Readers may recall that I posted a desperate plea from a struggling new teacher. He posted a comment months ago, but I kept pushing it back to make way for pressing news. So I posted it a day ago and just heard from the new teacher. Here is the report:
I might be posting this for the second time…but I can’t figure out how this works. Oh well. Hello! This is the new teacher, a few months later. I had no idea that my post was reposted! Reading the responses has made me feel much less alone.
Thank you for taking the time to give me some advice and hope! To retiredbutmissesthekids, I am not in Illinois, but I’m still in the Midwest (Minnesota.)
I am happy to report that since I originally posted my thoughts on Diane’s blog, my experience has improved. As you advise in your post, I found a great mentor in the reading specialist at my school.
Although she has many responsibilities, she takes it upon herself to model and co-teach lessons with me. She checks in regularly with me and my students and helps me navigate the scary world of formal observations. I have learned so much from watching and talking with her. I feel so much calmer and more competent.
I do yearn for a kindergarten environment like the one you described. But I’m starting to feel confident that I’ll be around when the pendulum swings back (it has to, right?) Thanks again for your input.
To all new teachers out there: it’s true; finding an ally and mentor will give you the professional (and emotional) support that’s so necessary year one!
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Glad to read that this person has found a mentor. Also glad to hear that the veteran teacher has agreed to work with this person.
The most effective schools have a system in place that provides a mentor for each new teacher. I wish each school did that for each first and second year teacher.
Many already do already….public schools.
Stay strong. It’s rough at first, but the rewards are immeasurable!
Good for you, (Great) New Teacher!!! Squeaky wheels DO get oiled and, in the future, they, themselves, become the oilers. One day YOU will be a great mentor–perhaps you’ll be one of those super administrators, like Bridget or Carol Burris, and have an immense impact on teachers who will, in turn, love their stress-less (NOT stressless–it will never be that when you have all those precious children to watch, teach and worry about), but stress LESS–the day that is coming where the testing, the RT3, and the madness end (thanks to Diane, the Garfield Group, P.A.A. & all you stalwarts out there who, just by commenting, are beginning to change this mess), and education in America gets back to where it should be. Congratulations to you and to the reading specialist (r.s.–you are magnificent!). Final advice: love your kids and have fun in the daily, exuberant world of kindergarteners. They are a joy, as are you!
Thanks for the Shout Out! I don’t have any magic bullets, but I remember my first year teaching like it was yesterday and I still remember the best advice I have ever heard. That advice came from a friend who was also a first year teacher. I was lamenting that I was struggling with some behavior problems and always felt overwhelmed by so much to do and so little time to do it. She told me that I was being too serious and that I forgot how to have fun with the kids. She reminded me to take time to laugh with the kids and have fun. That one piece of advice has gotten me through many tough times. I will never forget the teachers who helped rescue me throughout that first year, but it took a friend to remind me that the most important ingredient is establishing a relationship with the kids. So, don’t forget to take time to laugh with your students.
Our little TFA at church agrees that schools need veteran teachers. She is rapidly becoming one of us, about to finish her Masters and realizes she is not yet ready to be an administrator although she wants to be a Special Education Director. This is her third year.
A TFA becoming one of us…the truth will set you free.
A Special Ed. Director IS an administrator! (sometimes unfortunately- although I have often praised all of my principals to the skies, our SpEd Directors {& Coordinators} were all TERRIBLE {w/one exception, & he was GREAT!}) And, no, I would advise her that, indeed, even with a Masters, she does NOT have enough years in to be an administrator. IMHO, one should have 8-10 years
(at the VERY least, 5). Perhaps I am being conservative, but I have seen way too much damage (in my 35 yrs.) inflicted by those who did not have enough teaching years in before they became admins.
Also–again IMHO–a SpEd Coordinator or Director MUST have teaching experience in MANY areas of SpEd, (LD, BD, ED, DD/Multiply Disabled, ASD, etc.), as well as resource experience (so that person understands the gen. ed. classrooms) & with many grade levels (E.C.,Primary, Intermediate, Middle School) if one is in Pre-K-8. And–for that–I say 8-10 years. Again, I’ve had too many inexperienced SpEd admins (one who, for example, had taught regular ed. for years, got her L.D. endorsement, then became a SpEd Director–she didn’t know/understand ONE thing about the other areas aforementioned, yet she foisted her authority on those who knew better than she (including the parents). WHAT a tragedy for the children!