This is my fourth year teaching middle school. I also coach 2 sports and I am pursuing my National Board Certification this year.
All I can offer is have an open mind about everything (co-workers, students, new techniques, "worthless workshops") and manage your time wisely. Also, remember, there is life outside of the classroom! I know my non-teacher friends get tired of hearing about groupwises, AR, lesson plans, grading, etc. I make it a point to not talk so much about it to my boyfriend...its bad enough its almost all I think about sometimes, I don't have to let everyone else endure it also! Be creative, ther are lots of good (and beware, lots of bad ones too!) internet sites with lesson plans and activities on them. If you need anything, or just want to vent, PM me!
