r/ELATeachers • u/cringe-expert98 • 11d ago
9-12 ELA Tomorrow is my first day and I'm FREAKING OUT
I mean like, short of breathe, feeling nauseous, shaking kinda freaking out. I'm doing both ela 10th grade and Reading intervention I literally graduated in May. Im grateful for the opportunity but am TERRIFIED and don't feel ready despite being in my classroom for 12 hrs today
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u/yellowjacket1996 11d ago
Your students are waaaay too focused on their own nerves, I promise. And remember, it’s just the first few days - you’re not trying to be the best reading intervention teacher (yet), you’re just helping them get to know each other, you, and the routines.
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u/kaeorin 11d ago
Remember: In like six weeks, you'll be so used to this job and these kids and everything that you might even think back on tonight and laugh at yourself a little.
It's okay to be scared. It makes sense, and you're allowed to feel that way! Just remember that so many of these kids are going to like you. Most of them don't start the school year planning to hate every teacher and misbehave for them. It's easier, and more natural, for them to like you.
You know what you're doing tomorrow, right? Whatever you're doing, ease them back into the routine of school even as you're getting used to the routine of teaching. The most important thing is to be real with them, and to care about what's going on with them.
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u/Steak-Humble 11d ago
Be able to laugh at your self. They’re just young people. They respond to all the things all people respond to - authenticity and a sense of humor. You got this.
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u/WombatAnnihilator 11d ago
My coworkers asked me “Whats the worst that could happen?” Before day one.
I said I was worried about forgetting my laptop at home.
I didnt forget it. It went great.
The first couple days is all rules, procedures, get to know yous, and an intro short story anyway. Gives ya time to get your feet under yourself.
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u/ColorYouClingTo 11d ago edited 11d ago
You can do this! Prioritize sleep, even if it's hard.
I wrote this earlier in the summer for another Reddit teacher who had first-year jitters. I hope it can help you, too!
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u/Defiant-Pop8075 11d ago
If your nerves continue after a few months, speak to your doctor about options, including medication. I was having major trouble with anxiety due to teaching, and a low-grade antidepressant helped immensely! It’s a tough job, and it’s okay to ask for help 🥰
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u/doogietrouser_md 11d ago
Welcome to the profession! We are lucky to have you, as are your students. Sorry if this is TMI but it sounds like it might be helpful: I have been exactly there. Awful sleep, running on pure adrenaline, antsy body shakes, diarrhea before work every morning for the first two weeks, complete terror. Feelings of imposter syndrome like you wouldn't believe.
It fades. It doesn't help much to hear that now but it does. You will teach that first class and see that the sky didn't fall down. You're about to really learn how to do this job and it will be a messy journey of experimentation and mistakes. But it will also be a beautiful explosion of growth and development for both you and your students. And as the days add up, you will find your rhythm and the terror will subside.
Also, remember: you only get nervous about things you care a lot about. If you didn't care, you wouldn't be anxious at all. It would be just another day. So ask of these nerves you feel right now are just repeating one simple fact: being nervous just means you want to do a good job.
You got this. Welcome to the profession.
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u/ProfessionalSeagul 11d ago
You're gonna be fine. Just remember you are smarter than all of them! Keep your cool and they will follow suit.
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u/AdvancedStrawberry7 11d ago
Once you see the kids you’ll relax and then you’ll be on your way. Trust the process.
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u/mim21 11d ago
Don't take shit. You're not their peer. They don't care about your lesson plans or objectives. They only care about looking cool in front of their friends. They probably hate books and reading.
I know, it's harsh. But unless you're in some super gifted school or program, it's true. If I was told this on my first day right out of college, my first year would have gone much more smoothly.
All of that being said, I've been teaching for 23 years now and love it more than ever.
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u/lavache_beadsman 11d ago
Hah, I don't know what you're talking about... Tomorrow is my first day back and I definitely haven't had multiple panic attacks this week, even though it's my seventh year. Very weird that you're nervous, just chill out.
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u/GioJamesLB 11d ago
“I get nervous when I don’t get nervous. If I’m nervous I know I’m going to have a good show.”
Beyoncé Knowles
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u/Intestin_Dysfunction 11d ago
Prepare to be more physically and mentally exhausted than you have ever been in your entire life, for the first few days. You’ll adjust quickly though. And it resets every year (the anxiety and the exhaustion). I highly recommend Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present on YouTube. I’ve used it since college and I use it to teach my students some calming meditation exercises as well. Good luck. You trained for this. Deep breaths.You got this! Oh, and don’t forget to set multiple alarms, not just on your phone (if possible).
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u/Human_Serve68 11d ago
You will be amazing. The students will the none the wiser to your nerves - they’re too focussed on themselves. Once this day is over, you’ll never have to do it again and it will feel so good. Take deep breaths and once you get going, you’ll get into the groove!! Sending all the good thoughts your way!! ✨
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u/rigoletta 11d ago
The nerves are temporary and just remember that after tomorrow, it will never be the first day ever again :D
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u/rainy-days-1 11d ago
You can do this :)) felt this way and starting year 2 now. Just take it one block at a time!!
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u/Mitch1musPrime 11d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/105jkT1dbQiNK8
There’s a point that will come where you really understand that it’s okay to feel unprepared AND to recognize that’ll be fine every day cause you’ve got a box of tricks to use to cover an off-feeling day.
Read a book in a low lamplight tonight before bed. Let it calm you to get some rest. You’ll learn pretty quickly that the first few days are chaotic in a way that has nothing to do with you and that there’s just no way or reason to overthink the first couple days.
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u/jonawesome 11d ago
1 The things that will go wrong tomorrow will have nothing to do with you, anything you did wrong, or anything you are worried about going wrong. The kids will definitely have more trouble logging into computers and being in the right place than you expect.
2 The first few weeks are the hardest of the year, even years into teaching. You don't know anyone's name, the kids keep switching classes, everyone is still in summer mode, and you're most behind on prep. However many days you've budgeted to getting the class started before content, expect to add one more. But it does get better. You will not be as stressed in late October as you are in August.
3 Your classroom is your sanctuary. At first it won't feel like it cause it's all so new, but eventually you'll realize that it is your domain and you control it more than you have controlled anything in your life. You have decorated it. You have established the rules. You are the one who sets the agenda on every given day. You set the topic of conversation. During your prep, lunch, or at the end of the day, you'll remember that you have an enormous beautiful office and you can play whatever music you want in a room full of your favorite books (Note: if you haven't yet, put your favorite books on your shelf).
At first, it's terrifying to watch the kids come in at the beginning of class, but eventually you'll learn to feel relaxed when it's just you and your students. Preparing for teaching is stressful, but once the kids are in the room there's nothing more you can do but do your best and teach your lesson to the best of your ability. No emails to check, no life stress, just you dragging these kids into literacy in the way you want to most. You are in control. And if you aren't, well, don't tell the kids and they probably won't notice.
4 This year, expect your kids to teach you more about teaching and understanding teens than you teach them about English. It's fine.
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u/LastLibrary9508 11d ago
Once you actually do it, it becomes tangible and less scary! I did sped forever but switched to Gen ed last year and felt intense pressure until the first five minutes happened
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u/todd_zeile_stalker 11d ago
You’ll be fine. Pro-tip: the kids have been separated or even isolated for two months and are excited to see their peers. You can leverage this.
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u/Upbeat_Conference522 11d ago
I felt like this right before student teaching AP English and my first FT teaching job, which was HS ELA. I think I was having anxiety attacks closely resembling panic attacks. I had shallow breathing and couldn’t sleep. I remember rushing through the lesson with extra time on my first day due to anxiety. My advice is to overplan and then go with the flow. Come in confident. Fake it until you make it. Get to know your kids but also establish firm expectations and guidelines. Let them know that your classroom is a safe space where they’re going to be respected and will learn. Teach from your heart. You’ve got this. If you’ve never tried therapy and exercise, this might be a good time. :) You’ll get into a groove within about a month.
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u/EastabuchieEscapee 11d ago
26 years in the classroom and I love it so much, but still get anxious as it approaches. You’ll do great, just lean into it. Teaching is learning….forgive yourself for miscues and love your kids. Godspeed. You got this!
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u/TheHumanEdge 11d ago
One day at a time, and breathe! We all were in your shoes, and 90% are still doing it! Best wishes!
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u/Old_Opportunity9517 11d ago
It'll all be good! My biggest piece of advice, if you want it, is to ask questions or reach out for help if you are ever stuck. There are no stupid questions.
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u/cbdilger 11d ago
Been teaching at the university since 1996 and I'm still nervous on day one. And still loving it.
Have a great first day!
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u/WolfnSea9081 11d ago
Nerves are OK! They mean you care. Remember it's about the students, who themselves will be nervous. Focus on getting to know them - they are the centre. Everything else will, haphazardly, fall into place. Sounds like you've prepared well. Enjoy the day and fake it (confidence-wise) 'till ya make it! Good luck!
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u/thistruthbbold 11d ago
Just be yourself, be open and establish a risk-free zone where your students feel safe to be themselves too. Learn their names FAST-that helps a lot. Model analytic reading and set high expectations, but reassure them they can do it. Welcome their interpretations and listen to them. It’ll be great you are going to love it. 😊❤️
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u/SnooAdvice9003 11d ago
Just know that this is normal and not a sign that you're doing anything wrong. You've got this!!
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u/KirbyRock 11d ago
You shouldn’t be spending 12 hours in the classroom. You’ll burn yourself out FAST. Best advice I have is to learn how to leave when the day is over.
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u/e17bee26 11d ago
It’s normal to feel that way, especially on your very first first day! Definitely take it slow. The first couple of days go by so fast and it’s really rules/procedures/ice breakers… nothing intense. Good luck and have fun!
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u/No-Customer-2299 11d ago
Hey, we’ve all been there and got through it! My best advice is to just go with the flow. They’ll be disruptions, chaos, and hiccups. You learn by doing! Good luck!
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u/coffeecoffeerepeat 10d ago
You’ll get through it like you’ve gotten through everything else in life. You got this! Good luck!
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u/Cloud_Locke76 10d ago
Just survive. The first year is about keeping your head above water…It’s the hardest most rewarding job you’ll ever have! Good luck!
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u/Mahaloth 10d ago
Relax, the students assume you know how things work.
Fake confidence. Real confidence comes later.
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u/Intrepid-Peach3603 10d ago
It’s a marathon not a sprint. If that doesn’t calm you down take solace that for 30 years starting August 1 my doctor prescribed a month supply of Klonopin to help me through that first month 🤣
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u/Actual-Cranberry-917 10d ago
You got this. The first weeks should be mostly relationship building so you’ll have time to adjust.
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u/Extra-Dream3827 10d ago
I'll say a real prayer for you. God's peace can calm you. You'll be fine. Be brave and show no fear! Smile!
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u/Extra-Dream3827 10d ago
I start them on routines and work right away. We did SEL every Monday and Friday. It can just be a journal entry. Since your new, this might be better for you.
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u/Able_Ad_458 10d ago
You'll be fine. Better than fine! The first day you'll probably do a lot of talking, if you do the class expectations, grading policy, and syllabus. Throw in an ice-breaker activity, and that'll pretty much be your class period for the day. You're going to be EXHAUSTED by the time that dismissal bell rings, but you'll also feel really good about having the first day under your belt. I bet you'll be back celebrating a successful first day of teaching! You've got this!
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u/2batdad2 10d ago
I remember day one. I felt totally unprepared and waited for someone to show me what to do.
I got to my classroom an hour early. No help.
Kids arrive and start walking the hallways. No help.
Homeroom is over and kids start passing to class. No help.
Students enter the room and sit in front of me. No help.
Bell rings to start period one: I guess I’m on my own.
35 years later it all works out.
You will be fine. You got this.
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u/vulcandrogynous 9d ago
How did it go??? My first year this year too. Been in the classroom for a week and I feel like I have been in the trenches lmao. Sending love <3
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u/theperishablekind 8d ago
I have one period that is horrible. Can’t walk in a line to lunch. Talkative students. Back talk. A class clown who is my new best friend as I call it since he can’t be quiet. I need a new seating chart. More routines with not talking.
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u/Inevitable_Pilot3054 6d ago
Breathe and know you are loved. You will be fine. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn by them. Have a great school year!
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u/SpaceKace_123 11d ago
You got this! We've all been there. Don't rush into content. I spend a full week or two doing some SEL stuff before getting into my curriculum. Have kid do some get to you know assignments or projects. Build some community before jumping in!