Hey Mr. B.,
It's hard to believe you're (I'm) starting your first year teaching. I know you're nervous since you've been placed in a high school even though you did your student teaching in an elementary school, but you'll be fine. Be confident in yourself. You are a patient and strong person; you will really be able to excel with the "at risk" students you have been hired to teach.
Just don't go too crazy. I know you tend to bury yourself in your work. Take some time for yourself. Sure, you have to do the work, but don't let it consume your whole world. You're moving to a new town--you need time to develop a social circle and a life.
Don't panic if you don't know everything. You've always been good at faking it. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new techniques--and technology. You may think it's superfluous now, but in the future you won't be able to imagine teaching without it.
Most importantly, don't forget why you went into this profession to begin with. You had two special teachers in high school who touched you deeply and changed your life. You probably wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Mr. Groves and Ms. Fabish. Mr. Groves stood by you for six years while you were in choir. He taught you to be part of a team and to work with others. You were part of something special then and you'll never forget that. Ms. Fabish was an awesome math teacher, but the thing you remember more than anything is the day she pulled you out of class to talk. You didn't say much, but knowing she noticed something was wrong and that she took the time to talk... well, she cared about you.
That's why you teach. Anyone can teach content. Not everyone can touch lives.
Don't forget that. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Plato. If you ever forget that, reach back to those memories of why you started teaching and remind yourself that you love this job and that you love kids.
Now go change lives.
Your Future Self,
Mr. B.
P.S. "Save the cheerleader, save the world!"
