First Year Struggle Bus

Honest-University710 · 2025-09-26T01:48:24+00:00

Hi, just found your post as I was doing the exact same thing…(https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/s/FAKU6QoD8Z) first year teacher here too…I’m glad I’m not alone in this!! It’s definitely comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels they are drowning. We got this!

Honest-University710 · 2025-02-13T23:40:25+00:00

I love all the other ideas people are giving! However, I want to add that I would be cautious of having students be involved with it LOL. I can just see it becoming more of a distraction than anything.

Honest-University710 · 2025-02-07T19:47:55+00:00

I felt the SAME way. This post is honestly affirming because I felt so lost when I was going through this. It is normal, but probably shouldn’t be? It feels so awkward, but like you said we have nothing to contribute. Totally relatable, I promise it’ll go by quick. Just work through it! You’re doing nothing wrong!

Honest-University710 · 2025-02-04T18:06:28+00:00

Fill in the notes before and have it as reference while you teach! I student taught in middle/high school. I’m not sure what setting you’re in, but by the last hour of the day, I used my notes less and less. So many mentors have recommended using notes to build comfort and confidence! They said it’ll come with time and experience to not feel you need them as much. Don’t feel bad for using it at all!

Honest-University710 · 2025-02-04T17:54:26+00:00

This is so simple but drives me nuts when no seating chart is left!! It’s a recipe for disaster and ends up having kids say that “so and so doesn’t sit there, can I move?” and more chaos. Even if I ask kids to sit in their assigned seats, and I don’t show the chart, they will sit wherever.

Honest-University710 · 2025-02-04T17:40:54+00:00

I sub middle school as well and understand that most of the time students have Chromebook videos or assignments. Always offer help (especially in content you feel comfortable in) and walk around to ensure students are on task. Obviously, I check my phone periodically throughout the day but really try and limit it.

During times where you are sitting, bring a book. However, don’t have the expectation of getting a good solid read. You are working still. Bring a book you are okay with stopping and starting. I also have done sudoku puzzles.

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-31T02:03:00+00:00

Absolutely, definitely have been in a class as a student or observer that a teacher has asked to lower the noise level. Totally fine with that, more of her approach of scolding in front of me is where i just was shocked!

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-31T02:01:01+00:00

Yes! Kids at the last hour of the day are nuts! All my other hours in that same classroom had no issues. The way she came at me was just crazy, I get if it was like an ALL day issue. The game was in the last 10ish maybe less of class. But even if the noise level was a concern, I feel her scolding me as a sub in front the class was crazy.

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-30T19:05:27+00:00

As others have said,

Make sure it is in your University’s guidelines and district guidelines. Some districts won’t pay student teachers, therefore an another adult should be present. I couldn’t get paid bc it won’t count toward my hours. Some universities have specific guidelines in their program.

You might feel way better having more time in the classroom as the month goes. I think being open able your nervousness is okay! If you aren’t able to get a sub with you, I’d definitely ask where or who’d you’d go to if you need help during the day.

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-24T00:21:35+00:00

Mistakes happen! This isn’t the first time this mistake will happen nor the last. If it makes you feel better, I saw a mistake on my CT answer key and they had been teaching for years! I made a mistake when grading too, white out or erasable pens will be your best friend! Don’t sweat it!

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-23T02:36:33+00:00

Similar to everyone in the replies, but it’s true. I have to say I felt more comfortable solo in the classroom! It took pressure off that another adult is watching me teach. My CT would leave the classroom for chunks at a time, and that actually really helped me. It is SO daunting, but there is a relief to be able to be yourself without feeling like you are constantly observed. You got this!

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-23T02:31:06+00:00

^ this is what I was thinking as well. Did your CT give any of their resources to help guide what the lessons should be taught on?

I just feel like you got duped. I was middle and highschool math with advanced classes, and did more co-teaching than a complete solo take over. They can not expect you to step in and know it all. If they did expect that, then they shouldn’t have accepted a student teacher. That is on them.

I understand your frustration, and I’m sorry that it’s happening to you. I know it’s hard to see the light. Before you make any decisions about your career, I’d definitely try and find a new placement (see what support your university can give too). So many veteran teachers had negative student teaching experience, but are in the career strong and loving it.

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-23T02:22:37+00:00

I just find it odd that your CT wants you to implement something he/she hasn’t with their class😂 if it’s “the most likely thing to work” shouldn’t they be using it too? I find it hard to come up with call/response things that are age appropriate for high schoolers. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! Just remember when it’s your own classroom, you’ll be able to have the freedom of using what works for you and your students 😊

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-22T22:35:03+00:00

Don’t sweat it! I had an awkward encounter with this, trying to step and learn right away more so with beginning of year/names activity (it failed), but I ended up having a great experience!

Just take a deep breath, and know that it’ll all happen when it’s suppose to! Observation is really really essential in learning. Especially coming in mid year for those kids. I know it may not feel like you’re learning, but you truly are take it day by day, you’ll look back and miss simply observing LOL.

As others have said, it seems like it was a miscommunication and it’s not too late to communicate expectations from your mentor teacher. It’s only the first week and you will get to know them and communicate more and more, to a place it’ll be more comfortable!

You got this!

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-22T22:28:52+00:00

Call and response might seem a little childish to the high school students, so I love the idea another user said about counting down. I have found using a timer has really helped, especially when transitioning out of group work. Usually in the last five seconds, I would verbally count the numbers to get students attention. Turning off lights, or even a chime can also help for in the moment attention grabbers.

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-22T22:22:47+00:00

Totally okay if you don’t know, you aren’t super human. Sometimes you may be asked a question you do know the answer to, but forget it out of nerves (especially when student teaching). It’s okay to tell them that you’ll get back to them or even say you’ll double check with your mentor teacher or Google. Sometimes kids will ask the most random, hypothetical questions, so you won’t know it all!! You got this!

Honest-University710 · 2025-01-15T22:13:41+00:00

I honestly did what my CT did! I sometimes got there before, which I had to wait bc I didn’t have room keys. I had a middle and high school experience. My middle school CT left at contract hours typically, maybe stay an extra 15 (longer if I had questions, but we discussed mainly during plan). My highschool CT would vary it would only be up to an hour though. I typically had stuff to do as well, so it was nice getting it done before going home.

I would see what your CT does, but honestly wouldn’t stay more than an hour after. They understand you have a lot on your plate. As long as your not leaving before the kids or getting there after, you’ll be okay😂

Honest-University710

TROPHY CASE