New Kids on the Block

So let me be forthcoming and admit that I know not ONE single lyric from a New Kids on the Block song. (Hey, I was born in '87. It's not my fault. lol) The title actually popped in my head as I was thinking about a lyric from a song of the early 2000's group, LFO (I know you're singing it right now if you're a true LFO fan) lol. However to the NKOTB fans, please know that the lyric by LFO specifically stated "New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits." So, you're welcome. lol. But seriously, the title of this blog post came to me as I sat and watched the 200+ new teachers that were in attendance at new teacher district orientation. We were the "new kids on the block," so to speak. If you don't follow me on Instagram (@faithfamilyandfifth), you may not know that I am headed to a new district this year. While it's my ninth year of teaching, I am feeling like a brand new teacher all over again as I get to know the culture of the district and school. I was slightly nervous....okay, who am I kidding. I was VERY nervous (lol); but as I scanned the room looking at all the faces and engaged in the excitement of the presenters, I felt my anxiousness begin to melt away. From the greeters when walking in, to the ease of registration, I felt a sense of peace. I am so excited to have this peace because it has certainly been a journey.

Watching the administrators greet their newly hired staff and the new teachers converse in their seats got me to thinking about not only the first year teachers, but the other educators like me who are embarking on new journeys, searching for fresh starts, and looking for peace as well. I am by no means an expert, but I wanted to share some things I thought could help with the transition to a new place. It can be super scary beginning new things, but I also see it as a way of cleansing. There's something about a fresh start that just makes me want to take a deep breath and relax. lol. Corny I know, buuuut if you know me in real life (and if you continue to follow my blog), I LIVE for a corny joke. lol. Let's get started.

1. Be positive- Let's lay it out on the table. There WILL be things you just aren't going to like or feel like doing in your new position. Maybe your new school has a different procedure for making copies that has you thinking, "what in the world?" Or maybe you have to be in a classroom that is.... uh, not so easy on the eyes (lol). Being negative, griping,  and complaining is only going to make the year rough. Instead, try to look at things from a different perspective. I know it can be easier said than done, but how different your outlook could be if you just think and speak positive. It's so very easy to get caught up in griping and complaining. I have certainly fallen into this trap before. However acknowledging that you need to "check yourself" is the first step. It's never too late to think positive. :)

2. Smile- Please understand that this goes for the folks that have new people coming to your school, as well as those going to a new school. Make people feel welcome! And if you're new, act like you want to be there! lol. The district staff was so welcoming at orientation and the people I have met so far from my new school have been nothing short of amazing. I know, every day won't be sunshine, poppies and pink fluffy bunnies, but the fact of the matter is if YOU smile, you will make yourself feel good and know that you tried. A very wise person once said "You're never fully dressed without a smile." lol

3. Be teachable- On day two of orientation, our agenda mentioned that we had a keynote speaker from 8:30-10:30. The topic? Engaging students. I can't lie. I immediately got annoyed that we had to sit and listen to someone speak for 2. LONG. HOURS. Especially going into my ninth year and having to listen to someone tell me how to engage students. Are you KIDDING me?! lol. But if I'm honest, that was one of the BEST keynote speakers I have EVER had the pleasure of listening to! I left that session with several new strategies I wanted to try. You see, I made a conscious decision to take it all in and "be teachable." It also helped that she, herself, was super engaging and HILARIOUS. lol. Being teachable doesn't mean you have to try everything new under the sun, but it does mean that you have to have an open mind. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is definitely not true in the profession of teaching. It's no secret that teachers attend a LOT of professional development. It's also no secret that the very mention of PD can be the furthest thing from thrilling. lol. However I challenge you open your minds and try at least one new thing you learned at PD this school year.

4. Be You- Always. Period. There's no one else like you. While you may be joining a new school environment, don't lose yourself trying to fit in. Your personality could be the very thing that your school needs to increase a sense of community and boost moral. Don't worry about impressing anyone, you are enough.

So to my New Kids on the Block this year, whether you are a veteran teacher at a new school or a brand-spanking-new first year teacher, go be great and make your lessons "a bunch of hits." (See what I did there. lol)

Until next time,
Nylor

P.S.- New to a new school or district this year? Let me know in the comments. How do you cope with new experiences?

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year

You finally got that call! “I would love to offer you a position at ABC Elementary!” You are ecstatic and super ready to get started. You’re nervous, anxious, and a whole bunch of other feelings you can’t put into words. Despite your fears, you dive in to your first year of teaching. But what happens when it’s not what you expected? What happens when your first year is a terrible, horrible, no good, very. bad. year?

I remember it like it was yesterday. My little cousin and I were leaving for the airport. We were headed to Connecticut to visit our uncle. Right before we picked up our things to head out of the door, the phone rang. It was the phone call I had been praying all summer that I would receive. The principal I had interviewed with just one day before called to hire me. I all but sobbed on the phone. Lol. You see, it was approximately 2 weeks before school was to begin and I had spent all summer trying to find a job. I was so thankful, grateful, and HAPPY! Unfortunately, that feeling didn’t last long. 

Fast forward to the week teachers started. I was completely overwhelmed. Now don’t get me wrong. I was still excited, however: 

1. I student taught in a second grade class and I was hired for 4th (I had a LOT to learn)
2. This school had a particular way in which they wanted you to decorate your room (in regards to brain based practices. I was a first year teacher aka I was broke. Lol. I was completely stressed about how I was going get all the things I was supposed to have.)
3. I had missed all of the vital trainings and district orientations that were offered throughout the summer since I was hired 2 weeks before school. 
4. This was my first real job. Helloooo! Wouldn’t you be stressed too? I was officially about to begin.... ahem. ADULTING. 😱 Lol. 

Even with all that on my plate, I made it to the start of school. Only two days in, I had my first disappointing experience.  A parent moved her child out of my classroom. Why? “He didn’t know division.” Apparently this mom didn’t think I knew what I was doing despite the fact that I gave out the same homework that ALL the other 4th grade teachers gave. Did I cry? Yep. Why? I was upset that she didn’t give me and chance and again, it was the same homework everyone else gave! From then it continued to spiral. One thing after another. It seemed that no matter what I did, I could not please my principal. In meeting after meeting. Session after session. Nothing I did was right in her eyes. This lesson was too long. This lesson was too short. This lesson I used the wrong term. This lesson I didn’t seem prepared for. 

I reached out to teammates for ideas and suggestions. I was spent countless hours grading papers, studying the state standards, and to top it all off, there was one particular parent who was convinced her child loved school until he came to my classroom (this child smiled DAILY in my classroom...). I was stressed out. Crying daily. Defeated. And confused. Then came one of the most hurtful things ever. I was told to “consider other career choices.” I couldn’t understand why something I had dreamed of for so long, something I knew I was meant to do, was turning out to be such a nightmare. Why was this so hard? Because it had to be.... for me. 

Now looking back, if  I’m completely honest, I didn’t get it at first. I had no idea all the extra work that went into teaching. And I believe it took me so long to “get it” because with all the suggestions I was given from colleagues, I was trying to teach like everyone else but ME. While I believe I was treated unfairly, I absolutely accept responsibility for what I COULD control. While my first year was awful, I learned so much from that experience. 

Needless to say I did not return to that school after my first year. I moved to an entirely different district where everything I did was right for a change! (But that’s a story for another time). While year one was horrible for me, and I did heavily consider not teaching anymore, I refused to let go of my dream. I knew in my heart that I wanted to teach. It absolutely crushed me, but I chose to believe what God had to say about me. 

My first year made me a better teacher and a stronger person in general. I learned to have confidence in myself, and be advocate for myself. I also learned that I can’t be anyone but me. Trying to teach like others is NOT the way to go. Lol. 

I am now entering my 9th year in education and I can actually say I am grateful for my first year of teaching experience. Not only would I not be the teacher I am today, but I wouldn’t be able to share my testimony with others. Also, since then, I have had the opportunity sit down with that principal and share with her my success. 😊

So, if you are a teacher that just finished your first year and it was similar to mine, KEEP GOING. If you are about to begin your career, BE YOU AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. If you are a teacher facing adversity at your current school, PUSH THROUGH. Finally, if you are a teacher that had the same experience as myself your first year but you chose to push through and continue teaching, share your testimony. You never know who it could help. ❤️ Until next time ✌🏾

Nylor

P. S. - The year wasn’t all bad. My husband (then boyfriend of course) proposed that year. ❤️

Doubt

It’s that nagging voice in the back of your head. The one that keeps saying “what if it doesn’t work out? What makes you so special? I’ll never get that job. ” It’s annoying, robs you of sleep, and and causes your thoughts to go back and forth like a ping pong match. You know how it goes. “Well if I do this I’d finally be taking a chance and being brave.  But wait. If I don’t , I’ll be safe. I don’t have to face criticism. Buuuut if I do it, so many doors will open. Ugh. No. Nevermind. There are too many people doing the same exact thing I want to do. It will never be successful.” Doubt will cause you to talk yourself out of destiny. And just like the enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy,” (John 10:10) doubt will seep in and steal the very thing that once gave you excitement and joy. We all face it. Some will pretend they don’t.  Thinking that admitting that they face doubt will somehow make them weak. Thinking that they need to “save face.” If that’s you, it’s my hope that you understand that a little vulnerability never hurt anyone.

I myself will be real about it and share that I am dealing with it right now. But honestly, I am TIRED of feeling like I can’t do it. I am TIRED of talking myself out of doing things. And I am TIRED of feeling like I don’t have what it takes to achieve my dreams. So today, I look doubt square in the eyes and tell it to GET OUT OF MY WAY! God has created me to do great things and I refuse to shrink away afraid. So, right now, at 10:35pm on June 12th, I am standing up to doubt by posting my very first blog post. As I stand up to doubt, I hope you will too. ❤️ Until next time....

Nylor