If I Knew Then: A Letter to Me on My First Day Teaching

[@kinkbit11]

"Those kids in front of you, they want to learn, they need to learn" - what a brilliant reminder for a teacher on their first day, or any day for that matter.

[@kinkbit11]

haha wow! Great last names think alike

[@danlehe]

As a first year teacher, I really appreciated this video. It's like they read my mind, but it is so reassuring to know that I am not the only one who has had these challenges. Thank you, SoulPancake!

[@kalliste01]

It's nice to see these teachers care so much and have a passion for what they do. I wish I had more teachers like that in school

[@SCATutoringCenterGarfield]

Great video. Teachers are extremely important and should be one of the most respected people. Like Robert Meehan said, :"We are not just teachers. We are managers of the world's greatest resource: children!" The future is in the hands of teachers.

[@TessieTee]

I am finishing up my student teaching this semester, and this is a huge encouragement to me. Thank you for being willing to shape young lives, teachers!

[@Ginnilini]

As a teacher in my first year, this made me feel so much better about my struggles right now. Thank you!

[@watvid1]

Still a teacher?

[@Ginnilini]

As a matter of fact, I am 🙂. Still learning new things every day and still struggling from time to time (particularly with the pandemic), but I still wouldn't know what else I'd want to do and I enjoy teaching more every day. Making mistakes and learning from them made me more confident. I had to watch the video again when your comment popped up and I think my letter to my younger self would sound very much like the letters of the featured teachers'.

[@watvid1]

@@Ginnilini That's so cool! I'm about a month into my teacher training, teaching is harder than it looks, got a lot to learn. Have you taken any extra duties on such as head of year? Or you started working internationally?

[@Ginnilini]

Not really. I occasionally have interns and I plan and organize the language trips and a cross-curricular project week for my school. I've generally got enough to juggle with my everyday teaching duties, as I teach at a German private school with very high standards and expectations 😉.

[@Ginnilini]

Good luck with your training! The beginning is really tough, but all the mistakes will make you a better teacher. I sometimes look back and have to laugh at the disciplinary measures that I tried in my first years 😄

[@Yodafal]

"Try all the crazy thing you want to teach them". this is so thrue, we always remember something funny. *-*

[@Chasearabbi]

Teacher should be paid more.

[@jesseengland456]

amen

[@srithav3486]

Yup

[@jonathanarthur4880]

I am a first year teacher and doing a complete reset of the class (middle School 7-8) tomorrow and looking for inspiration to stay a teacher. This is my second career and never have I faced a challenge like this. These notes hit hard and it's difficult to think why you became a teacher during incredibly hard times. Thank you!!

[@fringehouse]

That's my old high school! Best high school anyone could ever go to...the teachers are more mentors than anything. Every one of them is amazing and passionate about being positive figures to their students.

[@paulyumbla407]

what's the name of the high school? seems like an awesome place to work

[@Wolfetman]

These people have taught me so much. Proud Da Vincian with the class of 2014.

[@annegiffords]

This will be the job it will be hard to retire from. 27 years later I still don't want to walk away.

[@LizM623]

As a current student teacher applying for jobs now, this video made me cry so hard. It so often doesn't feel like it could possibly ever be worth how crazy difficult it is now, or that it will ever be easier. Thanks for the video :)

[@tribblespock]

I'm in the same boat as you! :)

[@alicialaww]

aw it's such a nice feeling to see teacher's being so passionate about what they're doing. Reminds me of my teachers in my secondary school. truly miss them dearly

[@melanieterpstra8140]

As a graduating senior in education, thank you. I'm tucking this nugget away for that first week of teaching when things aren't going as I hope they will. :)

[@theresaladonnawashington5116]

I'm glad to be apart of Teach for America and looking forward in working with all of my students. Its very rewarding and my passion for teaching all students will someday pay off. Just paying it forward and giving back what I've learned from my college experiences and wisdom is a great way to help those that need our services. We owe it to them to give back and help them become who they are striving to become.

[@TeachForAmerica]

We're glad you're part of it, +Theresa Washington!

[@blackbirdtype]

I've been tutoring 4th and 5th graders for 4 years. Everything these teachers say is true. Teaching/tutoring can be frustrating - due to behavioral problems, inability to understand concepts after they've been explained multiple times, and lack of interest in a particular subject (or school in general.) But it's also so rewarding - to see students make progress and, occasionally, become inspired by the knowledge and lessons they've gained. Not to mention all the opportunities they have as kids and young adults; it makes me hopeful just to be around my students sometimes. As a high school student, many of my peers don't give our teachers enough credit. The education system is far from perfect, and teachers often make mistakes. (After all, they're only human.) But as they say, teachers truly aren't paid enough. So I'll be writing a few cards this teacher appreciation week.

[@itsjohnny4267]

Thank you. I’m going into my second week of teaching (3rd grade) and I really needed this. The learning curve at the start of this career is unbelievably steep- and much more coming in mid-year. It’s hard, but I’m sticking with it for the sake of my students.

[@ericalacap6672]

Da Vinci Science teachers truly rock. I am so glad that the rest of the world can see how amazing these people truly are. :)

[@ibarns64]

These are all my teachers! Da Vinci Science class of 2014 !

[@GenevieveThornton]

Teachers are indispensable! I will never, ever forget my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Janice Ferguson, who even then pointed out my strengths...and I've been out of grade school for a while now.

[@theresaladonnawashington5116]

Watching all of these videos from Teach for America has inspired me to go above and beyond my call of teaching as a teacher. I cannot wait to get started and work in the areas where we are needed the most. Just seeing smiles on the faces of those children, the youth and adults brings back memories when I had people in my life who was there for me. Now that most of my family and friends are gone. I am willing to give back and work hard in getting all of our students a fighting chance of obtaining their education and going further than they can ever imagine.

[@TeachForAmerica]

Love this! We recognized a few familiar (alumni) faces too. Thanks for featuring all these great teachers, and happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all educators!

[@alexandragreenberg5876]

This goes out to every teacher out there!

[@hayleyarielle3027]

I'm starting my first year of University this fall to become an Elementary/Middle school teacher. This video made me smile, as it totally confirmed the reason I am going about this new journey in the first place. I can't wait to teach!

[@debbiesung]

Teachers really do need to get paid more. Teachers are the foundation to our future. A good friend of mine is majoring in Education because of the teachers she had when she was younger.

[@kimberlymiles6538]

Absolutely loved this clip and can't wait to share this with the Roosevelt staff.

[@bethdupuy7917]

So very true! I admire all teacher's! You all r truly a blessing!

[@haleyd6382]

Love this. Sealed the deal for me wanting to be a teacher when I'm older! Can't wait

[@Jadeslife]

Wooh! Da Vinci teachers rock!!!

[@staceybug13]

Thank you for this! As a teacher this video has made me smile, can cry tears of joy. I am going to email this to my principal and AP. I bet it'll get shown at our next staff meeting. Thank again for this video.

[@anadesiree7804]

I really needed this today. It was a tough day at school and I don't know what tomorrow will bring. Thank you for this beautiful idea to share those letters. I know it was to your younger selves but as a younger teacher, I gladly take those words and look forward to the future, and work on the better teacher I'll become for my students.

[@Jallenallday49]

So happy to know that these are my teachers :)

[@xxSammxxxx]

Tomorrow is my very first day teaching. I'm pretty scared. Thanks for the video.

[@robertriley4270]

+Samantha B I hope your day was the best day of your life, and, yes, it does get better!

[@TheHeartsandcake90]

+Samantha B Today was my first day. I was nervous too. How had it been so far for you?

[@xxSammxxxx]

TheHeartsandcake90 Pretty difficult I won't lie. The first day was definitely the hardest though.

[@tylerdevetta4890]

Samantha B if ur teaching secondary school kids Be outgoing and fun, nobody likes a boring teacher Have a bit of banter Be nice. Please it makes all the difference Try and see the kids point of view

[@angelaschlegel3172]

Thanks for the video Soulpancake, prompted me to thank the teacher who has had the most impact on my life.

[@isabelmujica945]

I am a teacher and it is a hard and poorly paid profession but it has given me a lot of satisfaction

[@Ginnilini]

As a teacher in my first year, this made me feel so much better about my struggles right now :). Thank you!

[@Coopdizzle]

Shared this with my husband who is a 2nd year band director and all his teacher friends.

[@RainbowEssence-c3w]

Aww, this is so sweet! I'm in the process of getting my CE (doing alternate route because I didn't get my bachelor's in education) and this video is really encouraging! Looking at all the stuff I have to know and learn to become a teacher, it's a bit scary, but this makes me feel somewhat better so thanks. I'm glad you all are enjoying being teachers, and kudos to you for shaping the minds of coming generations, never let anyone tell you that teaching isn't important!

[@stacysykes8424]

This video hit home for me with a few happy tears. My first year of teaching is approaching. At times I am fully ready for that first day and other times I am terrified. I just got finished with my district Teacher Induction Program Seminar and was feeling very overwhelmed with all the information I just took in. But this video reminded me it is going to be ok and that we have a support team to back us up. #Teachersmatter!

[@Aerychi]

This is beautiful. I am going to start teaching soon and this video eases my nerves!

[@abbyclassof11]

I've got a year an a half left of college before I start teaching! I am both excited and a nervous wreck ! Teachers matter so much and mine have been over all amazing !!

[@delaFuenteization]

I wish I could have explained how important my effort would be. My smile and positive energy was going to make the difference because so many students have a need to build their esteem. Hnag on when the kid is angry cause it is not you but the load of the baggage they are carrying. It will get better.

[@tannerjohnson8152]

I am on my last semester of school before I start teaching and I am very nervous. I appreciated this video. I hope that I can look back on my experiences as a teacher and be as happy as the teachers in this video seemed.

[@lwarrell31]

God Bless all the teachers!

[@breeunabashedly]

I am currently finishing up my teaching program to teach grades 4-8 ELAR & Social Studies in Texas and this video was shared with me through my program. It really made my day, resparked my motivation and is truly inspiring! Thank you-from a soon to be First Year Teacher!

[@Saena]

I needed to hear every word of this. Thank you.

[@tribblespock]

Thank you so much. I'm going in for interviews tomorrow for my first teaching position and I needed to hear this :)

[@yasserokko8791]

I liked the video very much, and I want to add my own experience and feelings. My first day teaching was wonderful , I felt something strange when the students entered the classroom, but soon I could control myself and started a warm conversation about what I like and what every student likes to do in vacations and weekends. It was great.

[@popandkidsdonate4640]

Very nice. I guess you never stop learning - Not even when you're teaching!

[@lamondaswann8981]

I love the video and Im loving being a Teacher , this will be your greatest reward!

[@donnameehan4894]

Thank you! Education is transitioning and everyday can feel like your first day:)

[@squinterbynature]

This was really interesting and heart warming. I'm currently studying to become a teacher so I'll be keeping this in my favorites. :)

[@lynettekuan]

I had my first day ever of French teaching this past Tuesday. And this video just hit all the feels. It was incredibly difficult, taking over a position at this time of the year, being preceded by an unknown number of unstable daily subs. The first week was a roller-coaster for me. I hope and pray that it gets better next week. Wish me luck!

[@KingofFeralImps]

Yeah! My buddies Joey and Josh representing our school! Love you guys and I'll see you Monday!

[@upsidedownkatrinaYT]

For a future teacher, that is so beautifully inspiring and motivating! Thank you.

[@renab.7390]

Thank you, that gave me a great boost of courage for my first day of teaching tomorrow!

[@ForTeachersChannel]

Bernadette Scheiber good luck! My first day was crazy but it’s (mostly) smooth sailing now!

[@mypeoplesdance]

This was great. Thank you so much.

[@HappyCultivated]

Just came across this video. LOVE everything about it!! So many things #truth

[@emk3234]

These teachers a beautiful

[@LucidEnigma21]

More of these "If I knew then"!!! :D

[@TheHouseOfJokes]

Congratulations on a well put together youtube video. You have performed a bang up effort here.

[@manolaaldeferi6606]

ةلىفعتغفعلالغاتخهجخحمدز اةةلوةة

[@suzeldiegoguerra2943]

This is encouraging, I am a new teacher, and I am making mistakes left and right. I know that it'll get better but for the moment it feels like one of the toughest things I've ever done in my life. It'll be worth it in the end.

[@ingvildhagen7420]

Hey! I just had my first day, and Im not feeling too good about it.. Please tell me it gets better!

[@AmblerInsomniac]

I'm a teacher, but am taking a break between being laid off and finding the next position to be a student for a while. This video was super, and makes me want to rush through this period and get back to the classroom.

[@dayinibatrisyia5424]

I am a new teacher this video touches my heart❤

[@JackWantCheese]

FIRST!!! yes! I would ike to thank my internet box for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity!

[@minigorilla5556]

lawl

[@faithlovedance1]

awe! my DV teachers are so cool!

[@hokshii]

i play to be a teacher one day. this was something wonderful to hear and see.

[@lilliancarilo]

I love this! Sending link to my future educator daughter.

[@msemsmusic7549]

Loved this video! As a teacher I really relate to what everyone wrote!

[@eleonorakoll]

In two days I'm going to have my very first day of teaching. I've never done that before! I'm so excited and scared at the same time :D

[@TheHeartsandcake90]

+Eleonora Ma Aww! cool Today was my first day too! I was very nervous the weeks leading up to it. But my first day went pretty well, with the exception of a few things. Hope you had a great day.

[@CJReynolds]

Eleonora Ma that first year is hard but it can be so sweet too.

[@kaylahowell3764]

Working on my teaching degree now. I still have so far to go. Hope I remember this when I reach my destination.

[@CaitlinEileenRose]

This is just so sad to me... does anybody else agree? Teachers should be paid what their struggles are worth. Not feeling satisfaction or knowing you did a good job for 18 years? I mean, most normal people wouldn't stay in a job for 18 months if they were up against that. Teachers need support. Teachers need to be paid. Teachers need to have the microscope taken off of them. SoulPancake, does this video stand up for what teachers need? Self-soothing words of teachers themselves trying to make themselves feel worth it?

[@lisaswaboda2955]

Teachers need autonomy more than the money. Money is great, but if it means losing your autonomy. I'm not interested. I've had both. I'll take autonomy any day.

[@CJReynolds]

Lisa Swaboda I agree. Our school let's us do pretty much whatever we want and it is amazing.

[@mvickers277]

I just signed my contract with my middle school today and I've definitely got those first day jitters... Thanks for the video, made me cry. :) But I guess Monday is a little less scary because everyone was a first-day, first-year teacher at one point... lol.

[@harueno4670]

That one guy with the "this is home" tee kinda looks like abed! cool, cool cool cool. :) such a sweet video, sweet as pie !

[@ulqha]

I just started my new job in new uni. This reminds me of my students' feedback in previous uni that they did remember their first impression of me. So now, i am gonna make a letter for my first week in new uni. x)

[@JenneyefurRose]

I love this video! I intend be a teacher in the future, and I can look back on this video for advice

[@melissafavazza1605]

I absolutely love this.

[@PinkYSSPoLoSSS27856]

I'm a teacher and Thank you so much TT

[@barbarac2008]

I LOVED this so darn much!!!! Yay team education :-)

[@maritzah.4039]

Thank you for this 🥺❤️

[@minalhabash3893]

All I can think about while watching this is Oh my God This is my school!

[@ShineRajcom]

#HappyTeachersDay I love the background score too...

[@JayLuhx]

as a future teacher, I absolutely loved this :) thank you for sharing!!

[@divyajain7244]

I could easily relate myself to this video , as i m in the process of being a teacher . Also this is my concern too that what will be my journey be like? Sometimes it scares me too how will i face my class for the first time . The above video inspires me not to give up so easily whenever i feel low because if today i' m having a bad day , definitely A good day will come . If today students are not liking me , they will admire me after a certain period of time but that doesnt mean that i'll give give up on me today. Sometimes we should place ourselves in students' shoes , yes our lecture or topic may be boring sometimes , so we should not be offended if they find our lecture boring.

[@divyathakur3368]

Totally agree with you divya. Anybody whether in service or in process of being a teacher will relate with the video. The video was actually very inspiring and motivating for all those who are yet to face their first day as teachers. Ofcourse we'll feel nervous and all kind of negative thoughts will come to our mind but if we give up this easily. Then what are we going to taught our students. So irrespective of whatever we feel we should look at the bright side of the day.

[@RobertMahar1]

I love this SO hard! xoxo

[@GRIDHD]

This is my school, some of these teachers left a long time ago.

[@over50andfantabulous59]

Thank you Ms. Spichiger (My english teacher in high school

[@AirFire18]

i needed this. thank you

[@coilbook]

Nice video! It was a great pleasure meeting all KZbinrs at the EDU meeting.

[@samc117100]

Mr. Thomson i love you

[@phulbig]

Thanks I needed that.

[@nisreanismael1592]

Tomorrow is my very first day teaching =0 wish me luck ! Great video ()

[@Participant]

Best of luck!

[@biafrizon]

beautiful.

[@poobd]

I wish I could be apart of this district they seem nicer, all the schools here are so rushed and have lessons on time constraints and have 30+ kids in each class. It really robs us and the teachers from having that kind of connection. I honestly don't even remember most of my teachers faces or names because of this :c

[@lolitalosity143]

:D

[@leomeza1321]

+Lolita Go shhhhhhhh

[@tmor173]

Love this!

[@Cre8tivePixi]

I loved this video. I plan on revisiting it often after a stressful day at work...=)

[@68868s]

Thank you.

[@QuietQuite]

Heart warming video :)

[@sergio_ramone_63]

Just amazing video, mates! Can u pls tell me which song is that? TIA 🖤