This is the last blog in the series for first-year teachers. Student teachers expressed a concern with fitting into their school. The good news is that you found your tribe. Educators unite! Now, this does not necessarily mean that you will click with everyone in your building; however, most of the people working in the school will have lots in common with you because they also chose to be a part of education. You have literally walked into a community of educators like you.
Teachers Unite
As a first-year teacher, you are the new kid on the block, so it helps to find ways to have people get to know you. The easiest thing you can do, and maybe the most important, is to get to know your hallway neighbors. These people will play a key role in helping you get through the day-to-day of the job. If you need to use the bathroom, but there are 35 minutes left of the class period, you can peak your head into your next-door neighbor’s door and see if they can keep an eye on your kids for a quick minute. Don’t do this often, but trust me, having to go potty sometimes sneaks up on the best of us when it is untimely. Just remember to return the favor if the need comes up. 😉
I recently saw a meme on social media that said, “SOMETIMES THE GREATEST PD IS THE TEACHER DOWN THE HALL” (PD = professional development). This could not be more honest and truthful. You will rely on each other for quick solutions for a lesson plan that went astray; you will need to cheer each other up on the bad days, you will give each other advice when someone does not know how to handle a parent email; and you will celebrate each other’s achievements and momentous occasions—big and small.
Some schools or districts create mentor programs. In other words, they pair new teachers with veteran teachers in the building. This person would help you get acclimated and hopefully introduce you to people in the building. I know that whenever I had a new teacher start, I would try to get them at the school in the summer to give them a tour. If your school or district does not have a mentor program established, you can find your own mentor. Be observant. If you hear of a teacher that could be a good mentor for you, don’t be afraid to ask them if they would mind if you asked them questions from time-to-time. Or better yet, use the “m” word and ask them to be your mentor. I bet most teachers would be flattered.
Lastly, the other thing you can do to get to know more people at your new school is to volunteer for the small things. I am going to be honest, the first year of teaching can be very busy and hectic. After all, this is your first year on the job and you are learning lots of new and exciting things. Expect it. With that being said, I wouldn’t recommend getting involved in too many things outside of your regular duties of teaching. It just might be too much to handle that first year. However, I don’t see why you can’t volunteer for some lighter tasks. First, you will be showing that you are a team player. You will get a chance to work with others and contribute your ideas and resources. Try to volunteer for something that is of interest to you. This could lead to contributing some great, fresh and new ideas to your school. Plus, it might lead to other professional growth opportunities in your education profession.
These are just a few ideas for ways to fit into your new school and possibly your new job. I am sure your school will have orientation or a new teacher mentor program to help support you, but if they don’t, you can create ways to make sure you find your people in the building. Again, this should be like fishing in a barrel.
Welcome to the tribe. You got this!
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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