Step 20: Advice from professionals

Tonight a panel of generous local principals visited our seminar class to speak about the qualities that they look for when hiring teachers, the things we should consider when seeking a school to work in, as well as other advice for new teachers. Although every conversation that revolves around the job search makes my stomach flip and turn with nerves, I also was encouraged and inspired by their words of advice. As all conversations around being a first year teacher go, this one largely centered around how hard the job is. Much of their advice was about the importance of self-care: "Pay attention to your triggers. Learn to recognize and moderate your responses to them," and "find some time for yourself" they encouraged us. "Be vocal about the support you need, reach out and don't wait until things pile up and you feel like you are drowning." Along with this "real talk," however, they also reminded me why the job is worth the struggle. "You must not forget how powerful you are...you shape children's lives," one said. These are the types of conversations that I hope to check back in with as I begin this challenging career and particularly the rocky first year (or more). I feel lucky to have mentors and classmates to turn to already for support and motivation in tough times, as well as inspiration and celebration in the good moments, too!