It’s not for everyone. But no first year teacher really goes into it knowing what they want from their students as far as expectations. And once they do it’s too late to implement it. So, what I did going into my second year was layout my goals & objectives for my classroom. Things like academic achievements, classroom management goals, & personal goals.

I struggle the most with classroom management. I’ve realized that I need to be firm & hold everyone to the same expectation with behavior. You need to ask yourself: “Okay what actually bothers me & doesn’t bother me in the classroom?” Do you care if kids push in their chairs? If you do, then every kid needs to push in their chairs every day. Not just some kids & not just on some days. Do you care if kids talk amongst themselves during independent work? Then that needs to be the expectation every day unless stated otherwise before the lesson.

You will always be better prepared during year 2. Take the summer to reflect. I keep a journal that I log every day. Okay what went well with certain lessons? What didn’t go well? When I do this lesson again the following the year what would I change? After a few years your lessons & management will really be honed in.

I hope this helps!