As a new preschool teacher, I myself have felt this way at one time or another. Below you will find some ways that I feel are good ways to cope with what I call "new preschool teacher fatigue".
Find a Preschool Teacher Mentor (Outside of your workplace). Even if the individual you choose is not in the teaching profession, they will be a shoulder to cry on and will lend you their ear when you have had a bad day at work or need someone to open up to.
The reason I stated this tip "Find a preschool teacher mentor (outside your workplace)" is because if your mentor is working alongside you, you may have to deal with the most dreaded of all situations with this person: office politics (which can make any friendship fizzle fast.)
Join a Professional Organization such as NAYEC. Joining a professional organization allows you to network with other individuals in the early childhood education community. You can never go wrong with too many contacts and those that can vouch for your good reputation and work ethic.
Another perk of your membership includes member benefits such as subscriptions to on-line and print magazines, discounts, and message board posting capability.
Find a Hobby Outside of Work to Deal with Stress or Learn Stress Reduction Techniques such as yoga or bio-feedback. Calming hobbies such as reading, knitting or taking yoga classes help take your mind off of the stresses of work and let you enjoy and live in the moment.
Create a folder on your bookmarks or favorites bar of the top sites you use for lesson planning. This enables you to easily find the sites you feel are the most beneficial teaching resources and allow you to focus on your planning rather than surfing the net needlessly to find pertinent, appropriate and quality information.
Begin a Preschool Lesson Planning Library. Start to buy books or fill binders with photocopies of interesting lesson planning materials you have found. Separate photocopies by topics (ex. dogs) and subjects (math, language arts etc.) and center type (science center, dramatic play etc.)
By starting a preschool lesson planning library you will be able to quickly and efficiently create weekly plans in a snap.
Try to walk the fine line between teacher and friend. This is definitely the most difficult of all "new teacher" situations. On one hand, you should be seen as a teacher that deserves respect. You want the students to listen to your teachings and instructions. On the other hand, you want your pupils to feel secure, loved and cared for in your presence.
In order to retain this respect, make sure to use a direct tone of voice, make eye contact and stay firm to your convictions. One slip and the children will find a way to manipulate you into doing or saying exactly what they want you to do or say.
I hope this information helps you retain your sanity and improve your teaching techniques during your first preschool teaching year.
For a little more inspiration read the following poem about the most important reasons for being a preschool teacher:
What Are You Doing Teaching Preschool added 3-4-02 Original Author Unknown
There are those days when the logical mind says, you must move on and do a better job of supporting yourself.
Those days when the logical mind say, why did you choose this career, it is not reasonable.
If the heart can still the mind, then the answers are apparent.
Perhaps logic did not play a great part in choosing our jobs as teachers.
If we are truly teaching life's most important lessons to the little ones.
The lesson of love, to love oneself unconditionally and to share that love with others.
Perhaps we were guided and chosen to be in this place.
For teaching love in a crowded, confused and often angry world, is not something everyone can do.
Though our wallets may not be overflowing,
How many people are hugged and told they are loved by the people they work with each day?
How many people own original art works created expressly for them?
How many jobs allow you to wipe away tears and make the world a better place for others?
How many people are allowed to see a tired, weary world through fresh new eyes, where all things are possible,
To hear laughter and joy for no big reason, just for being.
When the logical mind say, what are you doing teaching young children,
Listen to your heart one more time.
There are those days when the logical mind says, you must move on and do a better job of supporting yourself.
Those days when the logical mind say, why did you choose this career, it is not reasonable.
If the heart can still the mind, then the answers are apparent.
Perhaps logic did not play a great part in choosing our jobs as teachers.
If we are truly teaching life's most important lessons to the little ones.
The lesson of love, to love oneself unconditionally and to share that love with others.
Perhaps we were guided and chosen to be in this place.
For teaching love in a crowded, confused and often angry world, is not something everyone can do.
Though our wallets may not be overflowing,
How many people are hugged and told they are loved by the people they work with each day?
How many people own original art works created expressly for them?
How many jobs allow you to wipe away tears and make the world a better place for others?
How many people are allowed to see a tired, weary world through fresh new eyes, where all things are possible,
To hear laughter and joy for no big reason, just for being.
When the logical mind say, what are you doing teaching young children,
Listen to your heart one more time.
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