phases of teaching

This article outlines the different phases a new teacher goes through.

Anticipation - July, August

Survival - September

Disillusionment - October, November, December

Rejuvenation - January, February, March

Reflection - April, May, June

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next few months...

A combination of stress, exhaustion, illness, and overwhelming responsibilities can throw a new teacher into a "pit of despair." Your tendency may be to focus on what hasn't been accomplished and what has gone wrong over the past several months. Report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and your first teacher evaluation are looming. Classroom management issues can be discouraging. Self-esteem may be at an all-time low. Many new teachers consider leaving the profession during this stage.