Understanding the Challenges of First Year Teaching

Imagine this: it’s your first day as a teacher. You walk into your classroom with neatly printed lesson plans, a carefully chosen outfit, and a bright smile. By lunchtime, you’re drowning in paperwork, a student is crying because their crayon broke, and your biggest takeaway is that standing up all day is way harder than it looks. If this sounds like a potential nightmare—or maybe something you’ve already experienced—you’re not alone. The first year of teaching is often as humbling as it is rewarding. Let’s explore some of the biggest challenges and how to navigate them.

Handling the Learning Curve

Nobody starts as a perfect teacher. There's jargon to learn (“differentiated instruction,” anyone?), school procedures to remember, and endless acronyms you'll pretend to understand at first (yes, “IEP” and “RTI” are important). On top of that, you’re constantly learning on the job and figuring out how to juggle 25+ personalities in one room.

To get through this:

• Ask questions. You’re not expected to know everything. Find a mentor or lean on a veteran teacher who’s been where you are.

• Give yourself grace. Mistakes are essential to growth, and teaching is no exception. The trick is learning from them.

• Celebrate small wins. Maybe you nailed that tricky science experiment or helped a shy student answer a question. Tiny successes add up.

Managing Time (and Sanity)

There’s no sugarcoating this—your first year teaching will feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between lesson planning, grading, staff meetings, and, oh yeah, actually teaching, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Some time-management tips:

• Prioritize tasks. Not everything is urgent. Focus on what will impact your students immediately (like tomorrow’s lesson) and tackle the other stuff later.

• Create routines. Establish consistent classroom procedures so you don’t waste time re-explaining things like handing in homework or lining up for lunch.

• Set boundaries. It’s tempting to grade papers late into the night, but rest is critical. Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.

Navigating Classroom Dynamics

You’ll quickly learn that no two students—or classes—are alike. Some will hang on your every word, while others might seem like they’re plotting your demise (just kidding...mostly). Building classroom community takes time, but it’s what keeps things running smoothly when challenges arise.

Common hurdles you might face:

• Disruptive behavior. Whether it’s side conversations or dramatic eye rolls, classroom disruptions are part of the gig.

• Balancing diverse needs. Every student has unique strengths, interests, and challenges. Addressing them equitably is key.

• Earning respect. With some students, it’s instant. With others, it’s an uphill climb. Consistency, fairness, and follow-through go a long way.

Feeling Like You’re Not Enough

Spoiler alert: Every first-year teacher experiences self-doubt. Every. Single. One. You’ll wonder if you’re reaching your students, whether your lessons are engaging, or if you even belong in this profession.

Here’s the secret: Teaching is hard. And it’s okay not to have it all figured out right away.

When doubt creeps in:

• Remember the “why.” Reflect on the reasons you became a teacher in the first place (you’re here to make a difference).

• Talk to peers. Almost everyone in your building has walked this path and can share their horror-to-success stories.

• Look for growth in your students—it’s often more noticeable than we realize.

So here’s the good news: You will survive your first year. More than that, you’ll grow in ways you can’t imagine. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll stop having nightmares about the copier jamming right before class.

Essential Classroom Management Techniques

Picture this: You walk into your first-ever classroom, energized and ready to teach. You’ve spent hours preparing the perfect lesson plan, but within ten minutes, the room feels like organized chaos—or maybe just chaos. Sound familiar? Classroom management is one of the trickiest parts of teaching, especially in your first year. Let’s explore a few techniques that can help you keep your classroom running smoothly and your sanity intact.

Establishing Clear Rules and Expectations

Classroom management starts before the first bell even rings. Right from day one, it’s crucial to set the tone with clear rules and expectations. Students thrive when they know exactly what’s expected of them.

• Keep it simple: Avoid coming up with a laundry list of complicated rules. Stick to 4–5 broad expectations—like “Respect others” and “Take responsibility for your actions.”

• Be consistent: If you let things slide one day and enforce rules the next, students will notice. Enforce your rules fairly and consistently.

• Collaborate with students: Involve your students in creating classroom norms. This helps them feel invested and more likely to follow them.

For instance, you might ask your class, “What does respect look like in our classroom?” Kids often come up with thoughtful ideas like raising their hands, using kind language, or sharing materials.

Building Routines for Success

Predictability is your best friend! Establishing daily routines not only saves time but also reduces classroom disruptions.

• Start with a “do now” activity: As students enter the room, give them a quick task to tackle immediately—like journaling, solving a math problem, or answering a question on the board. This minimizes idle chatter and gets everyone focused.

• Consistent transitions: Moving from one activity to the next can quickly become a noisy, disorganized mess. Use simple cues like a chime, countdown, or even a silly clap pattern to signal transitions.

• End with reflection: Dedicate the last five minutes of class for reflection or review. Ask a student to share what they learned or have everyone jot down something they found challenging.

Pro tip: Practice routines regularly at the start of the year. Yes, it might feel tedious, but it’s time well spent. When students know what to expect, you spend less time giving directions and more time actually teaching.

Handling Disruptions with Poise

No matter how well you plan, disruptions will happen—it’s inevitable. The key is how you respond.

• Stay calm: Losing your cool often makes the situation worse. Take a deep breath and address the issue with a composed demeanor.

• Redirect the behavior: For minor disruptions, a quick redirection can work wonders. For example, if a student is chatting during instruction, you might ask, “Do you have a question about what we’re discussing?”

• Address issues privately: If a behavior persists, pull the student aside after class instead of calling them out in front of everyone. It’s less embarrassing for them and often more effective.

Some disruptions might be rooted in unmet needs. For example, a restless student may simply need a movement break. Think creatively about ways to meet students’ underlying needs while keeping order.

Positive Reinforcement: Your Secret Weapon

Focus on what students are doing well, rather than just pointing out what they’re doing wrong. Positive reinforcement can transform your classroom culture.

• Praise often: A simple, genuine “I love how you raised your hand before speaking, Emma!” goes a long way.

• Reward systems: Consider using reward systems like a sticker chart, points, or “catch them being good” tickets. Be mindful, though—some students may thrive on intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards.

• Celebrate growth: Highlighting progress, no matter how small, boosts confidence. For instance, if a student struggled with turning in assignments on time but managed to submit one early, recognize it.

Over time, you’ll notice that when you reward good behavior, it multiplies. Who doesn’t love a little positivity?

Plan Ahead for Challenging Moments

Finally, have a backup plan for when things don’t go as expected. Create a “toolkit” of strategies for tricky situations.

• Brainstorm calming strategies: Use techniques like breathing exercises, quiet corners, or brain breaks to de-escalate heightened emotions.

• Have independent activities ready: If things go sideways, such as technology failing or a lesson not landing, pull out an engaging independent task like journaling or reading.

Teaching is unpredictable, so flexibility is key. When Plan A doesn’t work, just roll with Plan B—or even Plan G!

These classroom management techniques will give you a solid foundation to create a calm, productive learning environment. Mastering them takes time, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s bumpy at first. In the next section, we’ll dive into creating effective lesson plans to keep your classroom humming along. Stay tuned—you’ve got this!

Developing Effective Lesson Plans

So, it’s your first year teaching, and you're staring at a blank lesson plan template, wondering where to even begin. Don’t panic—you’re not alone! Crafting lesson plans that engage your students and hit those learning objectives can feel like fitting puzzle pieces together. The good news? With practice, it becomes second nature. Let’s break it down, step by step.

Start with the End in Mind

Ever heard of backward design? It’s a game-changer. Essentially, you begin by figuring out what you want your students to learn and then work backward to plan how you’ll get them there.

1. Set Clear Objectives:
   Think about skills or knowledge you want your students to walk away with. For example, are they learning how to interpret a graph or write persuasive essays? Use specific, measurable goals like "By the end of this lesson, students will be able to solve two-step equations."

2. Tie to Standards:
   Check your state’s curriculum standards or teaching guides. These benchmarks ensure your lesson aligns with what students are expected to achieve at their grade level.

3. Plan for Assessment:

How will you know they’ve learned it? Will it be through a quiz, class discussion, or a hands-on activity? Embed moments to check for understanding throughout the lesson, not just at the end.

Break It Into Manageable Chunks

Students (and teachers!) can’t handle a three-hour lecture on fractions. Attention spans are finite, so break your lesson into structured segments.

• Warm-Up/Hook:
  Grab their attention from the start. Maybe show a meme, pose a mind-boggling question, or share a quick story. For example, in a history class, you could begin with, “Imagine living in a time with no TikTok—just quill pens. How do you think the world communicated?”

• Core Content:
  This is where the heavy lifting happens, but make it interactive. Combine direct instruction (you explaining a concept) with activities. For instance, if you’re teaching area in geometry, let students measure objects in the classroom to apply what they’re learning.

• Practice/Application:

Provide opportunities for your students to practice the skill. Worksheets, group discussions, or games like Kahoot can be helpful, depending on the subject.

• Closure:
  Think of this as the finale. Recap what they’ve learned in a way that sticks. You could challenge them to teach the material to a partner or sum it up in five words. Always end on a purposeful note, not, “Oops, the bell rang—go!”

Be Flexible. Like, REALLY Flexible.

Here’s the thing: No lesson plan survives entirely intact. Sometimes technology fails, students bring up questions you didn’t anticipate, or an activity takes twice as long as you planned. And that’s OK. Keep these tips in mind to stay adaptable:

• Have a backup activity or filler ready in case you finish early. Something like, “Write one thing you found difficult about today’s topic and why.”

• Overplan your time. It’s better to skip an activity than scramble to fill it.

• Leave room for student-led discussions. Sometimes the best lessons happen when you follow their curiosity.

Add Personality to Your Plans

A dry, robotic lesson might hit the objectives, but will it stick? Will it excite your students? Probably not. Find ways to inject your personality into your teaching style:

• Bring props or real-world connections. Teaching science? Wear goggles and pretend you’re a "mad scientist." Teaching economics? Toss Monopoly money to demonstrate supply and demand.

• Use humor or pop culture references. For example, compare literary archetypes to characters in a blockbuster movie.

Even small touches can make a big impact.

Review What Worked—and What Bombed

After each lesson, take five minutes to reflect. Did students seem engaged? Did they meet the objectives? Write down what worked well and what didn’t. This will save you so much time when planning future lessons. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Lesson planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on your goals, breaking lessons into digestible parts, and adding your unique spin, you’ll create plans that energize both you and your students. And remember, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” lesson. Practice, reflect, and improve—it’s all part of the journey. Now, grab that pen (or keyboard) and start planning your masterpiece!

Building Relationships with Students and Parents

Picture this: it’s your first week as a teacher. You’ve poured hours into decorating your classroom, planning lessons, and prepping materials. But as a sea of new student faces enters the room, it hits you—the real success of your year hinges on the relationships you build. Connecting with your students and their parents isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential. Let’s dive into how to forge those meaningful bonds and keep them strong throughout the year.

The Power of Connecting with Students

Your students are at the heart of your classroom. Without their trust and respect, even the most engaging lesson will fall flat. Here’s how to start building those bridges:

• Learn their names quickly: If possible, know every name by the end of week one. Showing that you care enough to remember who they are is a simple yet powerful gesture.

• Show genuine interest: Ask about their hobbies, sports, or favorite shows. Do they play soccer? Have a passion for drawing? Remember these details and bring them up in casual conversations—for example: “How did the soccer game go this weekend?”

• Set clear, positive expectations: From day one, let students know what kind of classroom community you want to create. Emphasize respect, kindness, and growth.

• Celebrate individuals: Did someone ace a test, improve their handwriting, or just nail a tough question in class? Recognize their effort publicly or with a private positive note. Small victories fuel big confidence.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to share a bit about yourself! Tell them about the time you burned toast while trying to multitask or how your dog insists on eating your lesson plans. Humanizing yourself makes you more relatable.

Partnering with Parents

Parents aren’t just your students’ guardians—they’re your partners. Building solid rapport with them can make all the difference when challenges arise. Here’s how to start on the right foot:

1. Establish Open Communication

• Send a welcome note: A short, friendly email or letter introducing yourself sets a positive tone. Mention your excitement to work with them and explain the best way to reach you. This gives parents confidence that you’re approachable.

• Use a consistent system: Whether it’s a weekly class newsletter, a messaging app, or emails, consistency keeps parents in the loop and eliminates confusion.

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for a problem to pop up. If you notice something (good or bad) with a student, share it early. For instance: “Hi, I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with Emily’s creative project today!”

2. Build Trust in the Little Things

• Meet parents during open houses or parent-teacher nights and make an effort to remember their faces (and names, if possible).

• Follow through on your promises. If you tell a parent you'll check on something, make sure to follow up, even if it’s just a small matter. Dependability builds credibility.

3. Invite Collaboration, Not Judgment

No one likes feeling judged about their parenting, so approach conversations with empathy. If you’re discussing challenges, frame them as opportunities to work together. For example: “I’ve noticed that Sam has been a little distracted in class lately. Do you have any suggestions for how we might support him?”

When Challenges Arise

Let’s face it—relationships aren’t always smooth sailing. A student might test boundaries, or a parent might question your approach. Stay calm, listen actively, and focus on solutions. A parent frustrated about their child’s grades, for example, may calm down if they see you’re genuinely invested: “I understand your concerns, and I’m here to work with you to help Alex succeed.”

Bridging Relationships in the Digital Age

Thanks to technology, communication is easier than ever—but it can also be tricky. A group email can accidentally sound cold, so make sure to sprinkle warmth into your messages (think emojis, upbeat tone, or even a friendly opening like “Hi Team!”). That said, remember to keep professional boundaries. You’re the teacher, not their 24/7 text hotline.

Building relationships with students and parents takes effort, no question. But the payoff? A classroom where students feel seen, parents feel heard, and you feel supported. It’s the foundation for everything else you’ll achieve this year. Ready to get started? Then it’s time to get out there and start connecting!

Finding Resources and Support

So, you’re in your first year of teaching, juggling lesson plans, grading, and classroom management—and the copier just broke right before the day begins. Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone. One of the best lessons you can learn early on is that you don't have to do this all by yourself. Finding the right resources and support can make your teaching journey smoother, more effective, and far less stressful. Let’s explore how you can find help and save your sanity.

Tapping into School and District Resources

Your school likely has hidden gems of support—yes, even if it seems chaotic at first.

• Mentors and Veteran Teachers: Most schools assign a mentor to new teachers, but if they don’t, don’t hesitate to reach out to a seasoned teacher you admire. They’ve been there, panicked about the same things, and can share realistic solutions and time-saving tricks.

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Many schools organize groups of teachers by grade level or subject. These are perfect spaces to bounce off lesson ideas, troubleshoot problems, and share materials. Plus, you’ll realize everyone’s struggling with the same issues—it’s oddly comforting.

• Classroom Supplies: Get familiar with how your school manages supplies. Have a chat with administrative staff or a senior teacher to find out what’s available and how to order more. (Trust me, knowing where the extra pencils are stored can save you mid-lesson chaos.)

Online Communities: Your 24/7 Lifeline

The internet is a goldmine for teachers—if you know where to look.

• Social Media Groups: Facebook and Reddit have thriving teacher communities. Whether you're teaching fourth graders math or high school biology, there’s a niche group filled with people eager to share resources and advice. Just don’t fall down the rabbit hole of memes—lesson plans first, memes later.

• Educational Websites: Here are a few must-bookmark sites:

  • Teachers Pay Teachers: A marketplace for creative lesson plans and activities (some are even free!).

  • Edutopia: A wealth of articles and videos on everything from classroom management to innovative teaching strategies.

  • Khan Academy: If you’re struggling to explain long division or photosynthesis, Khan Academy has you covered. Bonus—it’s free!

• YouTube Channels: Many educators post tutorials, teaching hacks, and classroom decor ideas. Need inspiration for an engaging anchor chart? You’ll find it here.

Creating a Support Network

You may be the only new teacher at your school—or even in your subject area—but you don’t have to feel isolated.

• Colleagues: Take initiative to make connections. Invite a fellow teacher out for coffee or chat during recess duty. Sometimes, a quick “How do you handle group work?” conversation leads to invaluable advice.

• Local Teacher Groups: Some areas have meetups or associations you can join. Face-to-face networking can be refreshing, especially when you’re feeling stuck.

• Family and Friends: Even those not in education can offer emotional support or even help you cut out 30 laminated stars at midnight. (Seriously, don’t be afraid to ask!)

Knowing When to Ask for Help

Here’s the truth: Every teacher struggles at some point. The key is recognizing when you’re overwhelmed and seeking help before burnout creeps in.

• Talk to Admin: If you’re drowning in responsibilities, schedule a chat with your principal or supervisor. They might adjust your workload or connect you with additional support.

• Set Boundaries: When someone offers a tool or extra hand, don’t brush it off. Saying “Yes, I’d love help with this bulletin board!” doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you smart.

Remember, teaching isn’t a solo sport. The more you lean on the resources around you, the more effective—and happier—you’ll be in the classroom. So, ask questions, join communities, and let others help you. After all, even superheroes have sidekicks. Now go forth and conquer (but maybe check the copier first).

Balancing Work-Life as a New Teacher

Picture this: it's 8 PM, and you're hunched over a pile of papers, surrounded by coffee mugs and Post-it notes. Sound familiar? The first year of teaching can feel like a nonstop marathon, but finding balance between your professional and personal life is not just possible—it’s essential for your mental health and longevity in the classroom.

Let’s dive into strategies to help you thrive without burning out.

Learn to Set Boundaries

When you're new to teaching, it’s tempting to say “yes” to everything—extra duties, after-school meetings, or even responding to emails at 11 PM. However, it's crucial to set clear boundaries early on so you don’t spread yourself too thin.

• Establish a time to “clock out.” Choose a consistent time each day to stop working. For instance, decide that once 6 PM hits, your workday ends—no grading, no lesson planning, no sneaky peek at emails.

• Create an “off-limits” zone. Dedicate time each week to completely detach from school obligations. For example, reserve Saturday mornings for hobbies, friends, or just sleeping in without guilt.

• Communicate your limits. Let colleagues and parents know when you're available—and when you're not. Setting expectations helps everyone stay on the same page.

A helpful mantra: “You can't pour from an empty cup.” Protect your energy so you can show up refreshed for your students.

Prioritize and Work Smarter

You’re going to have a million tasks on your to-do list. Prioritizing what matters most will save you both time and stress.

• The 80/20 Rule. Focus on the 20% of tasks that deliver 80% of the results. For example, instead of creating elaborate bulletin boards, spend that time crafting engaging lessons.

• Batch similar tasks. Group like tasks together to improve efficiency. For example, grade a full class set of assignments in one sitting rather than sporadically throughout the day.

• Use planning tools. Invest in a planner or try free apps like Google Keep or Trello to stay organized. Seeing everything written down makes it easier to tackle your priorities one by one.

Pro tip: Make peace with the fact that not everything will get done—and that’s okay. Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is.

Protect Your “You” Time

Yes, your students are important, but so are you. Your happiness and health directly impact your teaching performance, so carve out moments for yourself.

• Do something you love daily. Whether it’s reading for fun, taking a yoga class, or screaming at reality TV contestants, schedule personal time into your day.

• Get active. Exercise is a stress-buster and energy booster. A quick 20-minute walk is enough to shift your mood after a tough day.

• Say no without guilt. It’s okay to decline extra work or commitments to protect your free time. As one teacher wisely put it, “No” is a complete sentence.

Jimmy Fallon once said, “Adults are good at pretending to be okay.” Don't be that adult. Ask yourself regularly, “How am I actually doing today?”

Build a Support System

You weren’t meant to figure everything out alone. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

• Find a mentor. A seasoned teacher can offer guidance, share hacks, and remind you that everyone struggles during their first year.

• Lean on colleagues. Don’t hesitate to ask coworkers for advice or to share lesson materials. Collaboration saves time and builds camaraderie.

• Stay connected with loved ones. When work feels overwhelming, it’s easy to neglect family or friends. Make time to check in, whether it’s a quick phone call or dinner plans.

Sometimes venting about your day over pizza can be more therapeutic than any professional development session.

Balancing work-life as a new teacher is about giving yourself permission to step away from the classroom—even if it’s just in your head. Will you always get it right? Nope, and that's fine! Baby steps are still steps. Now, go grab that coffee, set your clock-out time, and binge a Netflix show guilt-free—you’ve earned it.

Strategies for Continuous Professional Development

Imagine this: it’s your third month in your first teaching job. You’re finally learning all your students’ names, the lesson plans are (mostly) running smoothly, but then your principal emails about “continuous professional development.” Your stomach flips. You’re already juggling lesson prep, grading, and parent emails—how are you supposed to fit this in, too? Don’t worry; professional development (PD) isn’t another weight to carry—it’s the magic key to making your life as a teacher easier and more fulfilling. Let’s dive into how to approach it without losing your mind.

What Is Continuous Professional Development (and Why Does It Matter)?

At its core, continuous professional development means being a lifelong learner. Even the best teachers don’t know it all—and they don’t have to. By intentionally growing your skills and staying updated on new strategies, you’ll save time, teach more effectively, and keep your lessons fresh and exciting. Bonus: it can also help you meet your long-term career goals, whether that’s becoming a department head or just feeling more confident in your teaching.

Think about it this way: just like students need ongoing learning to thrive, teachers do, too. It’s not about being “perfect;” it’s about progress.

Easy Ways to Make PD Part of Your Routine

Start Small and Focused

You don’t need to attend a weeklong conference in another state to grow as a teacher (though that’s amazing if you can!). Small, achievable steps can have a big impact. Start by choosing one area to improve, like classroom management or integrating technology. This keeps PD manageable and targeted.

For instance:

• Podcasts for Your Prep Time: Find an education-focused podcast to listen to while driving or prepping lessons. Podcasts like Cult of Pedagogy or Teach Me, Teacher can help you learn without adding extra time to your already-packed day.

• Read a Book (Just One): Instead of committing to five books at once, pick one notable title. Consider Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov or The First Days of School by Harry Wong. These provide concrete strategies and are easy to digest chapter by chapter.

Use What's Already Available

Your school or district likely offers PD opportunities: workshops, in-service days, or mentoring programs. Take advantage of these!

• Pro Tip: Connect with veteran teachers at school. Ask to observe their class or grab coffee to talk strategies—they’ve been where you are, and most love to share.

Remember, asking for advice doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re being smart.

Leveraging Online Communities and Resources

In today’s connected world, some of the best PD happens online.

• Join a Facebook Group: Communities like “Teachers Pay Teachers Resources and Tips” or “Middle School Teachers Unite” are goldmines of advice. Post a question, and chances are, you’ll get dozens of tips back within hours.

• Webinars and Online Workshops: Websites like EdWeb.net and SimpleK12 have free webinars almost every week. They’re convenient, often no longer than 60 minutes, and you can do them from the couch (pajamas optional but encouraged).

• Social Media for Inspiration: Follow hashtags like #TeacherLife or #EdChat on Twitter and Instagram. These platforms are full of bite-sized teaching tips and creative ideas.

Collaborate and Reflect

Some of the best PD isn’t about attending formal sessions; it’s about what happens after.

• Lesson Reflections: Take five minutes each Friday to jot down what went well and what didn’t that week. Did a particular activity flop? Were students extra engaged in something? These notes become invaluable over time.

• Peer Observations: Team up with a coworker. Watch each other’s classes and offer feedback. Often, just seeing how someone else explains a topic or manages behavior can spark ideas for your own classroom.

Fun Tip: Swap Jobs for a Day

If your principal allows, try swapping classrooms with a fellow teacher for a class period. It’s a playful way to gain new skills by stepping into someone else’s shoes.

Build a Long-Term PD Game Plan

Finally, consider your big picture. Where do you want to be in five years, professionally? Do you want to master technology integration? Teach advanced placement classes? Mentoring newer teachers?

• Use yearly goals to guide your PD choices. You might choose one major area to focus on each semester—like classroom tech in the fall, followed by differentiation strategies in the spring.

Final Thought: Don’t Forget to Celebrate Growth

Progress, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Got through that book on classroom management? High-five yourself! Implemented a new strategy from a workshop? Treat yourself to coffee. Continuous professional development is exactly that—continuous. Don’t stress about mastering everything at once. With a steady, positive approach, you’ll not only see growth in yourself, but in your students, too—and isn’t that what it’s all about?