Open Letter to First-Year Teachers

The school year is upon teachers and students alike. After more than two months away from the classroom, the students return to school or embark on a new learning environment. No matter the case, teachers are waiting to teach a small to large group of students valuable lessons that can impact their future. The following is a letter to those who will be teaching classes for the first time. This is derived from my experience that I wish I could take back.

Dear First-Year Teacher,

                  Throughout his papacy, St. John Paul II would utter a battle cry that permeated throughout the bible. Those words were “Be not afraid”. It is applicable in every occupation and endeavor one faithful Catholic will choose no matter what is before them. You’ve entered an often thankless, stressful, and even rewarding field.

Thankless in the sense that many students won’t thank you for looking out for them or correcting their wrong actions. I had to endure some chastisement from parents who don’t raise their sons properly when they are disruptive and disrespectful in class.

It can be stressful when you have grades to put in whether it’s a pass or fail. The students fail a class and fail God in unlocking their potential when it’s not done right. For me, I had students who would act out regardless of what was done in class. They would make excuses like I don’t teach them when they are being disruptive in class.

Despite the two negative features, it can be rewarding. There will always be students who are thankful and inspired by your example. As a teacher, your main job is to instruct those who are hungry for knowledge. IT will not be an overnight success. Rather, it is an ongoing process.

The principal at the high school I taught once said, “Teaching is a vocation and a craft.” Teaching in the sense of a vocation is that many would enter the field. God calls us to be teachers. Sometimes that calling would lead them to the classrooms.

When it comes to craft, it is an opportunity to harness classroom management skills, build relationships with students and parents, help students understand the material they will learn in class, and most importantly become a professional in the education field. Often, put in the extra hours to leave work in the classroom and not bring it home.

Being a teacher has its rewards and challenges. Yet, it can also teach you. For me, I had to learn things like not raising my voice at students, being patient, and bearing falsehood towards me patiently.

I encourage you to never lose faith when things are not going your way. There were times that I could’ve easily lost faith when my integrity and character were attacked. When assigned a mentor teacher, be sure to set a time to meet with him or her. There

Never rely heavily on help from the administration as some are weak but a senior delegate from the teacher’s union. The principal and his vice principals are likely looking to find ways even if it’s unfair to not grow as an educator or even have a teaching position in the future. 

Take time to help students. Get to know them. I remember a speech Lou Holtz gave at Franciscan that can cut to the core of how to help mold students into growing in their pursuit of knowledge.

St. John Baptiste De La Salle once said, “Young people need the light of watchful guides to lead them on the path of salvation.” This can only be achieved when you strive to emulate Jesus, the ultimate teacher, through your vocation as an educator.

Be willing to teach. The ultimate lesson that will come from the job is from the students. Let them teach you.

Have a blessed school year. Pray, fast, give alms, and show mercy.