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Have you ever felt like you’re just not measuring up to all those picture-perfect teachers on social media? You know—the ones who seem to have it all together, running a flawless classroom with Pinterest-worthy lessons and endless energy?
I get it.
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing four big teacher mistakes I’ve personally made as a teacher—and more importantly, what I’ve learned from them. These missteps have helped me grow, shape the way I teach today, and remind me that being a great teacher isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning and improving along the way.
1. Building Strong Teamwork
When I first stepped into the classroom, I was all about doing things on my own. Collaboration wasn’t my strong suit—I liked having full control over my lessons and found it challenging to mesh with my fellow teachers. Looking back, I now see that this was one of my first big teacher mistakes!
Over time, I realized just how powerful teamwork can be. Working with my colleagues didn’t just lighten the workload—it brought in fresh perspectives, new ideas, and support that I didn’t even know I needed.
By learning to communicate and collaborate effectively, I’ve not only become a stronger teacher, but I’ve also helped build a sense of community within my school. And let’s be real—teaching is hard, but it’s a lot easier when we lean on each other!
2. Letting Go of Perfectionism
Another one of my teacher mistakes was trying to be perfect. In my early years of teaching, I used to sweat the small stuff. Whether it was enforcing rigid rules or striving for picture-perfect lessons, I found myself caught up in the pursuit of perfection.
But over time, I’ve come to understand that teaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences for students.
I’ve learned to let go of unnecessary rules and focus on what truly matters: fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and empowered to learn.
3. Developing Resilience
One of the toughest teacher mistakes I’ve learned as a teacher is not to take setbacks personally—and trust me, that was a hard one.
Whether it’s a lesson that completely flops or a miscommunication with a colleague, it’s so easy to internalize criticism and let it chip away at your confidence. I’ve definitely been there.
But over time, I’ve realized that mistakes aren’t signs of failure—they’re part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I’ve started looking at setbacks as opportunities to grow.
By embracing a growth mindset and focusing on continuous improvement, I’ve become more resilient. Teaching isn’t about getting everything right all the time—it’s about adapting, learning, and showing up for your students every single day.
4. Prioritizing Self-Care
Another big lesson I’ve learned throughout my teaching career is the importance of prioritizing self-care—and let’s be real, it’s easier said than done.
Teaching can be exhausting—mentally, emotionally, and physically. With the constant demands of the classroom, it’s easy to put your own well-being on the back burner. For a long time, I did just that.
But I’ve come to realize that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When I prioritize my well-being, I’m a better teacher, a better colleague, and a better version of myself overall.
Whether it’s taking a mental health day when I need it, setting boundaries, or making time for the things I love outside of work, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable part of being an effective educator.
Combating Your Teacher Mistakes
As educators, we have to remember that perfection is not the goal. Teacher mistakes are inevitable, but it’s how we learn and grow from them that truly matters.
Instead of comparing ourselves to others, let’s focus on being the best version of ourselves and supporting each other along the way.
Check out my blog for more teacher tips!
kirsten hammond
Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.
