I should note that I was working pretty much around the clock between planning (which often took hours because I was not satisfied with the most obvious or simple options) plus excessive grading.

It’s SO true when they say to take care of yourself first. Over the summer, Jim Burke blogged about this. I can’t remember his exact words but it was something to the effect of not letting yourself be a “one hit wonder” but that we should plug away at improve gradually over time so that it is sustainable.

I think sometimes as new teachers, we see so much when looking at other classes like you mentioned, that we want to fix everything at once! How tempting. And yet, what a huge mistake.

Good post!

5th hour: collect textbooks
6th hour: set in blechers (sic)
7th hour: nothing

That was the plan, even though he did have full classes all of those hours.

Then, the next year when I got my first teaching job, I experienced the same kind of help. I guess that experience has influenced much of my thinking about mentoring.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by stevejmoore: “How Do We Treat New Teachers?” http://bit.ly/k4nRa...

You don’t have to go it alone, but you do have to be discriminating. Yes, there are seasoned teachers out there who are cynical and jaded, but there are others who choose to focus on the positives (and yes, there are positives!). If your school itself doesn’t have honest, yet encouraging mentors for you, look for a PLN that can provide that for you. There is a whole network of educators out here who can give you what you need.

Good luck! I’m going to add your blog to my list of blogs to read – I think the perspective from a first year teacher will be fascinating.