5 ways to boost your confidence as an elementary school teacher 💪 🧑🏻‍🏫

First things first, let's recognize that teaching is hard work!

It's so easy to feel as if you're not doing enough or not doing things the right way. You're not alone.

New and veteran teachers alike can find themselves discouraged in this profession. As a former elementary teacher myself, I want to share what I've discovered to be the most helpful when it comes to boosting my confidence as a teacher.

Perfection isn't the goal, growth is! When you make a mistake, own it and move forward. Your students will learn just as much from how you handle a mistake as they would from a perfect lesson, maybe even more so.

For example: Let's say you taught students how to do a math problem incorrectly. Simply backtrack, let your students know it was incorrect, and teach it the correct way instead. Now, going forward, you know the best way to teach that problem.

Let your classroom be a place where trying, failing, and learning are all part of the process for everyone. Be confident in how your mistakes help you grow.

Setting clear boundaries is essential for sustainable teaching. With students, it creates safety and consistency. With colleagues, it helps you manage your time and energy without guilt.

For example: Only check your work emails during contract hours. This helps keep your work life and personal life separate, helping you feel more refreshed when you return to work.

Boundaries aren't barriers, they're a form of self respect and personal clarity. Boundaries create consistency. Knowing what to expect will increase your confidence going into each day.

You don't have to do everything on your own. Teaching should be a team sport. Try reaching out to some of your resources:

• colleagues

• instructional coaches

• admin

• former professors

• mentor teachers

Reach out, ask questions, and share what's working or what's not. Collaboration isn't a sign of weakness, it's a way to strengthen your practice. With strong practice comes higher confidence in your abilities.

Confidence in the classroom starts before the day begins. When you plan ahead, you free up your mind to be:

• present

• flexible

• responsive

Even a rough outline helps you stay grounded and focused, especially on busy days.

Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

Knowing what comes next during a busy day prevents uncertainty, which is often a major source of anxiety. Find confidence in being prepared!

Teaching is deeply personal and demanding. It's easy to be your own harshest critic, but self-compassion matters. Give yourself the same grace you give your students. Progress takes time, and your effort is enough, even on the most difficult days.

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it. Be confident in the amazing teacher that you are!

To gain your confidence as an elementary teacher, remember to do the following: