Phases of 1st Year Teachers

As your new teachers complete their first week of school, it is important to give some thought to their experiences and coming needs. First year teachers journey through a number of phases in their first year of teaching (Moir, 1990). Being knowledgeable about these phases, allows school districts to schedule training and support at critical times. These trainings can focus on the areas teachers have the most difficulty with or are prepared to learn more about during that phase. Below are a few of the dilemmas new teachers face during each phase:

1. Anticipation (1st - 2nd weeks)
   
1. excited about year
2. Survival (1st to 2nd month)
1. struggle to keep head above water
2. spending 70 hours a week on schoolwork
3. struggling to keep up
3. Disillusionment (at 8 weeks)
   
1. begin questioning commitment
   
2. overwhelmed with parent conferences, first evaluation, and back to school night.
3. classroom management major source of distress
4. Rejuvenation (January)
   
1. much needed winter break
2. acceptance of realities of teaching
3. focus in curriculum development and teaching strategies
5. Reflection (May)
1. highlight events that were successful and those that weren't
   
2. think about changes they'd like to make next year