Five years ago, in the midst of one of the most tumultuous years in living memory, we had the privilege of profiling nine first-year teachers. These educators were just beginning their journey in the world of education, and we wanted to hear their stories and experiences as they navigated through their first year in the classroom. Now, in 2020, we catch up with them once again to see how far they have come and what lessons they have learned along the way.
As we all know, 2020 has been a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools to close and teachers to adapt to online teaching, a challenge that no one could have predicted. Despite these unprecedented circumstances, our first-year teachers have shown resilience, determination, and a passion for teaching that has only grown stronger over the years.
One of the first-year teachers we profiled back in 2015 was Sarah, who was just starting her career as a kindergarten teacher. She recalls the nerves and excitement she felt on her first day, and how she had to quickly learn to manage a classroom full of energetic five-year-olds. Now, five years later, Sarah has become a master at engaging and inspiring her young students. She has also embraced technology and has found creative ways to keep her students engaged through virtual learning. “I never thought I would be teaching through a computer screen, but it has taught me to be adaptable and to always find new ways to connect with my students,” she says.
Another first-year teacher we spoke to was Michael, who was teaching high school English. He remembers feeling overwhelmed by the workload and the responsibility of shaping young minds. However, he has since found his stride and has become a beloved teacher among his students. “I have learned that it’s not just about teaching the subject, but also about building relationships with my students and being there for them as a mentor and a role model,” he shares.
For some of our first-year teachers, the past five years have brought unexpected challenges and changes. Emily, who was teaching middle school science, had to move to a new state due to her husband’s job. This meant leaving behind the school and students she had grown to love. However, she saw it as an opportunity to start fresh and continue to grow as an educator. “It was tough leaving my first teaching job, but I have learned that change can bring new opportunities and experiences,” she says.
Despite the challenges and changes, all of our first-year teachers have one thing in common: their unwavering dedication to their students. This has been especially evident during the current pandemic, where teachers have had to adapt to a completely new way of teaching. From creating virtual classrooms to finding ways to keep students engaged and motivated, our first-year teachers have continued to put their students’ needs first.
One of the biggest lessons these teachers have learned over the past five years is the importance of self-care. As new teachers, they were eager to put in long hours and go above and beyond for their students. However, they soon realized that they needed to take care of themselves in order to be the best teachers they could be. “I have learned that it’s okay to take a break and prioritize my mental and physical well-being. As teachers, we give so much of ourselves to our students, but we also need to take care of ourselves,” says Rachel, who was teaching special education in her first year.
As we look back on the past five years, it is clear that our first-year teachers have grown both personally and professionally. They have faced challenges head-on, adapted to new situations, and continued to inspire their students every day. We are proud to see how far they have come and we have no doubt that they will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of their students for years to come.
In conclusion, the past five years have been a journey of growth and learning for our first-year teachers. They have faced challenges, embraced change, and remained dedicated to their students despite the difficult circumstances of 2020. We are grateful to have been a part of their journey and we look forward to seeing where their passion for teaching will take them in the future. To all the first-year teachers out there, we salute you and thank you for your unwavering commitment to shaping the minds of the next generation. Here’s to many more years of making a difference in the world of education.
