How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety as a New Teacher

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Show Notes:

I vividly remember a day when I was teaching in my very first classroom. One of my colleagues, Lorraine, walked into my classroom and said to my students, Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have Ms. Friesen as your teacher?

You would think that her comment would make me feel incredible, but instead, I felt like crying. I could feel myself shrinking inside. If she only knew what a bad teacher I considered myself to be. At that time, I felt like I was failing my students every single day.

Even though I was giving it my all, the stress and overwhelm of being a new teacher got to me and I was so scared that other people - especially my admin, other teachers, and the parents of my students - would eventually figure out that I literally didn’t know what I was doing. In fact, I spent a lot of time in my first three years of teaching feeling like a complete fraud. Can you relate?

Now that I have distanced myself from that time,  I can tell you what I wish I could have told myself when I was a new teacher.

I wish I could have told myself that you can’t do anything differently than the way that you are doing them because this is all new to you. You are learning, and as long as you are trying and putting in the effort, then your best is not only "good enough," it's more than good enough.

I would tell myself that your first step in reducing the stress and overwhelm that you’re feeling as a new teacher is to acknowledge that and give yourself grace during this season.

I'm hopeful that what I share with you today is going to make a big difference for you in terms of helping you reframe, and think a little bit differently about stress and anxiety throughout the entire school year, not just at the beginning of the year.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• Why giving yourself grace will make you a positive role model for your students.
• How to use your mistakes as important learning experiences.
• The incredible things that happen when you stop taking yourself so seriously.
• How to focus on the positive rather than feeding into your stress and anxiety.
• A gentle reminder that what you’re doing is enough.   

 Don't forget to check out my FREE masterclass: 6 Ways to Make October Spooktacular!

Click the image below to grab your FREE 20 Self-Confidence Boosters (PDF & 2-Part Audio).

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

• Sign up for my FREE, 8-Day Challenge for New Teachers Who are Hired Mid-Year!
• Watch my FREE, On-Demand Masterclass: 6 Ways to Make October Spooktacular (available until mid-October only).
• Grab your FREE DOWNLOAD: 20 Self-Confidence Boosters (PDF & 2-Part Audio).
• Learn more about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy.
• Join our Beginning Teacher Talk Private Facebook Group.
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram.

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Confidence Crushers: 3 Things to Stop Telling Yourself as a New Teacher
• How to Be Confident when Communicating with Parents
• How to Stop Doubting Yourself (As a New or Student Teacher)
• How to Cope with Sunday Night Anxiety: Yes, it is Real, and Yes, You are Normal
• How to Be Confident as a New Teacher

• How to Dress as a Teacher: Inexpensive Teaching Outfits that are Cute, Practical, and Professional

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