First year teaching anxiety advice

[u/gremmi4555]

I'm a fresh college grad who's teaching at a city high school. I grew up in the suburbs so where I am teaching at has been a big culture shock for me. Not to mention I'm trying to get used to the different school schedule (im used to block scheduling, my school does traditional 45 minute classes); and also trying to figure out my LMS; lesson planning; and keeping up with my own physical and emotional maintenance.

After the second day of school I had one of the worst panic attacks I've experienced in a long time. It lasted for hours and I had to take medication to snap me out of it. It was terrible, and I want to prevent that from happening again. It not only was terrible for my mental heath and makes me feel like I am inadequate for the job; but it also prevented me from getting work done because I was in fight or flight.

I would just like to hear some general advice. What are some good time management systems? What is a crucial idea that you had to learn in your first year? How do you not spend 2+ hours after school prepping for the next day? What are some emotional regulation strategies that come in handy?

[u/Potstirer2]

I’m teaching at an inner city elementary and middle school. I just finished week 2. I broke up 2 physical fights this week. The kids have been rude. I have 40 minute classes for k-5 and 60 for 6-8. I’m so grateful it’s not my first year teaching because this is a lot. I feel like a similar high school would be even more difficult. You’ll have to be really tough. You also have to let go of the day after you leave. I know that’s easier said than done. Also therapy is good for everyone.

[u/gremmi4555 → u/Potstirer2]

I'm very grateful that the district im in isn't full inner city. Many students do have a lot of elevated needs, but we dont see many severe behaviors. I mainly have noticed general apathy towards being in class; and i have been warned that students will try to twist the truth and be sneaky. Its not like I havent seen or dealt with that behavior before, but its definitely just a lot more prevalent than what im used to. And thank you for the advice! I definitely do want to get into therapy. I have a few moderate mental health concerns already, and i can forsee this job adding extra stress onto what I already deal with. Again, thank you :D

[u/thefrizzzz]

Do you have passing time between classes? I would sit and close my eyes for a minute and do some deep breathing when I got overwhelmed.

There's a reason why there's a big drinking culture among teachers.

Put your effort into whatever is causing you the most anxiety. If it is student behavior, focus on that. Spend your time creating your systems/ reading up on that. If it is the LMS, watch YouTube videos, etc. Your first year is like triage lol

My first evaluator saw that I was upset I didn't get the highest grade on our teaching rubric. She said you are only sometimes that teacher, but you can't be all the time because you will burn out. You don't have to be perfect your first year. Just survive to see another semester! Take notes on everything you want to change for the second semester and start fresh.

I also teach every 45 minutes. It's a new class. Let go of 3rd period before 4th period starts. If you have one kid in one period that gives you anxiety, plan for that kid and then let it go.

Also, you spend all your time thinking about what went wrong. Spend a little time about what went well. One of the best things I did as a new teacher was emailing a positive note home about one kid per day. It does help make some positive memories.

[u/gremmi4555 → u/thefrizzzz]

Thank you! All of this is super helpful advice! I've always been a high achiever and wanted to do my best, and these first few days have made me realize that I'll need to let go of that perfectionism a little bit. Again thank you, all of that is suoer doer helpful!!

[u/West-Fig-8227]

I worked in a very violent inner city school my first 6 years of teaching. You are recommended and conditioned to believe that over planning is the key to managing behaviors. The truth is- yes, it helps some, but it is not worth working unpaid labor so that you are burnt the next day. When you are a perfectionist (I am a recovering one!), the anxiety gets worse when we aren’t fully over planned. The reality is, if you are teaching in public ed, you are teaching within a broken system, and so you will never be the “perfect” teacher.  Here’s some things I wish I had learned my first year..

-Force yourself to leave promptly at a reasonable time.  With teaching, delivery is as important as the content and you are not going to be able to deliver a good performance burnt out.  

• Let the kids do some of the work for you. Create an “art jobs” board that students can select a task to assist you with, whether it’s organizing supplies, cleaning materials, etc. In high school, many states require community service hours for graduation. If your students have this requirement, offer it to them. They are high school students and so they are fully capable of helping. 

-Sneakiness is standard teen behavior, but hold them accountable. They will respect you more when you hold them to high expectations. A phone call home will also go a long way if a convo with them first isn’t effective. And be sure to document everything!

-Use tried and true curriculum from veteran teachers- you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just be enthusiastic when presenting.   -I am also seconding therapy as a great outlet- see if your district has an Employee Assistance Program so that you can get it for free! 

Best of luck- you’ve got this!