1. Believe in YOU!
Confidence is one of the best things you can wear. It doesn't matter how long you've been teaching, the way you carry yourself is important. I find that doing a little "posture check" at times when I'm feeling frazzled and frantic is especially important. Taking the time to realign myself (inwardly & outwardly) while taking a few deep breaths helps me to exude the positive confident self that I am, and not the little stress ball I feel like sometimes. Also, don't feel like you have to apologize or make excuses for yourself. We are all always learning. Treat yourself and others with respect and you'll be on your way to rocking your year.
2. Make the most of your mornings.
I hate feeling rushed in the morning! I've found that the way I start my day usually sets the tone for the day. I love sleeping in, but making the most of my time in the mornings seems to get things going in a better direction. I like to wake up with plenty of time for me to get ready, make my bed, eat breakfast, and have my devotions before I leave for work. Maybe making the most of your mornings includes time for you to workout, watch the news, or go over your lesson plans again. Whatever it is that you need to do to feel ready for the day, backwards plan your time so that you can be present in these important tasks as you set your intentions for the day.
3. Dress to impress.
Confidence in one's demeanor is definitely an important way to make a good impression. What you wear is one facet of having that confident presentation. One of my first rules for dressing to impress is find cute outfits that make you feel good. This goes back to confidence, you want to know that you are rocking what you're wearing so you can be ready rock your school year. In addition to wearing cute outfits, choose pieces that flatter your figure and are ironed! Don't show up for work looking sloppy. You might think people won't notice, they will. Take the extra time to put the extra effort into your look. You are worth it!
4. Start your day off right.
I make the most of each transition time. I start off every day (and every new class period) by greeting incoming students with a handshake. I start this routine on the first day of school. Teaching youngsters how to give a proper handshake sets the tone for your expectations of them as learners as well. I don't welcome students into my class until they've shaken my hand, looked me in the eyes, and responded to my greeting in an appropriate way. Starting the day off with a handshake and a smile shows my students I mean business, but I'm warm too as I greet them with saying their name, a compliment, or another greeting.
5. End your day in the right way, too.
At the very end of each day I say good-bye to my 5th Graders in a variety of ways. I tell them from the first day that they can say farewell by giving me a handshake, hug, or high-five. It's totally up to each student every day! Some students do a signature exit strategy, while others mix it up each day, and some even create special handshakes with me. No matter what, it's a perfect book end to the day as I personally remind each and every student how much I care about them.
6. Find a good "thinking partner."
We don't have to do this job alone. 🙌🙌🙌 I believe that we are better when we work together. Maybe your thinking partner is someone on your team, perhaps someone down the hall, or a connection you've made on Social Media. No matter who it is, it's important to have someone to collaborate and brainstorm with. This person should be someone you feel totally comfortable being yourself around. Sometimes you have to reflect on your successes and failures out loud to really let them sink in and process how to get better results next time. Your thinking partner should be someone you can talk to about these things and you can trust their advice without any fear of judgement.
7. Don't sweat the small stuff.
"Every day is a fresh start." "Mistakes are proof you're trying." These are things we say to our students as we encourage growth mindset within them, right? It's time we say these things to ourselves. If there is something you're doing that is taking a lot of time/effort, I would encourage you to reflect and reevaluate. Is there anything in your class that you're doing that a student could do? Not everything has to be totally perfect, find ways you can give jobs to students, streamline your workload, or just cut out things that aren't necessary. It will be a better use of your precious time and energy!
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| If you're interested in outfit details...
Houndstooth Dress: Old Navy
Black Tassel Earrings: Target
Apple Watch Band: Amazon
Gold Rings: Target
Black Heeled Sandals: Old Navy
Pencil Purse: Target
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