Four Ways to Adjust to your New Teaching Assignment

I have been the new kid on the block several times not just because I was a brand new teacher out of college but because my husband is in the military so we move every two to three years. I have had to learn to adjust to several different teaching environments. Based on my experiences, I have listed four ways to help you adjust to your new teaching assignment. 

 1. Always Look Your Best

Dressing nice is not just about first impressions. If students notice that you care about your appearance, they tend to be more interested in what you say to them. Imagine that you are at a doctor's office where two doctors work together and you had to ask a serious question about something related to your health. Dr. One has his wrinkled shirt hanging out. His pants are wrinkled and his shoes are falling apart. He looks slightly dingy and his teeth are yellow and lined with tartar because he doesn't really have the best hygiene. Dr. Two is clean shaven. He is wearing nicely creased dress pants and a buttoned up shirt that is tucked into his pants. His tie matches his shirt, and his brown belt matches his brown shoes. He is wearing his white doctor's jacket, and when he smiles you see his pearly white teeth. Who would you ask for advice? I know that we should not be judgmental, however, people still make judgments about people based on what they see. Many teachers do not care about what they wear, which is fine because everybody is different. I choose to wear business attire everyday because I feel that if I want to be treated like a professional I have to dress like a professional. 

2. Stay Positive

There are always things to be negative about especially if you are a teacher. There were plenty of situations that left me feeling frustrated and sour, but staying positive was the key. Did I stay positive all the time? No, I didn't. However, when I began to allow myself to think negatively, I started hating my job and everything else. It was like I was going through the motions of my daily routine and I felt nothing but anger and resentment. If you allow yourself to become negative, it could lead to depression and misery. It starts with a feeling; then it grows into a behavior. Stop negativity in its tracks and choose to think positively and say positive things. It's hard sometimes, but you can do it.

3. Have an Outlet

As a teacher, you are going to get frustrated. It is important for you to have a predetermined activity selected as a way to release your anger, frustration, and/or disappointments. Your outlet can be going to the gym, reading your Bible, going out the dinner with friends. Choose something because you will need it. 

4. Stay Connected with Other Teachers

It is easy to isolate yourself in this profession. You might feel that you don't belong because your teammates might have already formed relationships or bonds with each other so you feel like a third wheel. You also might feel that you know everything so you don't need help from anyone. Regardless of the situation, it's important that you realize that there will be a time when you need help from others. It's not a sign of weakness but a sign of collaboration. It's important that you go across the hall or next door to the other classroom and speak with your teammates. Build professional relationships. We all need each other.  

Congratulations on your new teaching assignment and enjoy your new journey. 

Comments

[Racheal stewart]

Love this article. Hope you're having a great summer.