“In order to be “one of the above” you have to begin
by being willing to be ‘none of the above.’”
When we are young, we spend so much time trying to fit in
and be like everyone else. We think that if we are like everyone else, we will belong.
Teens want to be part of the group and not stand out. They
want to blend in because they think that if they are like everyone else, they
will be accepted. It is this desire of acceptance that leads many down a dark
path. When they finally realize that they don’t need to be like everyone else
and that they can be themselves, they can shine in their own self-acceptance.
This is a hard lesson to teach students. They don’t believe
that I understand how they feel. They think I’ve forgotten what it is like to
be their age. They think that things are different during this time than it was
when I was there age. Though events may be different, I don’t believe
individual feelings and desires have changed that much.
In the same respect, I feel that new teachers are in the
same boat as a teenager.
New teachers want to belong to this new group they have
finally been able to join. They want to look like all the other teachers and be
accepted. They want to be just like the veteran teachers so that they won’t
stand out.
But I think it is important for new teachers to stand out.
Their enthusiasm and excitement are sometimes a needed shot in the arm for
veteran teachers. New and innovative ideas come from these new teachers. While
overall teaching hasn’t changed a lot, fun new strategies can be shared by new
teachers. Sometimes veteran teachers may get a
little dusty and it is this influx of new teachers that can get rid of
the cobwebs and bring new life to a faculty.
I like to encourage new teachers not to be afraid of their
newness. Don’t curb your excitement about your new career. Be willing to share
your new ideas and don’t be discouraged if the veteran teachers are not as excited
as you are. Be willing to try your new ideas and if they don’t work out as
planned, keep trying.
But also, don’t think that you know everything and that the
veteran teachers need to be put out to pasture. New teachers can learn a lot
from veteran teachers’ experiences in the classroom. Be willing to listen to
advice and if you disagree, just listen and do your own thing. You don’t need
to debate everything that you don’t agree with.
Being a new teacher is a wonderful thing for all. It usually
takes a few years for a new teacher to feel accepted. Sometimes it happens when
another new teacher arrives the next year and you are no longer considered the
new teacher.
It is okay to be unique and stand out. This may be what is
needed in order to be successful in the classroom and even in real life.
How do you stand out? Please share.
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