This year is my 30th year of teaching elementary music. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. It’s been a fun, exciting, rewarding, exhausting, comical, stressful, fulfilling career.  As I come to the last semester of teaching, I’ve been reflecting on some things I wish I knew as a young teacher. So, in Raisley Rundown style, I’ve created a list for you!

1. Buy GOOD shoes. As a young person, I bought all the cute flats and sandals in all the latest styles. I have experienced foot, ankle, knee and hip problems as a result. Here’s the truth, teachers. You are going to spend the next 30 years on your feet on the hardest type of flooring ever created.  You need shoes with arch supports and ones that stabilize your feet and ankles, at least for working hours! PAY the extra money for shoes that are good for your feet.

2. Take the sick days.  The first few years you will want to be very wise with your sick and personal days. Take off when you are really sick, but try to end the first 3-5 years with days some of your days saved up. You’ll need days for when babies come and emergencies. However, DON’T CRAWL INTO WORK SICK. If you find yourself feeling extra frustrated and hating going to work, TAKE A SICK DAY!  Call or email your principal and say, “I’m afraid I have to use a sick day today.” No explanation. Just speak and hang up.  At the end of your career, no one thanks you for perfect attendance. In fact, in my district, they will pay teachers $20.00 per accumulated sick day up to 90 days.  That’s almost a slap in the face to your worth. If I had to start all over again, I’d take the days off to take care of my mental health.

3.  Find one trustworthy work friend.  Trust me when I say that not every teacher you work with will be trustworthy with your thoughts and feelings. Yes, grown-ups will run to the principal and tell on you if you complain/ vent to them or question school policies, administrative directives, etc.  I learned the hard way my first year of teaching when I told my MENTOR that I was overwhelmed. She ran to my principal and told her that I hated the job and wanted to quit.  DON’T TRUST JUST ANYONE.  Be cautious and observant during the first months of school. Pray for wisdom in selecting your friends and ask God to lead you to the right people. You definitely will need people that you can share all your frustrations with who will not share with others.

4. Do something for yourself every day. Teachers are the busiest people alive. You will be subjected to more paperwork than one could ever imagine. There will be meetings, conferences, staff development sessions, committees, after-school events, and did I say meetings????  Take a minimum of ten minutes a day to do something you love, just for yourself.  Here’s my list of ideas to get you started:

• Read a chapter or two of a book that has nothing to do with teaching.
• Keep a devotional book or inspirational book on your desk to read after school to refresh.
• Take a nap.
• Exercise.
• Play a game on your phone or favorite device.
• Focus on your hobby. Plan a craft for the weekend. Shop for materials one day after school. Then give yourself the time to create.
• Go out to dinner on a weeknight with a friend.
• Buy yourself breakfast or coffee before school each Friday.
• Watch an episode of your favorite show.
• Call your mom or another friend on the way to work each Monday for a few minutes of joy.

As I have reflected on these past 30 years, I found it strange that all of the things I wished I had known when I started had nothing to do with the art of teaching, but had everything to do with taking care of your own self.  Perfecting your craft is very important. I’m not denying that, however, taking care of yourself is the most important factor in being successful in the long run. I wish you all many years of successful teaching!

Listfully yours,

Vicki