade level that year. But the truth is it all adds up. You’re just too close to see it right now.
Save this for later when you need the reminder. 💕
As a new teacher, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to meet educational standards. If you've felt like you're not doing enough, remember that every small step contributes to your students' growth. Often, the most significant progress isn’t immediately visible. Reflect on your teaching journey; perhaps the students who struggled under your guidance later blossomed into confident learners. Communities like #firstyearteacher and #newteacher provide invaluable support and reminders that teaching is a long-game. Engaging with your peers, swapping experiences, and sharing challenges can provide new insights and relief. Seek professional development opportunities, mentorships, or workshops that can enhance your teaching skills and confidence. It's essential to acknowledge your feelings of frustration yet understand they stem from a place of care. The bond you establish with your students can profoundly influence their learning trajectory, regardless of grade-level benchmarks at any given moment. Embrace each success, no matter how small, and remind yourself that you are fostering a nurturing environment where your students can thrive in time. Every effort spent in the classroom is an investment in their future.
