Don’t just survive...THRIVE!

“After completing my first two weeks as an NQT, I am proud to say I have survived...and thrived!”

So many people talk about surviving the first week, the first term, the first year and I totally get that! At times you feel fantastic - learning lots of names, socialising with colleagues, and keeping up with your busiest timetable yet! I felt amazing in my first week, it reaffirmed just how much I love my job after a long time off, and made me realise how privileged us teachers are to be able to impact young people’s lives everyday.

But amongst the highs come the tough moments. The moment when your constantly running to IT with teething issues, or when you confidently call ‘Henry’ ‘Harry’ and he gives you a dissappinted face, because you should obviously know all 400 pupils’ names within the first week without fault! Or when you have a no so good lesson, not quite reaching the plenary to check they’ve actually learnt something.

But do you know what? We can’t do it all! I promised myself after a busy training year, I would work towards a better life-work balance, well aware it would take some practice. I promised myself I wouldn’t miss out on family get togethers and quality time with those that matter most because I wanted to “get ahead”. Obviously, my plan to keep working until later at school and not bring any work home hasn’t always worked, but its a proud moment if I manage it just once a week!

I’ve tried to stay positive wherever possible (which isn’t always easy). Small, simple and quick ideas to spread positivity have been a massive help these past two weeks. I make sure that every member of staff I pass in the corridor - whether I’ve spoken to them before or not - that I say ‘good morning’ or ‘hi’ as we both head off to teach. And, I made my Year 7 form class little ‘Well Done’ cards for doing so brilliantly at their first two weeks of high school, and making sure they feel appreciated in 7L!

Another lesson learnt...surrounds yourself with good people! Surround yourself with people who support you, help you, and appreciate you. It makes all the difference!

That’s all for this week! Apologies for being quiet, it’s been manic! A good manic though... I think! Well done to all teachers - new and returning - you’re all doing a great job!

Have a fantastic term! 7 weeks to go, we can do this!

Until next time,

Miss B :)