Surviving the First 5 Years of Teaching

by Emma McDonald

The best advice I received before starting my first teaching assignment came from my high school physics teacher. Right before I graduated, I went home for a quick visit and stopped by to see some of my favorite teachers. Mrs. Dampier was one of them. Before I left, she stopped me and said, “I know you’re excited right now, but teaching is hard work. The best advice I can give you is this: Don’t quit until after you’ve completed your second year. Make me a promise.”

It did seem like strange advice. After all, I loved teaching. What could possibly make me quit so soon after I started? Six months later I was struggling and often thought of just throwing in the towel. With five classes full of overly energetic boys, a large group of immersion ESL students, a passel of special education students, traveling among different classrooms and facing overwhelming amounts of paperwork – I felt as though I was drowning. The only thing keeping me in the classroom was the advice from Mrs. Dampier and the promise I’d given her.

Most new teachers struggle with these and other issues during their first year or two in the classroom. Some face difficulties throughout their first five years before they really feel confident and secure in the teaching profession. Many quit before ever reaching that point. Working in a dynamic environment with 20 to 30 individuals is not easy. Striving to encourage learning in the midst of harsh neighborhood situations is not easy. Remembering to complete paperwork, attend meetings, call parents and work as a team with other education professionals is not easy.

The outcome, however, is incredibly rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the look in a child’s eyes as he or she finally “gets” a concept. You can see that light bulb go off above their head as their eyes light up in understanding. As students get older and move on, there will always be those who come back to give a quick hug or tell you they miss you. Those moments are priceless. Eventually they’ll return after having graduated and you’ll know you’ve had an impact on their life. Mere words cannot express the utter joy and warm feelings of those encounters. But to reach that point, you need to stay in the classroom. What can you do, then, to survive those critical first years of teaching?

First, make a promise to yourself not to give up. I took Mrs. Dampier’s advice and promised to complete at least two years. At the end of that second year, leaving didn’t seem nearly as enticing as it had during my first year. I really felt as though I was getting a handle on everything and was eager to begin my third year. After that it seemed as though everything fell into place. The promise I made held me accountable to staying through the first two years, and allowed me time to grow and improve in my teaching.

You might think of it as a goal instead of a promise, if that helps you.
Also, be sure to find a buddy either within the school or from your old student teaching cohort. This person should also be a new teacher, either at your same level or a year ahead. You need someone who understands what you are experiencing. A spouse, friend, or family member not in teaching will listen and try to offer advice, but they’ll never really get what you are going through. In the end, those conversations will leave you feeling more frustrated than uplifted. A fellow teacher, however, will understand completely. Together you can inspire and help one another.

Cry on each other’s shoulders and offer ideas to help the other. This kind of support will help you know you are not alone and you can make it through the year.

Use your mentor. Yes, this person may seem much older and very busy, but you need a link to the school and district. There may be terms and strategies commonly used in the school that are completely unfamiliar to you. Your mentor can explain these. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything the moment you walk in the door.

Share your lessons and ask for feedback. You may not always agree, but you may find some gems of advice nonetheless.

Watch inspiring teacher movies. Lean on Me, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Stand and Deliver, Dangerous Minds, and Music of the Heart are just a few that will truly inspire you. On days when you feel you aren’t making a difference and your situation feels hopeless, pop in one of these movies, get yourself some popcorn and immerse yourself in the world of another teacher. These great flicks will help you see that others have also faced tough situations, overcome them, and made an impact through caring and love for their students.  You have the power to do the same. Afterwards you’ll feel inspired and ready to face the classroom another day.

Take time for yourself. It is very easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out with the huge amount of paperwork, planning lessons, grading papers, calling parents and performing other tasks. Choose one day of the week to be your day. Leave everything at school and do something you enjoy. You might take in a movie after school, go to the gym, join a class or club that interests you, or visit with family and friends. Whatever you choose, leave thoughts of school and your classroom behind. You have six other days of the week to worry about it.

Build relationships with those around you. This includes your fellow teachers, support staff, students, and their parents. Take the time to get to know others instead of holing up in your classroom. As you get to know more people, your support network will grow. You’ll find helping hands reaching out for you in unexpected places. This includes your students and their parents.

Develop a working relationship with your administrator. Don’t try to avoid your principal on the hope that he or she will not see any mistakes you are making. Instead, make it a point to keep your administrator informed.

Whenever you plan engaging lessons or fun events for the classroom, invite your principal to attend. If you have questions about handling student behavior, ask your administrator for advice. He/she will have plenty of ideas to help. Again don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will not be fired for trying to learn how to be a better teacher.

Surviving and thriving during your first five years in the classroom is tough, but it can be done. Don’t give up on yourself right away. Instead, use the strategies above and continue to keep your mind open for opportunities to improve your craft. Flexibility, an open mind and a willing spirit will go far in helping you adjust to your new career. Before long you’ll be looking back at those first five years and reaching out to help another teacher survive theirs.