Carve Your Path: A Principal’s Letter To A First Year Teacher

Maggie,

As a professional, there are few things more challenging than being a first year teacher. The kids expect you to know everything, the staff expects you to know everything, and you expect yourself to be great at everything. It’s an incredibly heavy weight to bear and one that can quite often crush even the best of us.

You have made first year teaching look easy.

Before you can think of the words I know you’ll say, let me stop you -- Yes, you’ve had support. No, you’re not doing it alone. Yes, our school is an “easier” place than where some other folks have been. Still, the reality is that none of that matters. When a teacher closes the door to their classroom, he or she controls or struggles to control everything. You have done a masterful job in your space.

You have built relationships with children and adults. You have been open to feedback on instruction. You have set a standard for children in regards to what they will learn with you and how they will comport themselves in your space. You have done all of these things while creating an absolutely joyful space to learn. This, I can tell you from firsthand knowledge, is no small feat. It is something you should be proud of and take as your own personal victory.

As we continue through this year together, I have one ask of you, continue to carve your own path. You will receive a lot of feedback from Sharon, from TFA, and from Me -- I will always tell you that I’m right. You will be the one to determine the signal from the noise and use what you need. Remember, you know yourself and your children better than anyone else. I want you to be confident in your decision making even if it goes against what everyone is telling you. Do this job on your own terms.

Thank you for joining our team this year. I can’t wait to see what you do next.

Sincerely,

Matthew Ebert