Today the second year teachers came in to school and had a panel session with the incoming first years. We answered their questions and gave advice, all without administrators in the room.

We had some good advice, including take time for yourself, don’t do work all the time, ask people for help, don’t be afraid of administrators or department chairs, talk to people, and of course, stay organized (I should have followed that tip a little more last year). I think the 1st year teachers appreciated hearing from us. I know I appreciated it last year.

This meeting made me realize that I am really, truly, officially, not a first year teacher. What a weird feeling! Lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed as I’ve been researching AP English information and getting nervous about teaching that class. I have a severe case of inadequacy; I want to make sure these students get great opportunities, but I am still learning myself. So, it was actually a good feeling to realize that I do have a year of experience. I have ideas that are backed up by actual moments in the classroom. I am not completely inadequate.

Going back to school and saying hello to all the friendly faces reminds me that now I am really a member of the community, not a new person in the community. It’s nice to be welcomed back by students and teachers and to feel like I belong. I’ve started to set some roots down.

Of course, this realization does not take away my feeling that I have so much to learn. It just makes me realize that as I begin a new year and take on a new prep, I have a foundation to start from.

A foundation is a wonderful thing to have.