Before becoming a teacher, I assumed it would be as simple as delivering lessons and watching kids learn. But I quickly realized that teaching is so much more—every child is unique, no two days are the same, and the surprises never stop coming! Here are five things I wish I had known before stepping into the classroom.

1. Teaching is 10% lesson plans and 90% Classroom Management

No matter how great your lesson plans are, if your classroom management isn’t in place, they won’t work. Building relationships with students is key—every child thrives on connection. You need to understand who they are and what interests them to truly engage them in learning.

Structure and routine are just as important. Think about your own daily habits—maybe you set an alarm to wake up and get ready for the day. You know what to expect each morning. If you live in a big city like I do, you might even leave early to beat traffic. But what happens when you oversleep or there’s an accident? You feel thrown off, maybe even panicked, but eventually, you adjust and get back on track.

Students need that same sense of predictability and stability in the classroom. When they know what to expect, they feel safe and ready to learn. Even when things don’t go as planned, they’re more likely to adapt and stay on task because they’re familiar with your routines.

If you’re looking for classroom management tools, check out my Amazon Store for some of my must-haves. I also recommend browsing Teachers Pay Teachers—some amazing resources have helped me in the past!

2. Your Teacher Bag Will Weigh as Much as a Small Child

You will carry almost everything—an extra pair of shoes or sandals, a change of clothes, a mini first aid kit, extra coffee packs or pods, paper, snacks, energy drinks, and more. And just when you think you have everything you need, you’ll find yourself adding even more!

To make your life easier, invest in a rolling cart or a strong tote bag—it will save your back in the long run. If you’re looking for ideas or inspiration, check out my store link for some of the must-haves I carry in my daily teacher bag!

3. “Teacher Tired” is a Whole Different Level of Exhaustion

No one understands teacher exhaustion quite like teachers themselves. You’re on your feet all day, answering a thousand questions, juggling responsibilities, and barely finding a moment to breathe.

A quick tip? Prioritize sleep and manage your caffeine strategically. There will be days when you consider sacrificing 15 minutes of your lunch for a power nap. But in the real world of teaching, let’s be honest—“What lunch?”

Most importantly, take care of YOU. To keep my energy up, I stick to a simple routine:

• Exercise at least 3-5 times a week (nothing too crazy!)
• Pack a light lunch so I don’t feel sluggish
• Prepare as much as possible in advance—lesson plans, copies, and materials
• Manage my time wisely to avoid staying late after school for unpaid work

I have amazing colleagues, but I’ve also fallen into the trap of talking too much and losing valuable prep time. Prioritize your tasks so you’re not stuck at school long after the bell rings. Your time is valuable—use it wisely!

4. No One Prepares You for the Randomness of Kids

Your students will sometimes come to you with the most bizarre, hilarious, or unexpected stories. They might excitedly share something fun from their weekend, or they may open up about personal family matters that aren’t so pleasant. This is why building strong relationships with your students is so important.

Being a listening ear is a huge part of teaching. Ask them how their weekend was, show interest, and create a space where they feel heard. But setting boundaries is just as important. Students need to understand when it’s time to share and when it’s time to listen and learn.

To help with this, I incorporate an SEL (Social Emotional Learning) block into my daily schedule. This gives students a structured opportunity to express themselves and connect with me and their classmates.

That being said, some students will approach you at the most inconvenient times—like when you’re eating breakfast or focused on getting work done. A good rule of thumb? Give them 30 seconds to get their thought out. If it’s not urgent, kindly tell them, “I’d love to hear more later, let’s chat after class.” But be warned—kids remember everything. If you tell them you’ll talk later, they’ll hold you to it!

5. Teaching is the Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love

You will face challenges, but it will all be worth it. Watching my students grow is what fuels my passion for teaching. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a lesson come to life and knowing I played a part in their learning journey.

As a teacher, you make one of the biggest impacts on a child’s life. While education is a partnership with families, you are the one spending the most time with your students during their waking hours. That responsibility is huge—but so is the reward.

Teaching is an amazing, wild ride. There is never a dull moment. It takes a lot of energy and effort, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!