"When we learn how to teach, we must also consider what it will feel like to teach."
Chapter 3: The Coffee Rule
Vulnerable and honest, Chapter 3 offers an insider's look at the author’s turbulent first day of teaching—a moment that abruptly confronted her with the cold reality of losing control. The chapter walks readers through a specific mistake made as a novice educator, contrasting it with how differently she would handle the situation today after years of growth, intrapersonal awareness, and classroom experience. Concluding with actionable wisdom, the author shares poignant strategies to help teachers navigate tough circumstances while protecting their peace of mind and building emotional resilience.
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Was there an instance when you mishandled a situation with a student, colleague, or administrator? What were the circumstances that caused you to make the choices you made? What emotions did you have after?
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The author shares a story about her first day of school. What did you learn from this story about teaching or about yourself? If you met someone who had a first day of school like this, what would you say to this person?
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Sometimes, our students are not the people we were in school. What does this mean to you and how does this affect your teaching?
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What makes it difficult to separate yourself emotionally from situations that arise in your classroom? What strategies help you work through this as a teacher?
ReflectionQuestions
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“I thought I was ‘in charge’ and ‘in control,’ and I thought students listening to me equaled respect.”
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“I was allowing my self-confidence to be determined by circumstances outside my control.”
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“Teaching, like all important things in our lives, takes practice, patience, and reflection to improve.”
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“We must be both physically and emotionally prepared for teaching, or else we will fall into unhealthy patterns that can steal our time, energy, and peace of mind.”
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