This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Lesson Planning, Time Management, Work Life Balance......
I have so many things that I want to improve very soon!!! This is my first year teaching, and it has been quite a struggle so far. Lesson planning seems to consume my life! I think that my attention to detail is a downfall in this area. Because the lesson planning is taking over, there has been very little time for administrative work, and for my family. My kids say "Mommy is in class, again". This has been quite an adjustment that I was NOT prepared for. I knew what was expected of a teacher, but I think I under estimated the extent to which it was expected. Does anyone have any tips as to how to survive the first year?
The first year is tough, I'm not going to lie to you. It's a a struggle between balancing work and home. I went home crying and stressed to the max many times. And even when I got home, I was still working and planning for the next days. Tasks that I planned to last for an hour the students were flying through in 20 minutes or less and I was left unprepared and "winging it". It got a little better for me once I got the hang of it, but as a 2nd year teacher I have room to make improvements. The thing that was a saving grace for me was the school assigned me a mentor and we had collaborative plannings. I learned her style and routine which was very helpful and I knew I could count on her for advice or even to vent. I also sat in on her class a few times and watched her teach and I felt so much better to see that some of the problems I was facing we not only 1st year teacher problems but also veteran teacher problems. I would suggest looking into a mentor and maybe even a connection in your same field to help you with the lesson planning. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with having a mentor! That can be a huge help. Although my mentor works at another school, just knowing I can call on her for help is a plus.
ReplyDeleteYour post sounds like my life last year and a little of this year. I must say by taking the NTI classes, I have learned more about class management and timing my lessons...HUGE BONUS! As for my personal life, my family has to remind me that they exist as well. But for some reason, it all works out and students still learn in the midst of our quest of being a successful teacher.