I joined the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science as a Lecturer at the University of Waterloo in September 2022. It’s now a year later and reflecting on my first full-time year of teaching has brought up many memories of blissful excitement, daunting confusion (e.g., first hearing about Learn, Crowdmark, Odyssey, Workday, Quest, OAT, etc. all in the same week!), steadfast determination, and lessons learned.

This reflection began when I spoke at FYMSiC’s online conference in May with three other new TAs/instructors. My talk focused on four tips to help new instructors “keep their heads above water” – tips that helped me immensely during this past year. Interestingly, the discussion with participants afterwards lead to further tips and pieces of advice being shared, motivating us to create an Education Note of tips for both new (and seasoned) instructors.

Although the importance of taking notes during the term is mentioned in our Education Note, I would be remiss if I didn’t expand upon it to include the importance of taking time to reflect in general. Reflect at the end of the term: certainly. Reflect during the term: hopefully! But most importantly to reflect over the course of a year, or several years, to observe the growth of our teaching and teaching-related practices. The time spent on this reflection has reinvigorated my passion for teaching and strengthened my excitement for the year ahead.