Dealing with Teacher-Stress

Teaching my first lesson in the classroom was indeed a joy and a challenge. As a student teacher, I understand that I won't get it right the first time but the over-achiever in me (which is probably in most of us aspiring-teachers anyways...lol!) wants to really do my best, so I did get stressed quite a bit in preparing for the lesson. As I prepared for the lesson, my MT and I went back and forth in creating the best lesson for the students. The day before the lesson, I made major changes to the assessment activity, which I believe turned out for the better. The delivery of lesson went ok. I had to look over my notes several times because I forgot what was happening next, even if I went over the lesson lots of times. At the end of the day, my MT gave me some feedback on my performance. She basically said that I did well, and she gave some suggestions on how to better the lesson. I really appreciate how she is very encouraging while giving constructive criticism.

In reflection to my first teaching experience, I think I could have done better, which is why I only said that the lesson went "ok". Partly, I think I was nervous and anxious because I want to do really well. Also, I feel that I need more practice with the delivery of the lesson. When I go over in my head the lesson plan I laid out, it's perfect! But the actual lesson seems to fall short of my personal expectations. So, what do I do now? Well, all I can do is move forward from this direction, no turning back. For the next lesson, I'm just going to prepare for it to the best that I am able to without stressing; I need to keep in mind that I am not trying to please anyone, including the MT, the students or even myself, but God alone because it's for His pleasure that I am walking in obedience with His will that's why I'm in the teaching credential program (keeping my priorities straight); lastly, I'm going to enjoy what I'm doing even if I make mistakes along the way. Hopefully, having this mindset will enable me to be more at peace in my inner being so that as I teach my MT's class, the lesson won't seem rushed or confusing, but instead, students will be able to maximize their learning because I'm more calm and collected, and hey, maybe (most likely) I'll learn from them too!