Thread: Can a Second or Third Year Teacher Comment

I just finished my second year. It does get easier. Think of all the things you learned this year that you didn't know. You've now had a taste of the "school of hard knocks". Everything you learned (almost) was learned the hard way.

With each new year, you have new things to try. You have a new bunch of kids (for better or worse), and your confidence in yourself increases. I was a nervous wreck the first year. I stayed at school from 7 am to at least 6 pm everyday (add in an hour commute each way) and would then go home and work another 2-3 hours. Weekends were no relief either.

I didn't save my lesson plans. I threw them out. If I had stayed at the school I started at, I probably would have saved them. Even without the benefit of old things to look at, the second year was MUCH better. I learned from all of my mistakes, I then KNEW what I expected and was better able to communicate it to the students, and I acquired a network of support (both face to face and online). Give it one more year before you decide it isn't for you. Catalogue those things that made you miserable, and write out a goal on how to alleviate those issues.

Best of luck, and keep posting. Talking with other teachers is the BEST way to learn!

That's great advice. That's exactly what I needed to hear as well, since I will be going into my second year.

Mary, how long do you stay at school now to do work?

Now I arrive around 7:30 and usually leave by 5. There are a few occassions students will come for help and keep me there a little later, but it isn't often they want to stay that late.

I just finished my first year, too and I'm so relieved. Although I'm proud of myself for staying and getting great evaluations, I'm concerned because it hurt me physically and mentally. Not only did I lose 25lbs, I also lost most of my hair, and got anxiety attacks, I was a big wreck. Now I'm much better but I wonder if all of that stress was due to not being happy in a job that I don't think I like.
Although I have the most respect for teaching, I just don't think it fits me. Before this, I was on a PHD track. I want so much to go back and work at a college or university. At the same time, I'm offerred a position at my high school again. I realize I was happier when I worked in a university than when I was at the high school.
Could it be that this shoe just doesn't fit? If I know what I want now, should I go for it? Or should I give teaching another chance? I just want to make the right decision and it's very scary.

Thanks

Seriously, when it affects you physically and mentally, it is not worth it. Was there anything else going on in your life that would cause you that stress or just the teaching? I have been debating the same question, and I don't know if I can give an answer. All I know is, I've been in such a good mood since school has let out that my family and friends think I should choose a new career path. I want to get my masters in counseling, so if another position is offered to me, making decent money, I most likely will leave. I know I'm not giving it a chance, but I'm miserable. I don't want to be miserable at a place that I am at half of my life!

Teaching, for many, has got to be a mental 24/7 job even if they are only at the school 8 hours a day. That's stressful if you can't detach.

The 2nd year is better than the 1st most of the time IF you think the problem with the first year was inexperience. Now, if the problem was aggravated by a culture of ignorance in the kid population, unhelpful department chairs, mentors who don't, principals who won't lead, and aloof peers, well those things won't go away. Look for a new job if that's the case.