12 End-Of-Year Pieces of Wisdom from New Jersey Educators

Congratulations, educators! You are halfway through the 2020/2021 school year. 

We know the past year has been particularly challenging for many, especially educators that have had to enter a whole new virtual world and quickly learn new skills. Take pride in yourself for all you have accomplished, the growth you’ve shown this past year and the dedication you’ve given your students. Your work is truly remarkable! 

For those ending 2020 with an empty gas tank, please know that’s okay; a lot has been asked of you this year! Always remember that your hard work has impacted many young lives. 

Take time this holiday break to recharge and indulge in what gives you joy. Doing so will help you get back in the swing of things and give your students your all. To help you gear up for 2021, here are 12 pieces of wisdom from mentor teachers trained by our program who survived their own first year in the classroom and are coaching new teacher colleagues to thrive.

1. Keep showing your students you care

“Continue to work hard with the scholars in mind. Keep showing them you care, keep showing them that they matter, and keep expressing that they matter to you. When the scholars know and feel that you really are rooting for them, they will give you their all. Love what you do and do what you love. Enjoy your journey, every journey is different.” 
-Pamela J., Third Grade History

2. Be proud of yourself

“I am so proud of how you did this year. Especially with how this year turned out. You rolled with the punches, you were there for your kids. These will forever be your kids and they will always remember you. You did an amazing job with your first year and I see so much promise in your future career.”
-Christopher K., Seventh Grade History 

3. You will be even better prepared for whatever’s next

“This [is] not your typical school year but your resiliency allowed you to learn how to teach virtually and you have done so with grace. This school year will prepare you for many years to come and I wish you all the best.”
-Nafeesa O., Kindergarten Lead Teacher 

4. Always stay positive

“Always stay positive and keep trying.” 
-Bhawna P., First Grade 

5. Be the change you wish to see

“It takes a village to educate a child. Be the change you wish to see in the world of education.” 
-Tamasha D., K-2 Basic Skills

6. Remind your students that you care

“At the center of our teaching must always be caring, compassion and love. Also, foster relationships with your students; when students know that you care, they will do anything for you!”
-Faye L., Principal 

7. You’ve planted a seed that’s waiting to bloom

“You were effective! Regardless of how hard the day felt, no matter how inattentive the class seemed, no matter how tough the student appeared, you were effective. A seed was planted that is waiting to bloom, so be sure to inspect the seed you are planting.”
-Carlene G., General Education 

8. Learn from the lessons of the year

“The lessons you learned this year will no doubt make you a stronger teacher. Commit to constant learning and self reflection, and remember that you DO make a difference in kids’ lives.” 
-Katie S., Sixth Grade Science 

9. Keep the mission at your core

"You have made the most honorable decision to educate the next generation of learners. 
As you have hopefully learned over the course of your first year as an educator, teaching is more than a job. It is a mission to equip students with the tools that they will need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Keep that at your core and you will be able to face each day with the same level of enthusiasm and integrity."
-Tiffany O., K-7
 

10. Every year gets a little easier as an educator

“I know the year ended on an unprecedented note, but it will get better. I know this is your first year and you experienced many challenges, but trust me - it gets easier every year that you are an educator. Keep up the good work, you are making a tremendous impact.”
-Davon R., Eighth and Ninth Grade 

11. Be kind to yourself

“If you can handle all the wrenches that were thrown at you this year, then you can handle anything that will come your way! This year was challenging for even the most veteran teachers; be kind to yourself.”
-Kristin H., First Grade 

12. Learn from everyone around you

“You are going to make mistakes, but don't let that stop you. Learn from it. Learn from everyone around you. Reflect and make it better. That's what will make you a great teacher.”
-Jennifer A., Fourth and Fifth Grade 

All images from the Rutgers Alternate Route 2019 summer mentor training session. 

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter for more information and stories from the field of education.