With the 2023 school year starting, new teachers at All Saints’ Episcopal School are adjusting to their new school in different ways. Just like students, teachers experience lots of change throughout the summer. Every year we get new teachers and though they might seem like they have it down, it can be difficult. Teachers moving jobs also means moving classrooms, new ways of teaching and some even moving to new states and cities.
Like students, new teachers experiencing changes can be good and bad in many ways. “The biggest difference I have noticed is the student’s attitude toward learning and towards teachers. Most, if not all, of the students are very eager to learn and work hard. This is a pleasant change since I would essentially have to beg students to do their work at my previous school. The students are also really nice about making sure they thank me as they walk out of my room. At first, I thought this was odd since I had never seen this behavior before; but I really appreciate the kindness the kids have shown me.” Says math teacher Britney Rich.
With most changes in anyone’s life, it leads to adjusting which can look different for people. Rich says One of the ways I am adjusting is allowing myself to make some mistakes. I am giving myself grace when I do not say something correctly or as I learn a better way to teach throughout the day. The students are keeping up and doing their part to make sure that they help in any way they can. Another way I adjust is by giving myself plenty of time to try to figure things out. Along with basically being a first-year teacher for the third year in a row, I am also a new homeowner and a newlywed. It has been a struggle trying to balance all of these things well, so giving myself time and grace is the only way it is possible”.
Working at private schools such as All Saints’ has many benefits in many different ways. “Smaller classes and the lunch have absolutely been a benefit! My biggest class in public school was 29, my biggest here is 16. It is just so different but in the best way”
Finally, “the biggest challenge of moving is the freedom I have to teach what I want. The thing with freedom is it also comes with an equal amount of responsibility. I do enjoy getting to go at a pace that works for my students; however, it is hard knowing how to cover everything and making sure I get what is important.”