Chapter 14 Reflection

Chapter 14 begins by saying that as a new teacher “surprise is a big part of the first year.” Not only do they have to know their way around the new school but they need to learn how to accept the judgments of their principals and view them as a source of support. Also, new teachers encounter “mixed blessings” with thier peers. Some teachers can be an everyday source of ideas and tips but they can also have a negative influence in undermining a new teacher’s idealism, lowering his or her standards and offering no help at all to the new teacher.
A new teacher’s biggest problem is the effectiveness of whether or not their students are learning. The success or failure of a new teacher is measured on the the success of his or her students. Parent-teacher problems can be another issue for new teachers. In the evaluation of the students progress some parents may not agree with the teacher’s evaluation. Issues with social distances and overburdened parents is another factor. But it is the parents who often give the new teachers the sense of privilege and responsibility in being a teacher.
The chapter advices new teachers to take care of themselves. A new teaching job can be physically, emotionally and mentally draining. The stress and strain of a new job can set them up for minor ailments but it can also cause mild depression. Mild depression can lead up to new teachers not living up to their own expectations or not having established realistic standards and not knowing if they are succeeding or failing at their new position as a teacher.
The chapter advise giving special attention to your health. To deal with stress by trying to solve key problems that are a concern and to look for ways to relieve stress indirectly.