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[quote=Anonymous][quote]
Anonymous wrote:

I will be honored and genuinely gratefulto sign the contract.

Congratulations, OP! You’ve got this.

I’ve said this before, but it seems worth repeating: force yourself to bounce back from those bad days. You get chances to start over, and it gets easier.

[b]When you feel overwhelmed, remember what you’ve already accomplished and don’t focus as much on what still needs to get done.[/b] You won’t be able to get it all done, but you can do a great job on a lot of it.

[b]Don’t take it personally when a student says something cruel.[/b] It’s hard not to, but that insult came from a child who is likely feeling scared or insecure. You’ll develop a thick skin if you don’t have one already.

Sometimes administrators are helpful, but [b]the best help will come from other teachers. They are in there with you, whereas administrators have been out of the classroom so they may not remember what it’s really like.[/b] If your observations aren’t great at first, don’t worry too much. Ask a fellow teacher to take a look at them and see what advice they have.

[b]Find yourself a quiet place in the building. You may not get a lot of time there, but 20 minutes to yourself is precious and calming. [/b]I found a bench in a back hallway that’s my spot, and it gives me a break from the classroom. Sometimes the same walls get claustrophobic.

[b]Be the teacher who knows the students[/b]. That’s the best thing you can do to develop strong classroom management. Go to after school activities and see them in a different environment. They’ll remember you cared enough to stop by.

Give yourself 10 minutes at the end of the day to triage. What needs to be done before you leave? What can you take home? What can wait for the morning? I keep a notebook at my desk with running to-do list. I highlight the ones I have to get done *that day*. (Also: I don’t throw away old pages. I keep them as a reminder of all I’ve accomplished. It makes me feel better.)

Hope some of this helps![/quote]

This is great advice. Use your own good sense and do what works the best for you (because that will be what is best for the students too). As long as you communicate and admit when things are not perfect in the room, the students will come to trust you and follow you. Take the time to build relationships. When something doesn't go well, admit it and talk to students about how you are going to change the lesson or teach it another way based on what you have learned. EVERYONE in the room is learning and that includes you. Showing this is a strength. There is nothing wrong with having a "bad day". What is wrong is doubling down on it the next day.

You can get materials from others and learn from them, but ultimately you will have your own style and that is what makes teaching and learning so wonderful. It's a very creative process. Don't let the powers that be drain your creative spirit. Be you and you will be fine. I hope you aren't overwhelmed by all of our posts. You will find your way. Hang in there. Best wishes!![/quote]

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