Advice for New Teachers Feeling Stressed

Well, it's almost the end September, we've been in school for awhile. Some of you have been back since August even! So by now.... your students are well trained, right? They know exactly what to do, right? They follow directions to a T and your class is running like a well-oiled machined, right?

Are you shaking your head no? Are you thinking I'm crazy?

If you answered yes to both... then you are perfectly normal! Yup! I'm sure there are plenty of you shaking your head no thinking there is no way my classroom is running like a well-oiled machine.  In fact, the idea of a well trained class that is running smoothly seems like it might never come.

But relax... don't get stressed over this... I'm here to tell you... it's normal... just keep going!

I was working with a first grade teacher this week who was feeling a little stressed about training her students with all the procedures in ELA, Math and classroom management, in general. She is a new teacher and new to our district.  She was feeling frazzled and close to breaking down. I sat with her for awhile and we talked through things.

 It occurred to me to ask, why she was feeling so much pressure? Want to know her answer? She said all the other teachers around her seemed to have it all together! Isn't that sad? The stress she was feeling was coming from others teachers. What she perceived of other teachers or the vibe that other teachers were putting off was causing her to stress.

So here's a little secret I shared with her and I want other teachers to understand clearly too... Even the teachers that seem like they got it together... don't have it together!

It is too early in the school year for any teacher to feel like that they should have everything running smoothly in their classroom. Please, don't put that kind of stress on themselves!  If you are feeling this way, STOP!

So here is my advice, do each day as much as you can and at the end of the be happy that you did your best! Don't compare yourself to others. Don't compare yourself to where you "think" you should be.  If you strive to do your best then that should bring you satisfaction.

Yes, you have to rehearse procedures in all areas but it doesn't have to be perfect. The best thing you can do is to take things slow.  Train your students to know what they need to do but realize it takes time. Work on having a well-managed classroom by rehearsing and reminding your students of expectations. Sometimes you may need to reteach a procedure over and over again.   Make your kids practice, practice and then practice some more!

As for teacher stress, I don't know if that ever goes away. Just make sure that it's not because your comparing yourself to your colleagues. A cookie-cutter teacher doesn't exist. I truly believe that every teacher is different and has the potential to be an amazing teacher. Aim to be the best you that you can be! I would also suggest, making time for yourself! Find simple ways to de-stress that you enjoy! That way you feel rejuvenated when you go back to class.

We've got many months left in this school year, plenty of time to work on getting a well run classroom going. It can happen and it is possible but it doesn't have to be right now!

Did you feel this way as a new teacher? What advice would you give teachers that feel too much stress at the beginning of the year?