A Teacher’s Guide to Powering Through Their First Year of Teaching

Have you ever frantically searched for your keys in the morning, turning your house upside down only to find they were in your pocket the entire time? This experience, where you made yourself late to an important meeting or missed a flight because you forgot where you put your keys, is something many can relate to. For educators, especially those in their first few years, this scenario is metaphorically similar when searching for the keys to success in life and teaching.

As a new teacher, you might find yourself searching for the right ways to differentiate a lesson, connect with students, or recall specific policies discussed in staff meetings. Despite your extensive reading, diverse experiences, and academic degrees, these 'keys' to unlocking success for your students and yourself can sometimes feel just out of reach.

However, just as with the keys you eventually find in your pocket, the keys to success in teaching are closer than you think. They are already within you, embedded in your heart and mind, waiting for you to grasp them and ignite the engine of your professional calling.

Today, I want to share three crucial keys that can empower you through your first year and beyond: Resiliency, Authenticity, and Work Ethic.

• Resiliency is essential for navigating the ups and downs of teaching. The classroom environment and student needs are dynamic; being resilient allows you to adapt and thrive amid challenges.

• Authenticity involves being true to yourself and your teaching style. It builds trust and rapport with students, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment.

• Work Ethic reflects your dedication to the profession. A strong work ethic means being prepared, punctual, and proactive, which are vital traits for success in any career, especially teaching.

Mastering these keys will help accelerate your journey towards personal and professional success. Remember, the path to unlocking your potential and achieving fulfillment in teaching doesn't require searching for what's already within you. Reach down, recognize the capabilities you possess, and let them guide you to becoming the teacher you are destined to be.

Resiliency

Success isn't defined by how often you find yourself on top, but by how many times you can return there after being knocked down. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back after setbacks or failures. It's about getting back up when things don't go as planned. Whether it's getting knocked down, losing a job, facing financial struggles, falling behind on bills, making poor decisions, or losing a relationship, resiliency means not getting stuck in your current predicament but instead pushing forward towards your goals.

Michael Jordan famously said, "I've never lost a game; I just ran out of time." Adopting this mindset—that you never really lose, you simply run out of time—can be incredibly empowering. As a teacher, you're bound to make mistakes; even years into teaching, I still do. However, these aren't failures; they're opportunities to learn, grow, and empower your students. Use these moments as teaching tools, not only for your students but also to model how to recover from setbacks. Each day presents a new opportunity to make a positive impact on a student's life, possibly even more so than the day before.

Authenticity

Embracing who you truly are, rather than who you think you're supposed to be, is crucial in the pursuit of your purpose. The habit of comparing ourselves to others can damage relationships, friendships, and even businesses, as everyone tries to emulate someone else instead of becoming the best version of themselves. You cannot fully experience the richness of living authentically if you are caught up in chasing elements of someone else's life.

Realizing your unique and intrinsic greatness is the first step towards liberating yourself from stereotypes, external opinions, and preconceived notions about what you should be doing or who you should be. It's time to stop trying to fit in and start letting yourself stand out. Dr. Seuss captured this perfectly: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

This idea of authenticity extends into the classroom. By bringing your true self to your teaching every day—your genuine stories, experiences, and insights—you open up a world of possibilities for your students. This approach not only enriches your teaching but also helps students see the value in being authentic themselves.

Work Ethic

I once came across a quote by Pelé that deeply inspired me. He said, "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing." This emphasizes that your work ethic is the most crucial key to your success. It's about outworking, outgrinding, outperforming, and outmatching everyone in your field. Each time you set a higher standard, you must strive to exceed it again. Remember, dreams don't become reality through wishful thinking alone; they require consistent, hard work.

To be the best teacher you can be, you must dedicate yourself fully not only for your own fulfillment but also for the benefit of your students and their futures. Strive to be the teacher you wish you had when you were younger—the one students will remember and talk about as they grow older. You have the potential to be a transformative presence in their lives and a creator of change in the world. Embrace this responsibility with enthusiasm and a robust work ethic.

Looking Forward Into Your School Year

As you embark on your teaching journey, remember the profound impact you can have by embracing the principles of Resiliency, Authenticity, and Work Ethic. Each of these keys offers a unique strength to help you thrive in your first year and beyond.

Resilience teaches you to bounce back from setbacks, learning from each challenge and using it as a stepping stone towards your goals. Authenticity encourages you to bring your true self to the classroom, inspiring your students with your genuine character and stories. Work Ethic drives you to consistently strive for excellence, setting high standards for yourself and for those you teach.

Together, these elements form a powerful foundation for a successful and rewarding teaching career. Start with heart in every action and decision. Let your passion for teaching guide you, and allow your dedication to shine through every lesson and interaction. By doing so, you not only enhance your students' learning experiences but also contribute to a positive and transformative school culture.

Remember, the journey of teaching is a profound opportunity to shape minds and futures. Start with heart, and let it lead you to become the teacher you've always aspired to be—the one who makes a lasting difference.