4 Things I’ve Learned in 4 Years of Teaching (That I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner)

When I say my journey into teaching has been anything but linear, I mean it.

I’ve worked at two charter schools and one public school. I tried to quit after my first year (seriously). In year two, I started at a new school two months late (don’t recommend). I was still half-in, half-out of the profession. But in year three, I fully committed. New school, new mindset. And in year four? I stayed at the same school on purpose, cleared my credential, and finally felt like I was "finally teaching!“

I’m not saying I know everything, but I have picked up a few things that have made this job way more doable.

Side note: Please remember that teaching is a just a job and that you have value and a whole life outside of it. Okay? Okay.

So, here are the top 4 things I’ve learned in 4 years of teaching that I kind of wished that someone had told me sooner, which is why I'm here telling you sooner:

1. Don’t Take It Personally

Seriously. Don’t.

Teenagers are still learning how to process, name, and regulate their emotions. So when a 9th grader calls you a b*tch (yeah, it's happened), it’s probably not about you. Maybe they’re failing all of their classes. Maybe their home life is chaotic. Maybe their identity is shifting and they’re just… spiraling.

So what do they do? They lash out. They write on your desk. They throw words like daggers.

But it’s not personal. You’re just the safest person in the room.

Remind yourself:

They’re still kids. They’re still learning. You’re the adult. You don’t have to absorb their storm.

2. Give Clear What-To-Do Directions

This one changed the game for me, especially with 9th graders.

Let’s compare:

Long-winded version: “We have 5 minutes to complete our Do-Now. Respond in 4–5 sentences. When you’re done, turn it in to the tray. Then we’ll read the novel. Also, make sure your laptop is charged for the exit ticket…”

By the time you finish? Students have no idea where to start.

Clear version: “This is your Do-Now. You have 5 minutes. Write 4–5 sentences. Pencils in hands. Timer starts now.”

Then you make a lap. You check pencils. You check posture.

You ask the kid who is sleeping or just staring at their paper without a pencil in hand, “Hey, what do you need to get started?” That’s how you hold high expectations while still being a "warm demander."

Short. Direct. Actionable. Then walk the room like the boss you are.

3. Brain Breaks Matter (Yes, Especially in 110-Minute Blocks)

I used to be anti-brain break. “There’s no time!” I told myself. But when I worked at a charter that required them, I finally gave in.

And guess what? They work.

A 5-minute brain break halfway through class helps everyone (not just the kids).

Students move around. They talk. They laugh. They look out the window (if you have one).

Sometimes, they even talk to me. (Set those boundaries: No academic questions during brain break, thanks!)

And after? They come back more focused. It’s a simple tool that keeps energy balanced in a long block. If you’re not doing them yet—try it. Your class flow will thank you.

4. Most Students Will Meet the Expectations You Set—If You Give Them the Tools

Key word: most.

Not all kids believe they can succeed. So when we lower the bar to “meet them where they’re at,” we think we’re helping, but often, we’re not. We’re accidentally telling them: “This is all I think you’re capable of.”

Instead, keep your expectations high, but scaffold the hell out of them.

Graphic organizers. Sentence starters. Criteria for success Check-Lists. Anchor charts. One-on-ones. That’s what equity looks like. That’s what believing in kids looks like.

And yes, sometimes they still don’t pass; But, if they had every opportunity, and you supported them every step of the way, that’s their decision. Not your failure.

It’s a lesson they’re better off learning in high school than as a full-grown adult when the stakes are higher.

I could go on forever. But these 4 takeaways? They’ve helped me stay in the game. And dare I say, actually enjoy it?!

If this post helped you at all—stick around. I’ve got even more to share with you.

No gate keeping here, queen!

Better yet, come join my membership:

🍎 Access my growing Google Drive of 9th grade ELA resources (Yes, full units are coming!) 

🍎 Get monthly SEL Google slides activities and worksheet to build classroom culture 

🍎 Join our monthly Zoom teacher chats where you can talk through anything with people who actually get it (unlike that one admin who says they “could never do what you do” but then still proceeds to criticize your entire lesson… you know who I mean).

Join the membership and get the support you need to make teaching sustainable, joyful, and like something you were actually meant to do—like you’re finally teaching.

Okiii, love you byeeeeee!

With gratitude, 

Chelsea Sahagun 

Founder of Finally Teaching 

& your favorite ELA 9 teacher bestie