First-year teacher Nick Johnson teaches ninth-grade Algebra 1 and geometry at Junction City High School Freshman Success Academy in Geary County Schools USD 475. He took time out from his schedule to share what it’s been like starting his new teaching career.
“My first year has gone so well,” Nick said. “The College of Education prepared me as well as it could. I went into the year very confident in my abilities and confident in my preparedness. I probably learned 50 things in the first month. They were things that I couldn’t learn without actually experiencing as the teacher. I learned how to better manage the classroom, give directions, explain procedures, enforce rules, etc.”
In the middle of his second semester, Nick said he is feeling more and more comfortable in his new role.
“I feel like I have a really good understanding of what I want my classroom to look like and how I want it to be run, but it took some trial runs to make it happen. My students have been so great about being flexible for me as I have learned and adjusted. I have also had the luxury of working with amazing teachers and administration. I’m very fortunate to be at Junction City.”
He said he appreciates all that the College of Education has done to get him ready to lead his own classroom.
“K-State does a phenomenal job of preparing educators to be successful in their classrooms and schools. I’ve experienced this firsthand and also seen many of my fellow EdCats be successful at Junction City.”
He admits it isn’t an easy profession, but the good definitely outweighs any difficulties.
“They say that your first year is super tough and it will stress you out and you’ll want to quit. I’ve been through this. I have had kids absolutely bomb tests. I’ve had weeks where it felt like nobody listened to me in class. I’ve had days where I couldn’t stand to be around the kids. But I’ve had days where parents emailed me and told me that I’m doing a fantastic job. I’ve had days where students surprised me with a gift of letters telling me I’m the best math teacher they’ve ever had.
“Our job is tough, but, man, can it be rewarding. I love being a teacher!”