I have now been teaching for 9 weeks, but it seems like much longer. I few weeks ago a coworker asked me what the hardest part of teaching was for me so far. I only had to think a moment before answering, "its me." Now, that may seem like a strange answer, but it is so so true.
I am a perfectionist, meaning details are huge to me. So far in my first year I have not had enough time to take care of all of the details. My classroom still has bare bulletin boards, unlabeled folders, and missing supplies. I still have not written my professional goals or my year goals, both of which were due way long ago. I have yet to call all the parents of failing students that I need to. In addition there are lots of things which I would like to do which aren't required, but I don't have time. All of this causes friction with my perfectionism. I feel unorganized, behind, stressed, and like I am failing. This is my perfectionism at its best/worst.
However, how I see my first year is not the same as some others see it. Two weeks ago I got an email from another teacher saying they were congratulating a student on their progress in math to which the student responded they "had a good teacher." Another student told me this last week that they "hoped I stayed for awhile because they liked me." One of my principal's told me their daughter "loved math and was excited about doing her math homework."
I see that I need to let the details go and I'm trying. I just wish I could get it all done and be completely organized. The hardest part about teaching so far is me. I was told I just needed to "survive" this first year by my mentor teacher. Another teacher told me to K.I.S. it, keep it simple. It can only get better.
From the other side of the desk--surviving
I am a perfectionist, meaning details are huge to me. So far in my first year I have not had enough time to take care of all of the details. My classroom still has bare bulletin boards, unlabeled folders, and missing supplies. I still have not written my professional goals or my year goals, both of which were due way long ago. I have yet to call all the parents of failing students that I need to. In addition there are lots of things which I would like to do which aren't required, but I don't have time. All of this causes friction with my perfectionism. I feel unorganized, behind, stressed, and like I am failing. This is my perfectionism at its best/worst.
However, how I see my first year is not the same as some others see it. Two weeks ago I got an email from another teacher saying they were congratulating a student on their progress in math to which the student responded they "had a good teacher." Another student told me this last week that they "hoped I stayed for awhile because they liked me." One of my principal's told me their daughter "loved math and was excited about doing her math homework."
I see that I need to let the details go and I'm trying. I just wish I could get it all done and be completely organized. The hardest part about teaching so far is me. I was told I just needed to "survive" this first year by my mentor teacher. Another teacher told me to K.I.S. it, keep it simple. It can only get better.
From the other side of the desk--surviving
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