what we wish we knew as new teachers {with miss tierraney!}

[@madisona5]

I'm 22 and I will be teaching FREAKING SENIORS. I literally have no idea what I got myself into.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, oh yes, you will have an interesting year! Good luck! ;)

[@DJ-lm4it]

Give them respect but don't play with them. Don't dress too cute because Senior boys will try to hit on you. Don't yell, don't stress because you will see them everyday and with in the city. Be ready to hear stuff that will make you say OMG.

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

You've got yourself into a great adventure! Be you. I student taught juniors when I was 22, but many of them were already 18-20 in my class because they were English learners I taught at SDAIE class). I think I learned more than anything that they still need support and direction, and that they want to be respected as they are nearing that transition into official adulthood. You're going to do great! What content area are you teaching?!

[@A925er]

I need to know how this ended... lol.

[@LivingMindfullyWithKwizera]

🤣🤣🤣🤣that's what I asking myself

[@thespanglishmaestra9808]

I totally agree with getting to know principals and everyone! Principals talk to each other and even if their school isn't hiring they are great people to help you out! Making connections is KEY!! 🙌🏻 Great Tips/Lessons!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

That's such a great point! I hope others are reading this comment! :)

[@kendraleier5273]

Thanks for this video! I'll be starting my first year at a K-8 elementary school as a prep coverage teacher. I will teach 15 classrooms of students in grades 1-8 in Health, French, Arts Ed, Career Ed and Digital Literacy. Feeling overwhelmed but excited!

[@amandaengelman5168]

I just got hired for my first teaching job yesterday. I'll be teaching 8th grade ELA. I started paperwork today and do my fingerprinting/background check next week. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, congratulations! You're gonna do great!

[@sashaandmujo]

Congrats! Good Luck and God Speed ;-)

[@DJ-lm4it]

Keep an open mind because every moment is a teachable moment, give respect to the students first, don't yell. Enjoy your time teaching.

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

Yay! Congratulations! You've got a great circle of KZbin teachers to support you. Yayyyy!

[@fairouzbenkhedher5182]

Tell us about ur experience plz

[@blackwoman3839401]

Not negative just HONEST AND REALISTIC!

[@Hookssha]

I'm a brand new middle school art teacher! I love you! Keep doing what you do and inspiring other teachers.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Best of luck to you! I'm so glad your kids get great arts education!

[@budezone]

Thanks, Megan, for your candid stories. These are real examples of real-life teaching situations that we all deal with. Yes, it does get better.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Yes, it does! :)

[@mollywoodisastar]

I am a first year teacher! I loved all the advice from you and Miss Tierraney.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

How exciting! Have an amazing year!

[@cutiepiedaina]

I was 20 when I started my student teaching and all my kids are ELs so they're significantly older! Some were older than me even, but never had any disrespect. NEVER underestimate what a good teacher voice and careful diction can do for you ;)

[@chrissyl9056]

Thanks for all of your advice and insight! I'm starting my first official year as a teacher next month! I've been watching your videos for a while and I love all of your positivity!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Wow, how exciting! Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a great year!

[@raychulllkins]

I totally reacted like you had with a crazy parent too! When parents act like that, I've also learned to get admin involved. Love this! 💕

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Lol, I'm not proud of it, but we are human!

[@erikarefined]

Wow. I'm newly credentialed, looking for my 1st job, LOVE your videos bc you're so honest & transparent...ie getting hired, btsa, staying motivated, etc. This video is so helpful bc as I've been looking for work its easy to become discouraged. Your path shows its not necessarily going to be straightforward & easy getting that "perfect" job but its worth the struggle. Thank you for being so open!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

You're so right, it may not go exactly as you planned, but everything will work out in the end !

[@rhoyalt1027]

Thanks for sharing some negative encounters in our profession. Letting folks know mistakes will happen but you learn from them and keep going. I have many stories about rude parents, children and colleagues; as well as tons of positive stories of parents, students, and colleagues. Overall, teaching is a wonderful profession.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

It really is! But I think we all end up with a few crazy stories! ;)

[@tanyajemm]

Your advice about being involved stuck with me the most and gave me a much needed boost of confidence! I got to know my principal pretty well while student teaching and she even wrote one of my letters of rec. I'm hoping it pays off during my job hunt!

[@emilydunlap4164]

This will be my first year of teaching! I am going to be teaching 9th grade ELA and Oral Communication. I have been watching a lot of teacher blogs and they are all so encouraging. And honestly, I seriously appreciate this video in particular because I feel like you gave some very good, honest advice. (In particular, the idea that I am going to make mistakes but it will be okay!) You had some pretty crazy stories! I feel like I have learned a lot from your video. Thanks for sharing!

[@KesiaTijuana]

I’m a first year teacher in a newly formed k-8 school. In a brand new beautiful building. So happy I found your channel. It’s been a challenge Teaching ELA to 6th graders. I thought the students would be WAY worse than they are. The majority of the middle schoolers are reading below grade level. It’s really challenging. I don’t think the district pacing guide is helping me. The crazy behavior issues were improving (almost like that 7th period in lock-down ... but EVERY Day). Then the district moved our principal and brought in another. It got worse again. Students think it’s a victory when they can “get rid of” a teacher they don’t like. Plus these students have been told so many negative things about themselves. I am still learning and growing. And I love your Marcus Garvey quotes!! (Classroom tour/set-up)

[@tedmcfly9483]

This is the best teacher channel out there.

[@kinseyjohanson6047]

I'm a brand new teacher this year! I will be teaching 6th grade ELA and coaching cheerleading. Your videos are such an encouragement to me - especially this one and the message that even if (when!) we make mistakes, we can bounce back. I needed that. Thank you!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Best of luck! Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a great year!

[@StartingOverWithMarta]

I love your channel! Have learned quite a bit. First year teacher (previously subbed for 4 years). 4th grade Math and Science.

[@jessmmassey]

I appreciate your honesty and transparency 👏🏼 first year SPED PE teacher + SLPA here!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, you're going to be great! Have an awesome year!

[@PoliteChoice]

The Social Speechie I'm an SLPA turned SPED teacher.. Have a great upcoming school year

[@MissTierraney]

Very good lessons!! I like what you mentioned about crazy parent just direct them right to admin! This works well until you have admin who are "scared" of the parents. Sums up my whole year last year lol but anywho loved doing this collab with you! Hope we can partner together again soon 😊

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh no, that's definitely the worst when the admin is afraid of the parents!

[@wisenlatina]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I just finished my first year teaching and it was rough. I wish I would have a supportive admin because I had a crazy parent and had to deal with it pretty much by myself. To top out off there was no room for me near my department to I was shipped off to the most remote corner of the school so it was pretty lonely and I felt like I was totally on my own. This year I'm moving classrooms to be closer to everyone and I hope that will help me as well to get mentoring relationships. Thank you for making videos like this, it gives me hope and insight.

[@SarahWheeleeTravels]

I think we had exactly the same experience. I went to CSUF for the credential program during 2010-2011. And the teaching drought happened and I ended up working at Disneyland for a year after graduating. Still looking for teaching jobs. Finally at the end of 2012 I happened upon a position up north in Visalia. But they hired on a at-will contract and I moved up there. Then they pulled out the rug from under me. I was out of money and I had to move home. My credential was expiring and I have never been hired. Luckily I got a job working in china teaching at a university. So I hoped on a plane and went to live in china. I left 2013 and I just got back 3 years later and moved to Austin instead of California. I got a job thankfully within 6 weeks of searching. Anyways thank you for sharing the dark side of our career. Getting screwed out of btsa money. And that lockdown thing was insane. It seems it's always something. Ps. I'm heading into my 2nd year at teaching (-3 years of teaching in china which doesn't count for some reason).i teach high school English at a title 1 school in Austin. Thanks for your videos! I have a travel channel (wheelee's travels) and I'm going to switch to a teacher channel this year!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Wheelee's Travels oh wow, that's crazy! I really want to see your china travel videos. Many of my current students are from China, so I am trying to learn more about the education system there.

[@blackwoman3839401]

Nepotism is a SERIOUS PROBLEM in public school districts!

[@ayanagustus320]

Starting to substitute next week in a title 1 middle school social studies class. Their teacher resigned. Im nervous but watching every video i can from you this weekend

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, good luck to you!

[@angieeevu]

Thank you for your honest feedback! It's refreshing for new teachers to hear about the potential obstacles that might occur. I think I was a student teacher at your middle school (in Winnetka?) with the lock down until 6pm. They still mention it! Are you still teaching in Southern California? How was it juggling BTSA/induction with your regular prep? Many have told me that BTSA was mostly time-consuming busy work. I would also strongly urge new teachers to network early on, either with the principal or teachers. If they are unable to get hired for a teaching position, sometimes getting a job as an aide gets your foot in the door. Also, having friends in your target district helps too! I reached out to my friends and asked questions regarding curriculum and district-wide policies, which enabled me to do additional research. My interview panel was impressed and I got the job :) Thanks for your help!

[@CookieCoCo_OG]

I'm a first year high school civics teacher and I really appreciate the advice and adore your channel... Thanks.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Civics is my fave! That's awesome! Do you use iCivics.com? I love that site!

[@CookieCoCo_OG]

toocoolformiddleschool blog I use it now... Thanks for the info.

[@lizcochrane3862]

I love you're videos! Many people have said it, but that\ you for being so honest. I will be starting my first year of teaching as a high school Spanish teacher in less than a month for district training and then with students August 28th.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, have fun! That will be such an amazing job!

[@janessafehr6252]

Wow this makes me so grateful to be a Canadian teacher, and especially that my first job is in a quiet little town. I will not have to deal with any of the issues presented in this video. Sounds like you had it rough!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Yes, that does sound really nice! Maybe I will come join you in Canada! :)

[@brittsade3713]

This is the BEST teaching video I have seen so far. Thank you!

[@mst675]

One word . . . WOW!!! Thankfully, what didn't destroy you made you a better educator!

[@birdseed41]

Thank you so much for creating this video!! I am starting my student teaching next week at a middle school teaching 7th grade language arts, and I have really been enjoying your content!

[@ceciliasuarez5922]

I am a first year teacher and I’m so glad I found you! 😁 all your videos have been extremely helpful, thank you!!

[@tifinibrown7371]

Great Advice! I literally had the exact crazy parent experience working as a Sight Coordinator for Think Together 4 years ago!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh man! Yep, we basically had the same job! Our program was a lot like Think Together

[@TeacherKellyTag]

Thanks for these tips. Trying to do teaching as a second career.

[@sondaelockett3424]

I know it's not funny, but the lock down story had me cracking up. Some days I feel like I am the only one who has had horrible experiences with behavior. You are so awesome. Keep the videos coming.

[@learnhistoryandgeographyle7200]

ahhh the experiences you have shared is the part of teachers job ,n real examples...i also face such horrible parents two n three tyms...above that i really enjoy your videos...bcz i taught the same subjects english history and geography to 6 ,7 level...stay happy

[@dararodriguez7530]

Thanks for sharing your lessons! You're very generous 🤗

[@morgansilva2092]

This video really should be seen by all students in a credentialing program. NONE of these things are ever talked about and future teachers just don’t have a clue what they are in for. When I was in the credential program at CSUF back in ’05 they tried to make it sound like jobs were abundant. They even counted subbing as somewhat “full time teaching”. Shameful. The public school system in So. Cal. is definitely like playing the lottery. More and more it makes me glad that I teach at a private school. We do make less than many starting teaching positions in the public school, BUT it has been my experience that it has more security. Thank you for you videos. Especially ones like these that speak candidly and truthfully. They are a big help to those just starting out for sure and great for the rest who need to not feel so alone. On an off topic, Megan have you been to any of the conferences regarding the new California history social studies framework? The one put on by UC Davis. I am just wondering if you have and what you thought about it. Was it helpful/insightful?

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

They definitely keep a lot of information from you during credentialing! It's so hard to get hired in SoCal. Last year I taught all English, so they didn't send me to any of the framework trainings. I wanted to sneak in anyway! This year I have a few sections of history though, so I'm hoping they'll send me to a few!

[@vjules6135]

This will be my first year teaching 1st grade! Enjoyed this!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

How fun! I hope you have an awesome year!

[@jackiem3402]

I am not a teacher but I will watch and like all your videos cause I am a fan of you girl! Love your style.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Aww thanks so much!

[@ifyougiveateacheraclassroo1849]

Thanks for sharing all those stories! I'm hoping I'm gonna be a first year teacher this year lol, fingers crossed!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Have an awesome year! You're going to be amazing!

[@ifyougiveateacheraclassroo1849]

Thank you! :)

[@天下大同-p7u]

Great videos, I've been watching a lot of your videos to learn English.

[@avivahartman8161]

Just watched this bc I will be starting my FIRST teaching job this year! Teachers report on the 13th and I’m experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety lol! The cherry on top is I will be starting grad school as well! I’m sure I will sleep every weekend all weekend until summer! Haha

[@danieletalend6691]

This will be my first year *screaming inside* I'm teaching 7th grade ELA

[@jaysays2642]

I'll be a new teacher this fall !! And I'm so excited to be teaching 6th grade ELA to all young black men ! Luckily my school does a Summer Bridge program where we get to teach the young men the ways and methods of our school (we begin @ 6th grade) so it was the perfect cheat code to understand what i think my style of teaching will be and built a bond with a lot of the students. I'm a black woman but I started reading "White Folks Who Teach in the Hood" by Christopher Emdin. Have you or Miss Tierraney read it? Any words of encouragement would be awesome and i love your channel, it's been a great resource !

[@KB-pr3bp]

On the flip side, my first job I was hired even though the principal hated me! I applied at the district, then the school and the district put in my paperwork and cleared me for hire even though the principal wanted someone else.

[@rosecarden1800]

Today i just switched my major to history!! I’m so nervous but I’m hoping i can become a highschool teacher with it:)

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

If only we could time travel and visit our first year selves!

[@ellad6535]

"Son of a BTSA" 😂😂

[@thatmakescents]

Trying to become a first year teacher, just need to get hired haha. Thanks for reminding me to ask about BTSA!!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, yes! They might call it Induction to confuse you, lol

[@lucymeras-torres4537]

Hey! Really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing those experiences with us. Now I know to always ask anyone at the school who do we do during lock down. Keep making videos!

[@theteachingbees7659]

Our student teaching was also a year long. We felt the exact same way !

[@berenicemartinez9238]

Girllllll I have stories too… thanks for sharing.

[@sashaandmujo]

My first day will be August 7th! So nervous!! This will be my second career and so I'm starting it at a later age than most. I am starting a theater program at the middle school pretty much from the ground up. Very nervous

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh my gosh, how FUN! That will be amazing!

[@sashaandmujo]

Thanks so much! And thank you for being an inspiration and for lifting up the teaching community!

[@BLANSTAR21]

I'm in California and luckily BTSA was covered:)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh good! My second district covered my second year and it was such a blessing!

[@DarinNakakihara]

"You're hired!...psych!" Please tell me none of these stories happened in my district 😬

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, thank goodness it wasn't! (But I did have a sort of similar experience in yours, just less corrupt! lol)

[@PeteMcCorvey]

You taught history in Long Beach? You achieved what is my ultimate goal. I want to get into teaching and I would love to move to Long Beach. How hard is it to become an educator in California? Seriously considering it after my tour of duty in the military is up in 2023.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

I've got a video on how to do it!

[@KarlaAkins1]

I'm a first year teacher in the public schools this year. I homeschooled and taught in private schools and subbed. I'm to be a special ed. resource teacher at a middle school. I'd love to hear your thoughts on working with resource teachers/inclusion!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

I was JUST thinking about that topic today! I think that's a really good idea!

[@Clearly517]

I like the curls :)

[@StephsMusicChannel35]

I'm student teaching starting in August, and I was placed at one of the most challenging inner city schools in my district. I'll be teaching 9th grade English. Since you've taught in so many different schools and at so many levels, do you have any advice for a brand new student teacher entering the classroom? I'm more terrified than excited at this point.

[@victoriaalejandrina5977]

Teaching Spanish to 7th graders with zero experience! I’m freaking out!!!! Lol

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

So fun!

[@sweetcuppincakes19]

I know this isn't teacher related, but I love the color of your eyeshadow! haha. what r you wearing on your eyes?

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Lol, thanks! I've been using the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette :)

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

No way. I volunteered at the YMCA next to CSULB !!!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Kate The Sleepy Teacher whaaaat, that's probably the one I worked for!

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

toocoolformiddleschool blog parallel lives :)

[@biancaarchetto2902]

I was just hired as a resource teacher for 7th and 8th grade ela and ss. I've only taught elementary school so I'm kind of freaking out. I want to make sure that I am fully informed on the curriculum, I am not sure what textbooks are used As of now but do you reccomend any books to study for either subject so I can have a refresher?

[@lizzystapula]

I will be a first year teacher with 8th grade English in Virginia! That means TWO standardized English test. Yeeesh.

[@ashleym9305]

Best of luck, I taught middle school for 8 years in VA. My favorite grade was 8th, but SOLs are tough. My advice: review year-long (use the first and/or last 15 minutes of class for spiral back and review).

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

How exciting! Have an amazing year!

[@eevee-chan9607]

The Los Angeles area is just bad in general for various career reasons the main one being: Highly competitive. If you don't need to be there, I'd suggest to move away. I now live in the middle of nowhere Missouri, and our district is tiny which means small classes, more staff and student support.

[@anock03]

It seems so hard to be a teacher in CA!! I mean shouldn't the school always pay for an induction program? What is credential? Shouldn't student teaching cover that. I thought MD had high expectations with Praxis scores and masters requirement but they give you time and my county pays for all of it. The pay for any class you want to take even doctorate level. Any course a teacher wants to take to further their education my county pays for. I feel very lucky, with everything it takes to be a teacher I'm surprised there is not a shortage

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Dang, I need to move to MD! I would have like $25,000 less in debt! That's really awesome that they invest in their teachers!

[@cindym6110]

Hi Megan, You should do the teacher partner tag. Michelle from pocketful of primary did it.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, a partner tag, what's that?

[@morgansilva2092]

It is where you do a q&a type video with you hubby. :) Pocketful of Primary released one today and i think is hoping more teacher vloggers will do the same. :)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh cute! My husband is so anti-social media, but maybe one day I'll catch him off guard, lol

[@morgansilva2092]

Hahaha my husband s just simply anti-social. :)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Lol!

[@amyandmink5158]

First year teacher here

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Best of luck to you! Have an amazing year!

[@heatherweber531]

is there a way to check if a district has BITSA or induction program?

[@DudelikeYEAH100]

Which middle school did you work for in Ymca? Jefferson?

[@learnhistoryandgeographyle7200]

one thing more your son is sooooooo cuteee :)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

aww thank you!

[@PianoByAndrew]

I teach piano lessons, in addition to my full-time music teaching job. I make slightly more teaching piano lessons 😬😬

[@lglez1535]

what kind of setting did you have when student teaching? urban? suburban? low-income? high income?

[@blackwoman3839401]

Damn! #thelockdownsaremadness

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

They are! I wish people would keep it together between 7 and 3! Lol

[@alexanderpadalka5708]

🗽

[@CuongTran-nz1wx]

Hay quá

[@nichwes08]

What is your schools demographic?

[@lexalina132]

I would be scared that one of your students was the shooter >.> Based on how they acted, yikes!

[@pterafirma]

Wow, it's almost as if the USA doesn't actually value education.

[@edithisaok580]

it doesn't. it's all about grant money.

[@donshin6717]

Hi im don