Do most teachers get nervous when the new year begins, and they have to meet their new class/classes?

Question

It's well-knwon that kids often get nervous, but I don't think people really think of the teachers. I think it must be kind of hard to have to stand up in front of a bunch of kids you aren't familiar with, especially the fact that they're kids, and might be mean.

I mean, I know I've always been shy just sitting in class quietly, nevermind having to initiate everything in front of a class. One teacher of mine once said that she doesn't get nervous in front of kids though, only adults.

Answer 1

Yes, I am much more nervous in front of adults!   I quite enjoy a new class and new year.  It is a little like starting a new exercise book - all nice and clean, no blots on the page.  And a little like Christmas as I like my classes for their different characters; in that first lesson you have not yet unpacked the fascinating individual that is neatly staring at you from within the new school uniform!  Later on the teaching and learning is within a framework of knowledge of that character - sometimes you challenge, sometimes you use humour or cajoling.  It can become more relaxed.

Answer 2

Absolutely.  I DESPISE the first couple weeks of the year.

Answer 3

I've been teaching 22 years, and I get so excited that I can't sleep the night before I meet my new kids!  I teach high school (grades 9-12).  I've been that way since I started school!!  LOVE IT!  Everyone gets to start with a clean slate, even those who may have failed the year before.

Answer 4

All of my colleagues get nervous before the start of new classes and most of us have school nightmares of some sort.  I'll start having crazy dreams about 2 weeks before the start of school, usually along the theme of being unprepared and getting a class of angry kids.

I think it is normal to get nervous about the unknown.  And I have to agree with your teacher friend...it is much harder for me to speak in front of adults than kids.

Answer 5

Yes, we do.

But there's also excitement...and dread.

Normally, we all feel a bit jittery and hopeful.

Some teachers claim they feel nothing of the sort, which is sad because it's a new year, a new beginning and it's exciting.

Answer 6

I think at first they probably do