Stop doubting yourself, Emily
A few days ago my principal stopped by my classroom while I was working. We had just spent a full day working in our PLCs (Professional Learning Communities)-groups of teachers in the same content area. I am working with the 6th grade science teacher and the other 7/8 grade science teacher. Our heads were spinning as we had just been presented with a new way of structuring our year. I could go into details, but it would just be confusing. Essentially we set a goal, implement common assessments and strategies in our classrooms, collect data, and then analyze if our strategies are working throughout the year. We had been slightly overwhelmed trying to set a goal that would be measurable and attainable for the year. Ultimately we chose to work on the skill of summarizing with our students. I was having doubts about whether or not this was a good goal for science, and when my principal came around to check on us, I started with "I'm not sure if we're doing this right but..." That's when she exclaimed that there was no right or wrong way to do it. We just need to trust ourselves.
Later when she came in my classroom, she told me to stop doubting myself. I'm only a second year teacher, but sometimes I'm afraid to take risks, especially with my job. The words rang in my head throughout the day though. I sometimes lack confidence, and when I have it I don't always show it. Why shouldn't I, dang it? I'm a dang good teacher! Not great-but getting better! I can do this, and be good at it. I can present in front of the staff and manage 30 kids at a time, so why can't I trust myself with a decision!?
This was a good lesson for me that was bigger than teaching. I can be indecisive. I'm sure it's annoying to people around me. "I don't care, what do you think?" "Doesn't matter to me..." "I'll do this, only if you want to..." Sometimes it's better to just trust myself and make a decision, with charity towards others of course.
As school approaches (T-4 days!) I'm going to remember this moment throughout the year. Stop doubting myself. God is walking with me every step of the way. With His grace, I will have my classroom ready. I will figure out the 8th grade curriculum. I will be a good team leader. I will make a difference this year.
Later when she came in my classroom, she told me to stop doubting myself. I'm only a second year teacher, but sometimes I'm afraid to take risks, especially with my job. The words rang in my head throughout the day though. I sometimes lack confidence, and when I have it I don't always show it. Why shouldn't I, dang it? I'm a dang good teacher! Not great-but getting better! I can do this, and be good at it. I can present in front of the staff and manage 30 kids at a time, so why can't I trust myself with a decision!?
This was a good lesson for me that was bigger than teaching. I can be indecisive. I'm sure it's annoying to people around me. "I don't care, what do you think?" "Doesn't matter to me..." "I'll do this, only if you want to..." Sometimes it's better to just trust myself and make a decision, with charity towards others of course.
As school approaches (T-4 days!) I'm going to remember this moment throughout the year. Stop doubting myself. God is walking with me every step of the way. With His grace, I will have my classroom ready. I will figure out the 8th grade curriculum. I will be a good team leader. I will make a difference this year.
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