Thread: New Teacher Fears - Am I Normal or Should I run now?

Lastly, is it normal to write everything down for your lesson plan that you are going to say,

Remember to make your planning flexible. Things happen during a school day- fire drills, assemblies, stoned students stumbling into class and falling over, snipers...you get the picture. It does get easier as you go along- I expect one day in about 22 years I'll have it right- and then its time to retire. It doesn't take most people that long, but I am slow.... Sounds like you have pretty normal concerns to me. Good job on being prepared- but again, don't set yourself up in stone 'cause if you do, then something might throw you off. Your first year will be quite a learning experience- be sure to learn from it, but don't let it beat you. My first year was unpleasant, but I survived and carried on- next year will be number 8.
A good piece of advice, incidentally, from a man I met in a barber shop who had retired from teaching many years ago, concerning the students- "Be very clear about what you expect from them, and most of them will do that." It is true, and I'll pass it along so you can do the same.
Good luck on your first year!

After spending 8 years in the classroom, I questioned whether or not a 9-5 would be easier. Thanks to a program in the SF bay area, I was able to take a 9-5 internship over the summer. It is most definitely NOT easier. Sure, I spend less time and less energy sitting in my 4 grey walls, but I also work hard on things and don't see results. I also miss the human interaction I get from the classroom. If you have a passion for teaching, and thrive on human contact; stay in teaching. The first year is hard, but don't invent the wheel. There are millions of ready-to-use lesson plans out there, and it's not cheating to do so. Concentrate on your classroom management and worry about innovative lesson plans of your own in year two.

Good luck!