Dear teachers of every grade level, in every setting, from various backgrounds,

I just want to take a moment to be your cheerleader.

In case you don't know me, I'm a former public school teacher, a former private school teacher, and a current teacher mom homeschooling my toddler.

In my short time span of experience I have taught elementary children's church, middle school ELA and History, and High School ELA. I say all this just to let you know that I really truly relate to teachers in wide range of situations.

Whether this year will be your first ever teaching assignment or you're a veteran teacher, let me tell you, those jitters are normal.

I want you to remember that your job is so special and you are a gem in the eyes of God. You don't teach for the pay nearly as much as you do to love children and the community. You are among the people they will see the most of the next few months. You will forge relationships.

You'll laugh.

You may even cry.

You won't know what to make of some of these kids the first days of school. They won't know what to make of you either.

The workload will seem unbearable when you're still trying to fix up your room and get your own lessons and grades in order while emails, calls, conferences, and tasks stream in constantly. Nevertheless, you'll get it done.

Your students are not going to be concerned with the data reports the state sends for you to fill out, or how polished your lesson plan looks on paper, or whether or not every standard was posted to the board.

They will remember how you made them feel. They will take away skills and new information you imparted to them and apply much of it in the next classroom, new job, college, and daily life.

If you are afraid you'll blow a first impression at open house, the first day of school, the first week... I can't promise that won't happen but I can promise you can recover.

Take it from someone who has blown A LOT of impressions. I also forged a lot of relationships with students and other teachers who made me better. Your students are going to have an impact on you while you try to have an impact on them.

You know what else?

In the blink of an eye all the back to school jitters and fears pass. You start to get to know these kids and they start to get to know you.

You find a groove. It always comes.

If you haven't had your first day of school yet, it's always the one that gives you so much anxiety in the anticipation paired with the bittersweet end of summer but that day flies by and all the anticipation is over in an instant.

Don't fret if the copier breaks, the smart board won't turn on, or you finish your first day lesson and still have a big block of time to fill. Just find the first bag of candy or random set of supplies, pass them out and make up a game or ice breaker.

You got this!

They'll think you're so fun (especially if you use candy or let them throw something) or maybe they'll think you're weird. I would just go with weird and own it. It's a lot easier than being cool.

My point is, the first days can be nerve wracking but you can do this! Do the best job you know how to do in the time you're given.

Ask for help from family or other teachers. Call a friend for moral support. Hang out with someone on Friday for dinner and a movie.

Never stop trying to have fun in and out of your classroom. I know fostering that many relationships and being responsible for all of their growth will absorb energy unlike anything else (even parenting a toddler), but it will also fill your heart and soul unlike anything else. You ever wonder why veteran teachers seem so worn out at times, yet they keep teaching? I don't.

So teachers, here's to another year (for some of you, the first year) in the most empowering profession on the planet! You're in my heart and prayers always.

In your corner,

Mrs. Matsuzaki (Or "Ms. Matsu", "Mrs. Mats", or just plain "Miss")