How can I build my confidence?

Question

I worked my way through college in a daycare, and last year I was a special needs aide...but I've been interviewing for my first teaching job and today I got The Call. I'm terrified! I'll be a first grade teacher in a very diverse school--which is an area I have some background in.

What should I do to feel confident and prepared for the first day?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You got "The Call" for a reason, you are the person "they" were looking for! Just remember to smile, and be yourself !  The students will be a little scared too, that's natural. The first day.and week of school deals with school rules and paper work, so go with the flow!  Introduce yourself to them and a little of your background.  Have the students stand and tell the class a little bit about themselves, you could prepare the questions,  like - how old? what do they like to do for fun? Do you have any brothers or sisters? Pets? Birthday?They will be excited, curious and "the class" will grow together!

What ever you tell the children, always follow through. Be fair, and answer their questions without too many details.  Children will try to see what they can get away with, be consistent with discipline. For every week, starting with the first day,   pick a line leader, door holder, caboose, a pencil sharpener, for example. Always tell them they've done a good job: when they do and never yell! Have them raise their hand when they need anything, this works for me and keeps the class under control. Don't let them get out of their seat w/o permission, again, they raise their hand. Follow your class plan as closely as you can, does the school have planners or daily reports that go home?  Reward them when they remember to bring it in everyday!  Send a letter to the parents introducing yourself and let them know they can contact you, via email or phone. When you get to know the children and parents, you will be able to take that breathe you're holding in!

I feel you will do a great job, teaching is a VERY important job and make it fun and they will learn!

  

Answer 2

Fighting sports is always good to build self confidence.  Join a dojo, wrestling or boxing team.  A summer of that and he will think he can walk down the street and own it.

Answer 3

I'm also going to be starting my first year really teaching this year and I totally know how you feel! I think she's right that you can't let them see you sweat. You have to allow yourself to make mistakes and be ok with that and be ok with changing things around if they aren't working. Have a plan, backup plans, and be flexible. And like she said- smile and act like you know exactly whats going on. Well good luck! I'm nervous as heck for the first day but we have to realize that its just one day out of the whole school year.

Answer 4

Lots of little things will make your first day go smoothly:

*Get there really early on that first day.  Give yourself at least an hour before the kids arrive to double check that everything is in order and you haven't forgotten any small details that you notice other teachers have done.

*Remember that kids (like animals) can literally smell fear.  If you fake confidence though, I promise they'll never know the difference.  First graders will be a lot more nervous than you and you'll probably have your hands full just keeping the kids (and their parents) from crying.  

*Make a list of the things you need to do that day and the order in which you need to do them and check these off as you go through the day (making sure they all know how to get home after school; explaining certain rules or procedures; passing out letters to go home; etc...).  Ask other teachers for help...they'll be glad to give you tips on what should be on the list.

*Make sure the kids have a coloring sheets or something similiar (and super-easy) on their desks to keep them entertained while you deal with paperwork.

*About 10 minutes before the kids arrive, sit at your desk, take a deep breath and say a quick prayer.  God knows your needs better than you do.

You'll be great!  I remember the feeling and believe it or not, I still get first day butterflies every year (and this will be year 11).  It's okay to be nervous...you can channel that energy as long as you're organized and have a game plan you can refer to if you get flustered.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Try as much as you can to research the school, then find out as much as you can about the students that you are going to teach.  Talk to their previous teachers if possible, but steer clear of negativity so that you can make judgments about students yourself.  Once I learned somethings about the students, then I could begin the actual teaching process. More importantly, be yourself.  Don't be afraid to admit your mistakes, take time to really get to know the kids, and learn, learn, learn. Good luck and welcome to the teaching world.

Answer 6

Thats simple.  Find where your talent lies and practice what ever it is till your good at it.  Having an advantage over others is an excellent way to boost your confidence.