From building relationships to navigating the ins-and outs of a new job, the first year of a career can be a stressful and confusing time. We are asking recent alumni entering the first year of their career to tell us their goals, worries, and more. Then we will check back with them at the end of the year. Meet Haley Burton, who graduated in 2021 with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and History.

Where are you working and what grade are you teaching?

I am working at Ruskin High School in Kansas City, MO. I am teaching Modern World History and AP World History to 10th graders. 

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to be with students in person every day of the week. I have met some of my students during open house and I cannot wait to meet everyone else soon!

What are you most nervous about?

I am nervous about the stress that comes with the first year of being a teacher with lesson planning and the overall workload of it all. I know that I will have more than enough support coming from my teacher mentors and instructional coaches, which I am very thankful for.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be?

I think the biggest challenge will be helping my students figure out how to be full-time and in person again. While I am super excited to have them all back, I understand that they may still be struggling to readjust. I will do everything I can to make sure they are supported through it all!

What do you feel most prepared for? Least prepared for?

I feel the most prepared for building positive relationships with my students. I have been working with kids since I was 13 and got even experience/confidence working with my virtual/in-person kids during student teaching. I feel least prepared for teaching two preps at once as I have not done it before, but I am excited about the challenge!!

Finally, what are your biggest goals or hopes for your first year of teaching?

My biggest hope for my first year of teaching is that I create an environment within my classroom that allows for my students to not only create goals for themselves but provide them the necessary tools to achieve those goals.