Reflections of a New Teacher: Overcoming Nerves While Having Hard Conversations
“Okay guys, it’s time for independent reading. Phones away and books out, please!” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I listened to the sound s of students rustling through their backpacks , digging through their belongings , locating their books. I quickly took attendance and sighed as I looked at George’s name. T he moment I had been dreading all week , my first real confrontation with a student, had finally arrived. I glanced at my mentor teacher who immediately met my eyes and gave me a quick nod of reassurance. I slowly moved from behind the large podium—my zone of comfort in the classroom—and began approaching George. He looked around distractedly, uninterested in choosing a book to read and unaware of the unpleasant and uncomfortable conversation to follow. I heard the sound of my blood rushing in my ears and felt my heartbeat increase in speed and intensity. I grimaced slightly a...