New semester tips
Take heart, New Teachers!


If you’re a private music teacher, you likely began your new session at the beginning of January.
If you’re K-12, you likely will begin your new semester this week (if you didn’t begin it last week).
Let it be a reset.
I got a little bit ahead in my lesson plans to give myself breathing room. Last week, I learned a made a major error in data collection that was required for my job. I shared that mistake not just with the principal but also with the other members of the team. This helped alleviate a lot of stress because I am now getting the support I need, and that’s what I need for the new semester.
Do what you need to do.
For those of you who live in the midwest and east coast, we have a few more weeks of gray cloudy days with the possibility of snow and ice storms. This impacts our mood.
For those of you who are new to education and have decided that this was a terrible choice, please consider waiting until June to make any permanent decisions. The rhythm of the school year changes after the first semester. You’re learning a series of new skill sets, and if you’re like me and you’re used to being at the top of your game, you may be feeling like this is just not for you.
Wear comfortable clothes that make you feel good. Eat well. Drink a lot of water.
You’re doing great!