What I Wish I Knew My First Year Teaching

Starting your first year as a teacher can feel like being dropped into the deep end. You’re excited, nervous, hopeful — and probably overwhelmed. If I could go back and talk to myself during that first year, here’s what I’d say:

💭 You won’t “get it” right away — and that’s okay.

I cried almost every day during my first month teaching. Not because I didn’t care — but because I cared so much and didn’t feel like I was getting it “right.”

I wish I could have told myself that it takes time to find your rhythm. Making mistakes is part of the process. You’re learning too. Be patient with yourself.

🧠 Build trust before you teach content.

I was terrified that my students wouldn’t like me. I was teaching French in an English school, and I worried they’d reject the language, the subject, and me.

But everything changed once I focused on building trust — listening, showing up, being real. It wasn’t until November or December that I finally felt like we clicked. From that point on, it was magic.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Take care of yourself — seriously.

To quote RuPaul: “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Say no when you need to. Rest when you need to. Set boundaries early, and know that doing so doesn’t make you look bad — it makes you sustainable.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Ask questions. Stay humble.

You’re not expected to know everything. Teaching is a career built on continuous learning.

Ask questions — lots of them. Whether it’s about policies, planning, students, or even the photocopier, you’ll learn faster and build stronger connections by reaching out.

🤝🏽 Find a mentor or buddy teacher.

You shouldn’t have to do this alone.

I was lucky to be assigned a mentor in my first year, and it made all the difference. Whether it’s someone to vent to, bounce ideas off of, or just someone who gets it — find your people. Community matters.

❌ It’s okay if you don’t finish the curriculum.

Your students won’t notice if you didn’t finish Chapter 8.

What they will remember is how they felt in your class. What they’ll carry with them is the confidence, joy, and curiosity you nurtured. Focus on connection over completion.

✨ Final Thoughts

Your first year won’t be perfect — but it doesn’t have to be.

Show up with heart. Ask for help when you need it. And remember: growth takes time.

📣 Want more support like this?

This is exactly the kind of real talk I share in my mentorship program for new and developing teachers.

👉🏽 Book a free discovery call to see how we can support you in your first few years of teaching or check out the Instagram page for more content.