Warner alumni and teacher residents share what they wish they knew before stepping into the classroom.
Teaching is a deeply rewarding profession. Each day brings new opportunities—and challenges—to make a meaningful difference. But even the most prepared teachers can feel overwhelmed at the start, grappling with the demands of the job, the needs of their students, and their own expectations.
To support those just beginning their journey, Warner School alumni and teacher residents share honest lessons and real-world advice they wish they had known from day one of their teaching careers.
1. You won't have it all figured out—and that’s okay.
“I wish I had understood that it's okay to grow into the position, just because you are not exactly the ideal teacher on day one. You can ask questions, depend on mentors, be honest with students, and just be okay not meeting every expectation all at once. Teaching is learned over a period of time, and who you are matters just as much to the job as what you know.”
Hamza Abukar, 2025 ROC Urban Teaching Fellow
Social Studies & TESOL Teacher
Rochester City School District (RCSD)
2. Boundaries make you a better teacher.
“One thing I wish I knew before teaching is how difficult it would be to create a healthy work-life balance. It has taken me four years to learn how to stop taking work home, how to fully use my planning time, and how to prioritize what truly needs to get done. I’ve finally learned to accept that my to-do list will never be empty, and that’s okay. Setting boundaries doesn’t make me a less dedicated teacher; it makes me a more sustainable one!”
Lara Andree '20 '21W (MS)
Third-grade Teacher
Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas
3. If you care about the kids, the rest will follow.
“Teaching was my second career. I think I always wanted to teach, but I was afraid I didn't have the right skills to be an effective educator in a world that's very different from the one I grew up in. Now I know that as long as you genuinely care about kids and want to help them succeed, everything else can be learned later.”
Katherine Rucker ’24W (MS)
ESOL Teacher
Edison Tech High School, RCSD
4. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
“It’s ok to ask for help, in fact, you should ask for help! Other opinions and perspectives can help figure out what you like, and more importantly, what you don’t like in a classroom.”
Sarah Gnage ’22W (MS)
Regents Chemistry and AP Biology teacher
East Upper School, RCSD
5. Advocate fiercely, teach honestly, and protect your energy.
“Always feel confident advocating for your students, even if it ruffles feathers—standing up for them is part of your role. At the same time, don’t feel guilty about prioritizing your own well-being. The education system can demand more than anyone can reasonably give, and protecting your energy is essential. Be an active, vocal member of your union; it's one of the most effective ways to push for what you, your colleagues, and your students truly deserve. And above all, don’t shy away from teaching the truth. In our ongoing crisis of epistemology, avoiding difficult topics isn’t just a missed opportunity—it borders on educational malpractice.”
Colton Shaheen ’20W (MS)
Global History and U.S. Teacher
Honeoye Falls-Lima High School
6. Trust your preparation—and yourself.
“Preparing for my first year of teaching was daunting. I knew Warner had prepared me well, but I was still anxious about the year ahead and dealt with impostor syndrome. Was I really equipped to handle such a great responsibility? Throughout the year, I learned that yes, I was — you will be too! The people around you want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You don’t need to have everything figured out in your first year. And don’t forget: take time to take care of yourself!”
Jessica Ritchlin ’24W (MS)
Reading Intervention Teacher
Neil Armstrong Elementary, Gates-Chili
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