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In this post, I’m sharing what my first year of teaching was really like: the joys, lessons, and why I felt like I was walking in purpose from the very start.
Introduction
I’ve officially wrapped up my first year of teaching, and to be honest, it really flew by! It’s wild to think that technically, this was my “rookie year” not only because I’ve been in education so long, but also because it’s felt very intentional and purposeful from day one. While a lot of teachers talk about how difficult and overwhelming their first year was, that just wasn’t my experience. Of course I didn’t have it all figured out, but I had the right tools, support, and heart for this job. I let the Holy Spirit guide me every step of the way, and I remembered my why.
How I Got Here
A lot of first-year teachers start their journey right out of college, but that’s not my story. Before becoming a certified teacher, I worked at my school as a paraprofessional for years. Those experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t realize until I had a classroom of my own. I walked into my first classroom knowing how to connect with students, manage a classroom, meet objectives, and make learning fun–all things that got me off to a strong start. I also had an amazing support system, and two mentors–the teachers I worked with for years as a paraprofessional. Without the advice, support, and mentorship from those amazing ladies, I would have been so lost!
Entering this classroom, I had one more advantage: I looped with the students I was a para for. When they walked in on the first day, I already knew them, their friendships, their habits, their needs, and their families. This made the first few weeks very low pressure, and it was easier to reconnect and grow pre-existing relationships rather than start from scratch.
Why it Felt Natural
From the very beginning, people were surprised to hear this was my first year with my own classroom. I carried myself with confidence, and that came from knowing that this is my calling. I never in a million years thought that I would be a teacher, and I know with 100% certainty that I am only here because it is the calling that God placed on my life. Teaching is now my passion. The creativity, the growth I witness, and the relationships I build carry into every aspect of my life. It never felt like I was starting from scratch; it felt like stepping into something I was made for.
The First Few Weeks: Setting the Tone
From the beginning, I set high expectations for my students. I told them that our class motto was “Excellence is non-negotiable”, and throughout the year, I never wavered from that. However, I also allowed my students to see my authentic, genuine personality. Yes, I am strong and firm, but I also love to have fun, embrace new ideas, and let creativity shine. My students could see my joy and passion, and it translated to them. The joy I received from them in return made each day feel like a calling, not a job. My students knew based on the environment and the tone I set that they were loved and valued, and in return, they wanted to make me proud and give me their best.
I also set the tone that this wasn’t my classroom–it was our community. Just as much as my voice mattered, their voices mattered, too. They knew that I was there for them, and our space was inclusive and community-centered. I was open to their suggestions, and every week we had a Community Circle to talk about glows and grows of the week, what’s working and what’s not, and any students they wanted to shout out for showing excellence. The school I teach at values social emotional learning, and twice a week I would also teach conflict resolution skills, community, teambuilding, and self-reflection. My students knew that they were more than just a test score–they were people, little humans that I wanted to be successful in life.
The Wins that Mattered
One of my biggest goals was to create a classroom where students felt safe, valued, loved, and excited to learn. And I did that! My students grew a ton academically, but I’m just as proud of how they grew emotionally and socially. They learned how to be confident, kind, resilient, and curious. They learned how to resolve conflict, how to ask questions, and how to hold each other accountable. I watched as they slowly gained control of their anger and learned how to embrace challenges with a growth mindset. We laughed a lot, did SO MUCH karaoke, and celebrated every single win, big or small.
My Support System
Every day of the school year, I was very much aware of this fact: I wasn’t in this alone. I had mentors who checked on me, teacher friends who encouraged me to find balance, and an academic coach that always gave me the boosts I needed. Having people to bounce ideas off of, share frustrations with, or vent to made all the difference.
Advice for Other First-Year Teachers
Be genuine. Kids can tell when you’re not being yourself, and it makes it hard for them to trust you. Being fake is also an act that is very hard to keep up with, and it makes the job more frustrating than it has to be. When students trust you, they strive to make you proud, they’re kinder to you, and they respect you as a person and an educator. Why not make your job easier?
Be consistent. Consistency, not perfection wins. Showing up each day with a calm, steady presence, clear boundaries, high expectations, and a loving heart created a safe environment that helped my students feel safe enough to thrive. My students knew that no matter what happened at home, they could get respect, a snack, and a hug from me, day in and day out. Being consistent builds trust and safety, and in turn, strong relationships.
Maintain emotional constancy. As the adult in the room, you have to behave like the adult in the room, even when you are upset. Screaming at or insulting children should NEVER take place! And although that sounds like a given, I’ve seen it too many times. Everything you do is a learning experience for the students, and if they watch you fly off the handle, poorly resolve conflict, or use anger as an intimidation tool, they will do the same exact thing. As the year went on, many of my students became my mirror. I could see what I poured into them reflected at me, and I was so proud to see them holding each other accountable, striving for excellence, and building one another up.
Teach the whole child. This may be an unpopular opinion, but if your students only grow academically, you have failed as a teacher. As teachers, we spend so much time with our students, sometimes, more than their parents, so in a sense, we are responsible for how we build them up. Each one of my students was more than a test score, more than an ID number–they are actual human beings that I influence each day. So, whether we were reviewing long division or learning how to be a great friend, I made sure to cater to the development of the whole child.
Maintain professionalism and avoid drama. Since you’re reading this post, I’m assuming you’re passionate about teaching and developing students, but here’s the real: some teachers aren’t. And, it’s best to avoid those types of people. For me, it was important to pray for discernment and for God to lead me to the right people. Being involved in teacher drama is one of the easiest ways to ruin your first year of teaching. Instead, focus on building a support system of other passionate professionals, and leave the drama alone! Not only does this make your life easier, but your students see the values and integrity you have as a person. They watch everything you do, including your interactions with others. So, I always wanted my students to see that I am a professional who has great working relationships with those around me. The second they see that you don’t practice what you preach to them, the trust is gone, and it’s very hard to get back.
Find a work-life balance. One thing I prioritized this year was my peace. I also tried to constantly remind myself that rest is sacred. It is a form of worship. My favorite way to maintain work-life balance is to remember that teaching is my job, not my identity. I am still a daughter, a sister, a friend, a Christian, and a content creator. I prioritized sleep, moving my body, fueling myself with healthy food, and spending time with God. I tried not to bring work home, but when I did, I set a time limit for how long I worked on it. You don’t want to be burned out in year 1! So, make sure you set those clear boundaries, give yourself permission not to be perfect, and make time for yourself and your hobbies outside of school. You pour so much into others that you can’t run dry. Take the time to refill your cup. It will make you a happier, whole person and a better teacher.
Be honest when you need help. None of us know everything. Be honest about what you don’t know, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lean into community, and give yourself grace. Even the most seasoned teachers have areas to learn and grow in! Don’t feel the pressure to have to prove yourself to anyone. You’ll get better in time. Find teachers who you admire, and ask them for advice. I’ve found that it makes your peers feel good when you tell them, “Hey, I love what I’m seeing in your classroom. Could we set up a time where you can show me how to xyz?” I’ve never been turned away! And who knows? They might admire something you’re doing and you can trade knowledge! This is how to cultivate good teachers and maintain a positive school environment.
Final Reflections
If you’re about to start your first year of teaching and you’re nervous–I get it. But, I am proof that it can be good. You can thrive. You can enjoy it. You can walk into your classroom every day feeling inspired and knowing you’re making an impact. You were chosen for this profession for a reason. You won’t get everything right, but you will get better. Teaching is holy work. It’s a gift. Steward it well.
If you’re a new teacher, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are you excited about? What’s making you nervous? Let’s chat in the comments! Also, check out my YouTube channel for teacher vlogs and advice!
