for New Teachers

As a new teacher, one of the best ways to gain encouragement is by listening to others who have been where you currently are. Our new teacher panel was posed with the questions of what they wish they knew before they started teaching and what advice they would give to other new teachers. Take a moment to listen to some audio clips from our interviews with panelists. Our panelists have also compiled a list of other advice they want to share with this community.

Tips for New Teachers...

• Set boundaries with your time...

  • If you want to work on lesson planning or grading outside contract hours, decide how early/late you're willing to be in the building and follow that schedule.

  • Don't spend entire weekends or breaks on work.

  • Try to avoid checking email after hours, if possible.

• Find ways to decompress at the end of the work day...

  • Exercise classes, bathing, listening to a podcast, watching a favorite TV show, etc.

  • Find a hobby to pursue in your free time.

• Seek out the company of other new teachers so you can share your ups and downs.

• Build community within your building by befriending more veteran teachers.

• Seek out opportunities to have fun with your students!

• Take some advice with a grain of salt...don't always believe what other teachers tell you about your students.

• Prioritize building relationships with your students.

• Set clear boundaries with students, especially if you are a younger teacher.

• Commit to continuous learning about your content area...your passion for it drives your students' interest in it!

• Less is more, especially in your early days of teaching!

• Make sure your teaching philosophy aligns with the school's philosophy.

• Have confidence in your decisions, and don't feel like you need to have everything approved first.

• Find ways to let your natural personality shine through your work...despite what others may suggest, it is okay to smile before the second semester!

• It is okay to apologize to your students if you make a mistake...you're modeling best practices for them in doing so!

• Create class rules with student needs in mind, recognize when a rule/policy isn't working, and be willing to make adjustments to find rules that best suit your students.

• Don't compare yourself to other teachers...you are doing a great job!