The First Year Feels
What is “anxious” or “butterflies” (or "nervous excitement")?
This emotion describes feeling both excited and nervous at the same time on your first day of teaching.
What is “proud” or “accomplished”?
When your lesson plan works perfectly and your students are engaged, you feel this uplifting emotion.
What is “overwhelmed” or “exhausted”?
A new teacher might feel this when grading 120 essays in one weekend.
What is “encouraged” or “supported”?
This emotion could arise after receiving helpful feedback from a mentor teacher.
What is “self-doubt” or “impostor syndrome”?
This complex feeling may occur when you question whether you’re “good enough” for teaching.