On podcast episode 255, I open up about a chapter of my life that’s been in the making for a while. Yes, you guessed it – I’m talking about returning to the classroom after a hiatus. My journey back to teaching has been a blend of excitement, challenges, and self-discovery, and I’m here to share my insights, personal experiences, and practical tips that I hope will be of immense help to all the wonderful teachers out there who are preparing to teach again.
Let’s kick things off by addressing the elephant in the room – that undeniable pull to return to teaching. For me, this journey began with a strong, undeniable longing to be back in the classroom. Even though I’d been running my business and pursuing other ventures, the call of teaching remained steadfast. It’s okay to follow your heart’s desires, even if it means stepping back into a role you’ve been away from for a while.
Keeping My Certification Active
One of the first practical steps I took was ensuring that my teaching certification remained active. For those who’ve taken time off, maintaining your teaching certificate can be crucial. I’ve been diligent in keeping up with required professional development (PD) hours, and it’s truly rewarding to know that my certification has remained intact.
For example, one of the questions I was asked during the interview was, “Are you certified?” I immediately said yes! If I wasn’t, I would’ve turned into panic mode and said to myself, “Oh my gosh, I need to get re-certified!” This step not only streamlined my reentry process but also gave me a sense of accomplishment and professionalism.
Embracing Online Education
When the opportunity arose to teach virtually, I was thrilled. However, stepping into the virtual classroom is a totally different territory to navigate. I began researching extensively, diving into the world of online education. I gathered articles, YouTube videos, and resources that offered insights into virtual teaching techniques, classroom management, and engagement strategies. This research helped me build a foundation for creating a successful online learning environment.
In full transparency, a month ago, I found out the virtual school I would be teaching at decided not to open their doors after all. But… I’m excited that I’ll be teaching preschool and elementary music at a private school and will be talking about this more in September on the podcast and right here on the blog. So, stay tuned for that!
Adapting Strategies for Virtual Success
Transitioning from traditional teaching to virtual instruction required some creative thinking. I took the time to adapt my teaching strategies to the online setting. I considered how I could create engaging experiences for different grade levels, maintain student participation, and foster a sense of community virtually. This preparation made me feel more confident about my virtual teaching journey.
Curating Digital Resources
In the digital realm, resources are essential. I began curating a list of websites, YouTube channels, playlists, and templates that aligned with my teaching goals. Having a well-organized resource bank not only saves time during the school year but also enhances the quality of online instruction.
Redefining Classroom Management
Bringing effective classroom management to the virtual setting was a puzzle I was determined to solve. I spent time reevaluating my procedures and expectations to fit the online environment. How would I keep students engaged and attentive during virtual lessons? How could I address discipline and encourage active participation? These questions guided me as I crafted my virtual classroom management plan.
Crafting the First Week
The beginning of the school year is crucial in setting the tone for the months ahead. I spent considerable time planning out the first week’s activities, introductions, and schedules. I knew that being adaptable and flexible would be key, but having a well-structured first week helped create a sense of stability for both students and myself.
Reflecting and Iterating
The early weeks of teaching are a learning curve. Reflecting on my experiences after the first few weeks allowed me to identify what was working and what needed adjustment. It’s a continuous process of refining lesson plans, adapting strategies, and fine-tuning the virtual classroom experience.
Preparing for Differing Family Schedules
Knowing that I’d be teaching again called for some changes in our household’s schedules. This means that I’d have a different schedule than my kids or my husband. Some of the things I needed to consider are 2 weeks of PD and how my family and I could work around that, different spring breaks for me and my kids, and also different, albeit slightly, winter breaks. It took some time to wrap our heads around these things and we had to prepare ourselves for these changes.
Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
Balancing my teaching role with running my business and family commitments required strategic planning. I realized that I couldn’t be fully present in all areas simultaneously. Creating systems, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks became essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This approach ensured that I could give my best to each aspect of my life.
One major change I knew I needed to do was to delegate tasks in my business. Before, I was the only one doing everything! But now, I’ve hired a podcast manager and a virtual assistant slash social media manager to help me manage my business better. I also have a community manager who helps keep engagement going in my Facebook groups. Having a team by my side ensures that my business is going smoothly without me doing all the work, so that I can balance my roles and responsibilities more easily.
Embracing the Challenge
Returning to teaching has its share of challenges, but it’s also a remarkable opportunity for growth. Embracing the journey with an open heart and mind has been crucial. Imposter syndrome, doubts, and fears may arise, but I remind myself that I am equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion to excel in this new chapter.
Are you preparing to teach again? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
