Being a new teacher is harder than anyone will admit and sometimes experienced teachers providing advice for new teachers is the best remedy.
I remember my first year as a teacher, I had a 1+ hour commute each way on long country roads, and cell phone service was quite spotty on my route.
I was teaching a mixed-exceptionalities classroom, which was code for “students with learning needs and behaviour issues.” I was brand new to this type of classroom setting and was completely green.
Eventually, I found my way to teaching middle school ELA and Social Studies – my two favourite subjects – to Grade 7 and 8 students.
Because I so vividly remember being a new teacher and the lack of support I received, I really care about new teachers. I have written two popular blog posts about how new teachers make mistakes (because we’ve all been there!) and what to do when you have made a mistake.
- 6 Mistakes New Teachers Make
- 5 More Mistakes New Teachers Make
- Teachers Make Mistakes: Here’s What To Do When You’ve Made One
In this blog post, real teachers share their best advice for new teachers – to ensure you receive more advice than the old saying, “Don’t smile until Christmas.”
Tips & Advice for New Teachers From Teachers
- Teach your procedures and routines. Do not assume students will follow without a lot of practice.
- Be yourself – let students get to know you.
- You control the classroom – students can have structured choices.
- Don’t take things to heart. Students are kids and will say/do things that are frustrating.
- Don’t take too much grading home – this might not always be possible, but try your best to make use of planning time and lunch hour at school.
- Want more advice on marking? Look at these posts: Managing the Marking Load and Tips and Tricks to Help You Improve Your Assessment Skills.
- Be firm, consistent, and fair with your classroom management. Have a classroom management plan and stick to it.
- I have lots of posts all about classroom management. Click here to learn more.
- Teach children, not standards.
- Build relationships with your students.
- Remember, the most important people in the building are the custodians, cafeteria workers, and secretaries.
- When monitoring group work, stand by one group, look at another, and listen to a third group.
- Don’t settle, but don’t kill yourself by striving for perfection.
- Be humble and listen to others’ advice.
- Be patient.
- Do the assignment before your students to determine if it is difficult enough.
And don’t forget self-care!
Along with advice for new teachers, it’s important to remember that teacher burnout is real. If you do too much or you’re determined to strive for perfection within the first week, you’re going to sabotage yourself. Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do. Here are some articles to help:
- Teacher Self-Care Tips
- Setting Boundaries By Saying No
- Tips for Avoiding Teacher Burnout
- Important Teacher Mental Health Strategies
- How To Make Use of Essential Teacher Support Systems
- Prevent Teacher Burnout: 3 Essential Support Systems You Need to Recognize
Download my free Teacher Self-Care Challenge to help you make yourself a priority during the school year. Click the image below to grab your copy, or head to Shopify to download it.
Looking for more advice for new teachers? Head on over to this article: Helpful Tips for New Teachers
More Resources and Advice For New Teachers:
- New Teacher Resources
- Success In and Out of School: Tips for New Teachers
- Classroom Organization Tips For New Teachers
- New Teacher Exercise Tips: Fitting In Exercise
- The Ultimate Teacher’s Guide to Back to School Success
- Advice for New Teachers: Learn How to Achieve a Work Life Balance
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