Two words for new teachers starting this year

From Flickr Creative Commons by CMa

Be Yourself

These are the most valuable words I can share with you as venture into the most nobel profession the world has ever known. You will be faced with times where you think you should act a certain way to impress a colleague, but I assure you that you do not want to create an image that is not true to yourself.

Kids respond to the real you. The real you got hired to teach these kids, so why be someone else? I struggled with who I wanted to be in school and if it would be accepted by my peers and the students in my class.

Once I decided to fly my nerdy flag proudly, much of the stress of the day to day was gone and I was surprised at how nerdy some of my fellow teachers really were.

I made stronger connections with my students and learned more about them when I was more open with them.

I love what I do and I know that I have been successful because I am proud of who I am and I wanted to let the world see the real me.

I wish you and all returning teachers the best of the luck this school year.

Your PLN is here for you if you need anything.

- @TheNerdyTeacher