Whether you’re a brand new teacher, new to proficiency, or simply trying new things this year… It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes you have a great lesson that inspires (and requires) more time on the next lesson. Other times, a lesson or new idea falls flat leaving you scratching your head for how to improve for tomorrow.

The more you reflect the harder it can be! There is always so much to do and never enough time to do it. Aghhh! #teacherproblems

Here’s what you need to remind yourself (or a friend or the teacher next door):

Little by little, one goes a long way. 

I learned this in Spanish first. “Poquito a poco, se va lejos.”

You can’t change everything overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day either.

For new teachers: Don’t worry about an AMAZING lesson every day. Aim for 1 per week. When you reach that, try 2 per week. Try new things, see what works, and observe other teachers. It’s so hard at first, but it will get easier!

For teachers new to proficiency: Take the first step. Whatever they may be for you… Use a proficiency rubric to assess student progress, try a performance assessment (scenario) at the end of a unit, or (brace yourself) don’t take off points for grammar goofs!

For teachers tryings new things (stations, technology, PBL, or desks in groups instead of rows): Learn to accept little failures as a part of the process.

Nothing works perfectly the first time. That’s okay. Learn from it and move on. Oh, and don’t give up after one failure. Success takes time.

So if you’re to-do list is a little too long and you’re feeling lost…

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Pick one direction and focus on that journey. Little by little, you’ll get there!