I survived week one...

I survived week one! And if you're reading this, that must mean you did too! Congratulations, the first week of school is no easy task. I'm Caitlin and I teach Math to freshman and sophomores. I am super excited about this semester because I will actually be co-teaching Math 1 Honors with a colleague.  I am excited to see how we can better serve our students together as a team rather than all of the responsibility falling on just one of us. I don't have too much else to share about my classes just yet, so I'll share a goal I've set in order to feel more prepared each day and to feel less rushed going in to my 5th year of teaching.

I've set a personal goal for myself to just stay one week ahead. Sounds easy, right? Nope. I can remember my first couple years of teaching and how it was ALL I could do just to keep my head above water. Throw in changing schools, teaching a new course, and getting married... let's just say this didn't make it any easier. However, in order for my sanity to be saved I need to stay ahead.  Whether that's with lesson plans, creating new/supplemental material, or just making copies, it puts my stress level at ease knowing those things are already done. I feel prepared and confident when I walk into my classroom each day and I actually feel like I'm doing less work at home than I used to do.  I'm happy to say I've been successful thus far (week 2)... here's to hoping I can keep up with staying ahead in the weeks to come!

How do you lower your stress level? Have you mastered the art of staying ahead? I'd love to know what works for you!