Letters to a First-Year Me

By: Allie Hearnden, STF Communications

Every year on October 5, communities around the globe pause to celebrate World Teachers’ Day. This is a day to recognize the profound impact teachers have on shaping lives and strengthening society. This year, Saskatchewan teachers marked the occasion by sharing something deeply personal: letters to their first-year selves.

These letters, written by teachers across the province, are filled with wisdom, encouragement and honest reflections. They offer guidance not just for new teachers, but also for anyone navigating the complexities of the classroom.

Here are some of the most powerful lessons shared.

LEAD WITH KINDNESS

Before students remember the lessons, they remember how they were treated. These reflections speak to the power of connection.

“ You will never regret showing kindness. Even when a child tests your patience, choose connection over correction whenever you can. Those are the moments kids remember.”– Jennifer, Humboldt

“ As long as they feel loved, valued and welcome, then I’m doing enough.” – Solana, Regina

“ All of the time, effort and care will be worth it. Spending time building relationships with your students will make your days in the classroom easier and more meaningful.” – Natalie, Red River

“ Believe you make a difference even when you can’t see it. Your presence, kindness and thoughtful intentions have more impact than you know.” – Carla, Craik

“ You are going to do a great job with the academics, so stress less and connect with your students. Let the students know you care and let their parents know you care.” – Kim, Swift Current

FIND YOUR CIRCLE

Teaching isn’t a solo journey. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague or a community, support systems make the hard days manageable and the good days even better.

“ Go to the staff room regularly. Your connection with staff will keep you afloat when the classroom, and everything that comes with it, weighs you down. The people around you, your teaching partner, your EA, your secretary, all are the connection pieces that make coming to school on those hard days worth it.” – Marina, Lloydminster

“ I wish I knew how much the STF can help if you find yourself in a difficult workplace situation. Looking back, I now know that I didn’t have to feel so alone.” – Jessica, Saskatoon

“ Get a good mentor who makes you feel seen.” – Amanda, Regina

“You aren’t on this journey alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues for support or advice. Your first year teaching is hard enough as it is; don’t make it harder than it needs to be by not asking your colleagues for help.” – Kendra, Lloydminster

TEACHING ISN’T ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

You don’t have to have it all figured out to make a difference. These reflections show how adaptability helps teachers meet students where they are.

“ No matter how much you plan, write out lessons word for word, or make a pretty bulletin board, you will never ‘feel ready’ so trust yourself and know that you are effective and that you can do this!” – Cassandra, Yorkton

“ Be flexible. Plan, plan, plan, so that when things go sideways you have something to come back to. When you choose to go away from the plan to have some fun, you know where to come back to.” – Andrew, North Battleford

“ Classroom management is not mean! As a matter of fact, it will help you to build a stronger relationship with your classes. They will trust that you have their back and see that you truly want them to succeed. That rapport building with students is so important.” – Rebecca, Saskatoon

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

You can’t pour from an empty cup. These voices remind us that caring for yourself is not just important, it’s essential to being the teacher your students need.

“ Give yourself the grace you provide others. You are doing the best you can.” – Angela, Moose Jaw

“ Practice what you preach. Mental health, self-care and not being afraid to say no are things that you will teach your students day after day, but when you finally start taking your own messages to heart and practicing them, you’ll become an infinitely better teacher.” – Bailey, Regina

“ Take care of yourself. If you can’t be an effective teacher with the time and resources available to you, that’s an issue with the system and not a personal flaw.” – Shelley, Saskatoon

“ Take a deep breath and remember that boundaries between your life outside of being a teacher and work are healthy and normal. Connections matter, but connection happens with kids, so turning off your email alerts won’t hurt your connections in the classroom.” – Tessa, Maymont

“ Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re a bad teacher; it means you’re learning.” – Aidan, Saskatoon

These reflections offer more than advice. They’re lived experiences from teachers who have weathered the early years and found meaning in the journey. They speak honestly about the challenges, the growth and the quiet victories that often go unseen.

To every first-year teacher: You’re not alone. You’re making a difference. And you’re already enough.