What If You Suck As A Teacher? 

THIS VIDEO IS SO IMPORTANT

Thank you for this. I’m a first year teacher and I’m really struggling. I know I need to find the courage to change my routines and better help my students. I feel like a fish out of water! This made me feel seen.

Dude! You can read my mind! Your posts are divinely inspired! Exactly what I needed to hear today as I try to survive my 2nd week student teaching when I feel like I am AWFUL.

Oh, goodness have I been there! I distinctly remember my first observation as a first year teacher. My principal wrote on every line, margin and white space on the paper. She had some positives, but so many things to work on! I thought I was awful (I probably was) and I was sure she was going to fire me. Such great advice. Baby steps. Choose one thing to improve. Improve it and work on another. After teaching for 15 years there are still days and weeks and months that suck! It’s all in your perspective and perseverance. Teaching is hard, but it is worth the effort.

I heard you say "I feel like someone's going to figure me out at any moment" and I discussed exactly that feeling with colleagues today. Due to coronavirus, we're forced to teach our lessons with the doors wide open and a lot of my colleagues feel uncomfortable with others hearing what's going on in their lessons. That just makes me so sad, because we're all trying our best for our students and somehow we still feel we're not good enough.

Such a crazy amazing video!!! Was feeling lost and skeptical until I heard you speak here . What a blessing and a gift . The power of direct, straight forward laymen’s terms . “If you think you suck as a teacher . You don’t suck as bad as you think!!” 🤣🤣🤣 . Validation to the nth degree. 🎯. Love it to pieces!! . Every single tip I needed u hit it to a T . Thank u, thank, thank u . My faith has been restored bcuz I now know I am not alone!! Do u love my alliteration or what!!?Thank u, again . Leaving u w a lil repetition. Peace out and happy holidays. ✌🏼 My boat will float again!! 😇

"The train's movin, bro!" 😂😂😂 Literally the reason I use timers for every activity teaching 6th graders.

This is so needed! Thank you for being so real!

This was exactly what I needed to hear. Im currently in South Korea teaching English and debating on going back and potentially aiming to teach middle school English or trying again with early childhood. I had a rough first time with first grade and it really put a dent into my self-esteem as a teacher. But Ive been focusing on ways to incorporate best practices here in a low pressure environment that will allow me to have it more fluid once Im back at home with a bit more at stake.

When I first heard about your channel, I felt like your videos wouldn’t help me because you work with older students. BUT your videos are awesome and they are inspiring! Thank you for taking time out of your day to give advice and motivation! Thank you for being an educator.

1st-year teacher. This really helped today, thank you!

Thank you. I really needed that earnest encouragement. I know I’m doing okay, but I’m just so anxious about doing something wrong. The most important part of being a teacher is to be there, they won’t remember lessons as much as they’ll remember your relationship. But it helps to hear someone else say it. :)

teaching student here. love your channel and especially the stuff you've been saying about classroom management and decoration 💕 sadly the country I will be teaching in has a different system regarding classrooms (they belong to the students and the teachers are the ones moving from room to room) but I can't wait to hopefully have my own class someday and help them create a space that they feel comfortable in 😊 also I'm enjoying my time in teaching college but sometimes our courses lack the more general and practical advice that your channel provides, so thank you!

Fantastic! This is just the video I needed to see today. I teach at the graduate level and am amazed at how similar teacher experiences can be at every educational level. Thank you for sharing some good food for thought!

I needed these words in my life right now! Thank you!

By far one of my favorite videos that you’ve done!

You are a constant source of inspiration! This just might be one of my favorites yet (I love all your videos so it’s really hard to say!) thank you for all you do!

This is amazing. One of the best videos I’ve seen in a while! Thanks for sharing

I find it amazing that you reflect on this topic. Very helpful. Thank you

This is inspiring AND practical! Thank you!

Hi from west central Mn. I am glad I discovered your content. I am in the thick of student teaching and your words and ideas are fresh water to me. Thank you.

Thank you for this video and for being so encouraging. I'm in my first year teaching and have definitely felt like the worst teacher in my school countless times. I started the year very poorly with just about zero classroom management, and have slowly been getting better. These tips are super helpful, because I feel like there's always so many things I want to start doing or try changing in my teaching that I end up getting overwhelmed and forgetting everything, then go back to how I was doing things before. I'm gonna try following your advice and start working on one or two small shifts at a time. Thanks for being such an inspiration! Also, I'm really excited for your book!

I so needed this inspiration and motivation. So almost literally think of it as a perfect world. I wish I was at your school so you can be my mentor.

One thing I remember getting as advice that stuck with me is that every day is a new chance. Did yesterday suck? That sucks. Today is today, and could always be an opportunity to reset. It doesn’t have to suck. I also find it’s waaaaay easy to get into “toxic camaraderie” habits. This is those moments where we indulge in complaining about the kids, parents, admin, the world, or whatever. It’s totally fine to vent, but at a certain point, blowing off steam starts to dominate every conversation. The “I can’t” things can be discouraging but as you say, sometimes they are actually in your realm of control. Thanks as always!

Well done my friend. You are truly in your element with this video!!😘

Your advice is just the best. So inspiring and action oriented. I can’t wait for your book!!!

Thank you for this video... I think it came at just the right time in my life. I really appreciate your videos, keep up the good work, you're helping so many people, I hope you know that. I hope you have an amazing year (:

This is amazing!! Thank you.

I've never been a subscriber to any youtuber before but I look forward to your Sunday night live chats and every new post. I never hear any repeats and your encouragement brings me back to my original frame of mind as an aspiring new teacher. Your words light a fire under my feet and make me look forward to walking in my classroom the next morning with confidence because I have new tools in my pocket.

How does this only have less than 400 likes?! Reynolds is the best! First year teacher here and dealing with nerves regarding being observed by admin and feeling like it wasn’t my best work. Maybe you can make a video about being observed by higher ups. Also I’m piloting special ed inclusion so maybe you can talk about how to elaborate with other teachers. Love this video, really needed it.

This is a GREAT video, after thinking about it I decided to have music playing when the kids come in and to make myself a schedule that includes getting up early enough to read my Bible while I wake up, hit a quick 30 minute exercise walk, and 10 mins to prep that days dinner.

This is the best video I have ever seen! Thanks for the motivation.

Thank you for this Reynolds!

I got this in an email from Northeast and it was very helpful This is truly one of the videos of all time

As a second year teacher, this has evoked so much excitement for me! Thanks Reynolds.

I love your channel! I'm transitioning and looking at becoming a teacher soon. Thank you for everything you do!!

I'm just echoing what everyone else has been saying in the comments. I've definitely been in a funk lately and needed to hear this. Thanks Reynolds. I'm so thankful that you made this channel so that I can continue to hear these messages of encouragement and advise on how to truly get better.

Thank you for this advice, CJ! I knew I wasn't alone in the struggle. I am four years into this upcoming term, and I remember as a first-year teacher how things were. I realize now that forming your own identity as well as learning effective classroom management strategies do not come to fruition overnight; it is a learned skill that you have to grasp over time. Some may understand; others may not - but it's ok. It's all in where your passion lies. As a wise person said once: "No heart equals no success." This basically means that if you didn't have the heart or passion for it, you don't see that going anywhere. However, you do have the drive, the heart, and the passion to learn, so if you keep working at it, you will eventually see the fruits of your labor growing right in front of your eyes. Again, thanks very much.

Such azing advice. Thank you. I was thinking back to my placement last year (student teacher) and realised I was trying to teach to one or two students. Majority of the class were excited and wanted to participate, but I would stop the lesson because I wanted 100% engagement. I will br using your advice to develop the skills to grow into the teacher I want to be. 😊 You're very inspiring.

I just started my master's this semester to become a teacher. I always enjoy any advice people have, but as per usual, your advice really goes above and beyond to get me inspired and excited for my future! Thank you so much.

Such a good exercise. Thanks!!!

This video proves to be one you can come back to as needed.

Thank you...your advice is pure gold!

Very helpful video, thanks for all that you do

Thank you, I'm a new nurse educator and have found your videos to be MOST helpful.

This is appreciated beyond what you realize.

Can’t watch this right now because I’m working but can’t wait to watch later. I’m one semester away from graduating with my bachelors in liberal studies and I’ve never been more in a panic in my life! I feel like I’ve made the wrong decision in college and won’t be able to succeed as a teacher even though that’s all I’ve wanted to do with my life! I can’t wait to watch this video when I get home, I hope it eases some of my anxieties. Edit: I finally feel like I can breathe again. Great video, thank you so much.

I found this video very inspiring. Thank you.

I start teaching in the fall and I’m so excited but also TERRIFIED. I’m glad I watched this now!!

This was a great video! Thank you!

This was awesome. Thank you very much!☺️

Thank Reynolds I really needed this!

I really needed to hear this today.

I really needed this video! I started my first teaching job yesterday and while I'm not with students yet, I still had a negative interaction with a student and feel some negativity around me. I am in control, I am in control, I am in control.

I wish I go back to high school and have you as a teacher! Your room looks amazing and I love watching your videos, especially as a first year teacher.

Shout out for the mentoring. If you are thinking about it peeps go for it. Had the best year ever last year as a result. Can count on one hand the discipline issues. Legend. (This is not a sponsored ad. 😊) Love your work Reynolds!

Excellent advice, just like all of your very helpful videos 🎉👍

I find whenever I go through a rough patch teaching I end up back on your channel. Thanks for everything you do and the content you create, they help a lot! Also do you have a podcast by any chance? It would be cool to listen to on my morning/afternoon commute.

Hello, teacher! I love your videos they're so inspirational so are you. I'm from Russia and watch your videos at times but they're gorgeous. You raise up serious questions and give solutions to possible school issues. Great job! I am who I am and no one can replace be as well as be replaced by me.

Love this content. Have saved it to look at later when school is starting back up. Do you have a video tour of your classroom library?

Real Rap, you may be 1 of the BEST refreshing resources available. I resigned a position after 6 MO’s. Thankfully, I’m not burned out. Rebuilding.

Love this video! :)

I needed this

Coming back to this for the umpteenth time trying to prep for the career I’m trained for.

Handing back work once a week is genius! Little administrative things like that are really difficult for me too. I think I’ll start giving back work Monday and Thursday.

Amazing advice

Love that intro music.

Flat out subscribed and liked about 30 seconds in. This is what I needed. Respect to you sir, and fellow educators!

So inspired.

Thanks for sharing what we have all thought at some point in time! Being reminded of the simple things we can all do for ourselves, makes a tremendous impact.

Thank you!!!!

it's like you're in my brain re: email! oy! love the suggestion though - definitely going to try it :)

Hi… I’m a veteran teacher and this video really motivates me to start off strong this year… I still get nervous…🤦🏾‍♀️

Haha studying for my content exam right now and definitely asked myself this question😂

Hey! Future French/Spanish teacher here (college sophomore). How do you have students get their own papers and maintain confidentiality on Wednesdays? I love this idea of handing out at the end!!! :) You are awesome keep it up!

You can easily get better, 13 years in I feel like I'm doing pretty well.

Hi, I teach English literature in a High School. I really want to thank you, for inspiring me and making me understand I couldn't do anything else in my life! I need a good advice: how can I introduce The Restoration and The Augustan Age to a class of students I' ve never seen before as a teacher? I saw them twice. The First impression was not that exciting and they always look so bored, even if I am known as an "entertaining" teacher. I was thinking about some coloured slides to introduce the historical and cultural background, just to finally reach The Rise of the Novel, which will lead me to some more interesting topics and authors, such as D. Defoe. Any tips to suggest? I thank you anyway, even if you won't answer me. Your vlogs and your words are more than enough. Blessings.

"Maybe, you do suck:)"This is all gold! Thank you @CJ Reynolds

speaking of amazing classrooms... Your's is one of those! I am moving schools next year and my new classroom is cinderblock with NO WINDOWS!! I am super excited about the school, yet pretty apprehensive about the classroom I will be teaching ELA II. Any resources to how you set up your classroom? I am in a beautiful classroom this year with a wall of windows, so it needs minimal decor, but not so next year! I want my environment to be calming, beautiful and engaging. Anyone's comments will help. :D

Your advice is great. I am still looking forward to the day where those five misbehaving students must be accountable for their poor behavior. There is a host of hoops that teachers must go through to teach but SOME of the students should not be allowed in an environment where the students are eager to learn.

WOW! Your class is AMAZING!!!!!!!

Hi! I'm wondering about your wood shelves in the background on the video preview image before you open the video.. not quite a bookshelf, but to display books. Is this something from a hardware store? And how did you get them on your walls?

This video was really good for me today. I'm a 20 year teacher of Social Studies, and Health. I'm a licensed Social Worker as well. I've been teaching in a program for 20 years to high school seniors, and just was told I was reassigned. Now I will be in a small, alternative high school teaching 7-12! Will have them all!!! I feel like I will be a first year teacher, so what and how do I handle that??? Much emotion about being reassigned, never taught 7-11th grade!!! I'm pretty anxious!!! I know it will work out because it always does....just wondering if there are others out there for encouragement???

Why do i get mr. Rogers vibes here?😂❤

Maaaaan I hear the "forgetting to hand back assignments" thing. My students eventually voted on someone to check in with me as a reminder to hand stuff back ...

For me, at middle school . it's the best! we laugh.. all class periods..It's English.. we engage as a group

After 20+ years of teaching, I sometimes feel like I "suck." I'm always looking for ways to improve my teaching and be better able to engage my students.

I'm a teacher, and I suck! This video is perfect for me! Thanks.

Hey Mr. Reynolds how you doing? I saw in this video that you do mentoring for teachers. I could really use a mentor right now, the only thing is I teach fourth grade. I know that you’re in high school. I was wondering if you would be able to help me as well. Love your channel

But I’m grateful there’s RU-vid so I can be mentored

I’m a 22 year old graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering this summer. Is it too late/not viable to become a teacher? It’s something I’ve become extremely interested and would really enjoy over engineering.

Self awareness is good.

Ok My Friends . Let me put it this way . Long story short , back when I was an autistic SPED school student here in My City of Shelbyville , Tennessee , My Teachers tried things that did not work with me and I got pretty snappy on them and they had their tough days with me but most of them came around to how I operate and became successful . To those who think that they may suck as a teacher or hear that they suck as a teacher …… Guess what ? , You don't . Could it be that the timing of what you are teaching or the method of what you are teaching is just not working right with your student(s) ? Or could it be that you are trying something that is just not working for you ? Ok , you may even hear that you suck . It's just a sign that you need to learn and do what works for your student(s) and as you do that you will ultimately see improvements in the classroom . Remember , I did not say immediately . I said ultimately . Or , You've got to learn and do what works for yourself and as you do what works for yourself on a daily basis , you will know it because you will live life ultimately happier as each day goes by . - Dwight

1. Great advice! 2. I noticed you have the flag of Belize on your wall. I used to live there, and I'm curious as to why you have it in your class.

christ, i feel like i'm going to try. this is how i'm feeling right now. I feel like I am TOTALLY good with making an ass of myself, but I just feel like... I can't seem to engage who I am in the classroom.

What if you're an academic advisor and you have a toxic relationship with teachers and students? What can you do if both teachers and students don't like you? If teachers are talking negatively about work ethic and all they do is complain, what do you do to contribute to a student's education if teachers and students are against you?

I want to be a teacher I'm getting my degree in education but my parents are pretty discouraging about it, they say "you'll never make it on a teacher's salary..." is it hard living on a teacher salary? I really like teaching it's my passion I just dont want to "fail" in life I guess.

I wish parents cared enough to contact me, you're lucky.

If you “suck” all you have to do is fake it until you make it. We all feel this way at some point. Teaching is hard.

I don't want to crush their dreams as soon as they walk in the door... So I do it every Wednesday. LMAOOOO