{"id":18724,"date":"2025-07-18T11:45:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T15:45:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/?p=18724"},"modified":"2025-07-18T11:49:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T15:49:36","slug":"things-i-wish-i-knew-my-first-year-teaching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/things-i-wish-i-knew-my-first-year-teaching\/","title":{"rendered":"Things I Wish I Knew My First Year Teaching"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Your first year of teaching is a whirlwind\u2014equal parts chaos, caffeine, and \u201cDid I sign up for this?\u201d But take heart: countless veteran educators have walked that same path, and they\u2019ve got wisdom to spare. We asked our Facebook community to share what they wish<\/em> they knew before that first year, and their insights are gold.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re heading into your very first classroom or just looking for a little solidarity, this post<\/a> is packed with practical, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious truths from the people who know best.<\/p>\n

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1. Preparation is Power<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cPreparation is gold! No one likes to barrel into the parking lot and scramble at the copier in the nick of time.\u201d \u2014 Antonio Nicolazzo<\/em><\/p>\n

Being organized not only keeps chaos at bay, it boosts your confidence. Plan ahead and protect your mornings.<\/p>\n

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2. Build Relationships, Not Just Lessons<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cTry to listen to each student at least once per week. Ask what they had for breakfast, what they did after school, what their favorite color is\u2026 anything!\u201d \u2014 Amy Koetter<\/em><\/p>\n

Relationships are everything\u2014more important than any perfect lesson plan. Know your students as people first.<\/p>\n

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3. You Don\u2019t Have to Grade Everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cYou don’t have to grade everything! And even high school students like stickers and stamps.\u201d \u2014 Rachel Wilson Eidson<\/em><\/p>\n

Let go of the grading guilt. Use feedback wisely and save your sanity.<\/p>\n

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4. Recess is Sacred<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cIn elementary school\u2026 never take away recess as a punishment. It\u2019s as important as almost anything else.\u201d \u2014 Kathlyn Rooney<\/em><\/p>\n

Kids need movement, fresh air, and time to reset\u2014just like you do.<\/p>\n

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5. Your First Year Is a Learning Year<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cCollege taught you nothing! It\u2019s on-the-job training!\u201d \u2014 Marianne Hohenstein Davies<\/em>
\u201cYou know nothing, really, when you first start teaching\u2026 By year three, you’ve got it!\u201d \u2014 Nicole Vrooman<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter how prepared you think<\/em> you are, your real education starts now. Be open to learning and evolving.<\/p>\n

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6. Protect Your Energy<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t complain about anything; no one is coming to help.\u201d \u2014 Starla Teague<\/em>
\u201cThere will never be enough time to plan, grade, and sleep.\u201d
\u201cTake care of yourself first!\u201d \u2014 Julie Larwood<\/em>
\u201cUse your sick days. If you\u2019re sick, use them.\u201d \u2014 Kay Gage<\/em><\/p>\n

Burnout is real. Set boundaries, ask for help, and prioritize your health.<\/p>\n

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7. Develop a Thick Skin (and a Sense of Humor)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t take things personally and have a sense of humor.\u201d \u2014 Jane Heinen Callej\u00f3n<\/em>
\u201cPick your battles.\u201d \u2014 Peggy Smith<\/em>
\u201cAlways have a notebook or clipboard\u2014don\u2019t let them see your hands shaking!\u201d \u2014 Judy Harris<\/em><\/p>\n

Not every battle is worth fighting. Keep your cool, keep it light, and keep going.<\/p>\n

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8. The \u201cSupport Staff\u201d Are Superheroes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cMake friends with the secretaries and custodians.\u201d \u2014 Debby Warner Moyers<\/em>
\u201cYou\u2019re only as good as the support you receive from your campus.\u201d \u2014 Dan Castle<\/em><\/p>\n

Your school community is bigger than your classroom. Those relationships matter.<\/p>\n

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9. Things Won\u2019t Always Go as Planned<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cNothing ever goes as planned, so learn to improvise!\u201d \u2014 Arnold Morrison<\/em>
\u201cTake one day at a time.\u201d \u2014 Debra Rodriguez<\/em><\/p>\n

Flexibility is your secret weapon. Plans will change, tech will fail, and kids will surprise you. Adapt and breathe.<\/p>\n

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10. Believe in the Kids\u2014and Yourself<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cFocus on your students, not on the test scores.\u201d \u2014 Mary Lu Reda Mulcahy<\/em>
\u201cMake sure every student in your class knows that you think they\u2019re special.\u201d \u2014 Jeanne Minck Turnock<\/em>
\u201cThat I was a lot more capable than I thought.\u201d \u2014 Simone Beaudelaire<\/em><\/p>\n

You were chosen for this for a reason. Show up, stay kind, and keep growing. The impact you make goes beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n

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Final Words from the Pros:<\/strong><\/h4>\n