first year teacher...again? adjusting to new school situations {with the lettered classroom!}

[@bedramaticallydifferent3665]

I felt that having a mentor teacher at my new school was super helpful. Even though I was not new to teaching I was new to that school and my mentor helped me navigate the new grade book, administration, testing etc.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Yes! I had a few teacher mentors that I SO appreciated!

[@leschroder1]

I love that you both recorded this topic!! I was in a VERY similar situation as you just a few years ago... Moved to a new school that we wanted our son to go to, my principal took a HUGE leap of faith and hired me pregnant (knowing I would miss the first six weeks), it was vastly different in some ways from my school I came from that was just down the road, TONS of traditions that I had to learn with a staff who either graduated from there or were about to retire after teaching there for their entire careers... SO SIMILAR. But coming into a new job with experience is still such a challenge! Glad the two of you survived - this year will be even better!! Good luck! :)

[@professorben1080]

The hardest thing (for me) to adjust to in new schools is understanding the overall school culture. Oftentimes, I will need to befriend someone who seems to know how things work in that particular school. Some schools are harder than others and some schools are less hard than others. That's why we need each other as a community. We cannot make it through this profession on our own.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

So true!

[@freddieandwendyjebousek3039]

Your video echoes EXACTLY what I experienced this past year! It was almost spooky listening to it. Very interesting - thanks for sharing!

[@mlmj1994]

I'm starting my second year at a new school and a new grade level. I've never really taught ELA or been in a classroom for 6 hours with the same students all. I'm very excited, nervous and a little stressed. The school is really trying to heal from a few rocky years previously, so I'm glad to be a part of the new and positive changes. I just want to do right by my future students.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

That's so important to have positive teachers like you to move them in the right direction!

[@Overvank]

This will be my first year again. I taught for 7 years and spend the past 3 years running a daycare. I'm returning as a Reading Specialist in a district nearby. I'm nervous but SO very excited! Thanks for the video. It was very encouraging.

[@thatteachinghope3005]

Loved this video and your insight of coming into a new school culture. I deeply connected with your reflections that I wanted to share an encouragement! Being a past alum from that district, Asians students are trained from young to view/"respect" teachers as an authority figure, because they hold the knowledge to your future success. Meaning: they are your superior, not your friend --- And loosely don't speak (to adults) until you are addressed. So I was totally one of those really quiet, not volunteering until called upon student. Until I took 11th? Grade develop of world civilization and finally learned about world history. I fell in love with other cultures and later on went on to study African and Latino cultural studies in college. So, I really resonated with you on the idea of introducing/exposing to your students other cultures early on!!! That is amazing and I'm sure you are such a wonderful teacher. You're completely right that even higher performing students need great teachers! (They need to be challenged beyond their comfort zone too!;)) Preach! Your son will probably be "Peer- influenced" to want to hang -out with his friends at after school tutoring. :P I still have mixed feelings about all the after school tutoring I attended from 5th to 11th grade. It helped/forced me to practice test taking strategies for SATs, but did I become dependent on getting help instead of figuring it out myself? :? Maybe Or maybe it was the push I needed. :) Anyways, I Wish you all the best in the upcoming school year! Keep doing you!

[@theteacherstribe8392]

I have made a few transitions in my career. I connected with you because my biggest one happened when I was 7 months pregnant and had a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old. I moved to a new country (new school system, grade level, curriculum, culture, life). WOW!!! What was I thinking?!! I obviously survived and found out that I was much stronger than I originally thought. Thanks for sharing this inspiration.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Whaaaat! Oh my gosh, what huge changes!

[@theteacherstribe8392]

Indeed! Now, I know I can survive anything after that year.

[@lianaayres6952]

Great topic! This is my 20th year at the same school. Still, it is relevant for all teachers because these changes can happen with a change of administration or school zones. My district has a new superintendent. She replaced all of the principals including APs and is basically tossing our pacing guides. We were under crazy strict surveillance before. Many teachers have transferred out of fear of the unknown. For those of us who remain, it will be a whole new world. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I love your videos and Bridgett's videos too.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh yikes! That's so much change!

[@meaganharper3672]

I am about to go through this again! I taught high school history for three years, then moved down to middle school two years ago. Now, my school is closing and I am being transferred to my county's alternative school where I will be teaching ELA and SS. Your videos came up at just the right time for me!

[@hildatorres8212]

Wow I can totally relate to this video 100%. This was my experience this past year. Please make another video about "what we have to offer to gifted students". Thank you

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

That's such a good idea! I've been thinking a lot about that lately

[@DarinNakakihara]

My district has a very similar demographic to yours and I struggle with many of the same things. Our students go to school after school, it's crazy. The one thing they don't get at tutoring is problem-solving and critical thinking support and help being well-rounded humans. From what I've seen, you are absolutely making a huge difference in their lives. #trust

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I never imagined that I would be in this position, but I think I'm there for a reason. This might be a good topic to collaborate on so that I can pick your brain! : )

[@DarinNakakihara]

Let's do this! A Megan/Darin collab is exactly what the Internet needs:) hahaha.

[@blackwoman3839401]

See, I feel that too. I am worried that if I ever get a class that's completely functional, will I be able to do it?? I just want one shot!! Enjoy them! Sometimes when things aren't hard, we don't trust it!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, I felt like something was about to go down every day! We went out to do a fire drill and everyone was so calm and I was like, waaaaiiitt. Who's about to pull something? Lol

[@tifinibrown7371]

Thank for the insight. I will be transitioning to a new school this year, and like you it is literally to blocks down the street.

[@Jadaboom]

Thank you so much for this!!! I will be "new again" this school year.

[@faizajahan3166]

Hi, just love watching your videos.. There's so much for the new comers to learn although I live in a different state... Thank you so much n keep it up! 😊

[@theclassroompalette5555]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I love watching your videos. I love seeing how well you seem to balance work/home life. Great job mumma!

[@morgansilva2092]

I love this! Thank you to you and Bridgette for speaking on this topic. My first year at the school I am at now was hard. It was my first year having another teacher to collaborate with ( It was just me at the grade level at my old school) and it just didn't work out well. I moved up to the junior high level and I felt like I fit better there but I still felt like a new teacher because I was learning a tone of new things even if it was the second year at the same school. I really look forward to this year. I feel like I am past all the newness and have more of a groove and feel a bit more settled.

[@pamelac8591]

Thanks for this video! I will be making the transition to a new grade and district this year and am sooo nervous because like you said-I don't know how things work! BTW I went to HS with a lot of friends in the Asian community (and am half Asian myself) and although the issues are different than the Hispanic population, there are definitely things that are not apparent on the surface that these kids are struggling with and where you can be a huge support for them. Just keep making those connections 👍

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Thank you so much for that insight! That's my sense, that there are issues beneath the surface, but I have to work really hard to build trust and understanding. I'm up for the challenge though!

[@smartgirlpodcast]

hey! I'm a new subscriber in the process of getting certified to teach high school science. Your videos are so helpful and honest. Not to mention we have the same first name (Megan). Keep posting vids love your personality!!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh yay, we always need good high school science teachers!

[@blackwoman3839401]

Loved this!! Thank you so much for doing this.

[@0oofairycakesoo0]

I just stumbeld across your channel and I am so glad I did! I'll start teaching in September, so I can't wait to have a look through your videos. :)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Welcome Christina! :)

[@madenewministries]

I am at a new school so I'm listening to this. This helped me so much. I was thinking of quitting. Most don't seem like they think talking over the teacher is ok. Please talk about those cases more lol. Like when the parent doesn't support the teacher lol.

[@Rebecca-ck2yw]

I've changed schools a few times and totally get this. Its also a struggle changing schedules and teaching different types of science. However, I'm jumping into a new school and a new grade level this year and am kinda nervous. Going from middle school science to self-contained 5th grade 😓😌😃

[@ejsam2001]

Hi! I love your videos . I just recenty following your videos. I am 7th grade teacher in Philippines. I teach Asian History. It is great that you collaborative with Bridgette. I love her videos too. I love you both. The two you are very inspiring. Being a teacher in Philippines its kind of depressing but there the two you making me looking into a positive one. Thank you! Love to hear soon!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, I want to take your class!

[@thicket]

Getting ready to start at a new school, new district, and in a new state. The only thing that isn't different is my grade level. This will be my 13th year in 2nd grade, but all of my previous years were at the same site. I just finished a week long training with the some of my team, so I feel more comfortable about that aspect now. It's going to be interesting to see the similarities and differences as the year goes on. I really do feel like a first year teacher again!

[@Acinomnieves3]

Went from a small local title 1 school to a school that has 3800 kids (high school) in a district where some sophomores are given Mercedes for their first car. Still struggling because I miss knowing all the teachers (180 in this school) and everyone is very segregated from others because the building is so big. These teachers have been teaching the same way for years and I'm used to doing project based learning, not just notes. I miss my old students, I miss my coworkers, I miss that community feel. But man my bosses leave me alone and get things done, students have more support so it's less stressful for me, and I actually get basic supplies like pencils and calculators so less money for me to spend.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow! Yeah my husband worked at a high school where the student parking lot had WAY nicer cars than the teacher parking lot! ;) That's so weird to me!

[@tonyarobinson1606]

What an awesome culture to teach! Coming from a teacher who teaches such un motivated children.

[@genevieveobermeyer486]

can you do a video about balancing being a mom and a teacher? I have been a stay-at-home for the past 9 years. I am thinking about going back to school to get my teaching credential but worry I won't have enough time to still be a good mom

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

It's such a tough balance! I do actually have a video up about that, check back a few! :)

[@rebeccahwinslow8098]

I am SO nervous for this year. I'm moving from my first year of teaching in Memphis, Tn to Denver, Co. I just keep second guessing everything I'm doing especially with procedures and management.

[@heulefamily]

Would you do a video on balancing marriage, motherhood, and teaching?

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

That sounds great! I have one on motherhood and teaching, if you scroll back a few videos you can find it!

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

Yes!...the acronyms! Nothing like going to a new school and not knowing all of the acronyms, hahahaaaa. I've guessed some to be correct-ish, but have also been WAY off lol. I'm not shy to ask what acronyms stands for, but some people have been at locations for so long they forget that certain words & phrases are specific to their school only.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, totally!

[@mckenzieshawcroft1470]

You've got to be really careful about being a "Tiger Mom" (the kind of parent that has a REALLY involved student, great grades, etc.). It looks good on paper, but a lot of those kids have really high anxiety. They learn how to jump through hoops perfectly, but not really why or how to have a meaningful life. They do what their parents say and try to please them, but they don't have any real purpose beyond "success" as defined by others. I was one of those kids, to some degree, and I knew exactly how to pass a class. I graduated with a high GPA, all the extracurriculars, went to college and succeeded there. Then I got out of school, and it was like "Why did I do any of that? In real life, social skills are way more important than how to pass a class, and none of my training was really preparation for work. Why did I spent so many hours perfecting work that didn't matter as soon as I graduated? " So teachers are really necessary. Teach critical thinking and deeper social skills.

[@blackwoman3839401]

New at several schools, but demographics were the same so the struggle has stayed real. In fact it's gotten worse.

[@blackwoman3839401]

Boy do I miss that level of autonomy! :-(

[@marymartinez-bx4gy]

Have you considered moving out of state to teach?

[@mariemacpeek4715]

😊😊