Life as a first-year teacher can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is a rewarding profession that does not come without its challenges. We have included some tips for beginning your teaching profession below. It is not an exhaustive list, but it can help you take a step in the right direction if you are beginning a career in education.
Networking
Surround yourself with positive teachers and focus on developing relationships. Networking with other teachers can provide you with useful tips and most teachers are very friendly and more than willing to answer any questions. Chances are that as a new teacher, you are working on developing a bank of resources to use with your students. This can be challenging especially if you are doing LTO positions and switching teaching positions year after year. Networking with teachers and joining social media groups is a great way of sharing and accessing new resources. We have some freebies on our TPT store that may help you in your lesson planning.
Find a Mentor
Choose your mentor wisely. Veteran teachers have accumulated years of experiences. Mentors can help you prepare for your teacher appraisals. A mentor may be willing to allow you to observe them teach which can be a valuable learning experience.
Ask Questions
On the note of networking, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is completely normal to have thousands of questions as a new teacher. Even experienced teachers consult their colleagues for advice. There are many things to learn as a new teacher, including learning how to write report cards, responding to or making parent phone calls, and how to address classroom management concerns. These questions are completely valid. Everyone was a first-year teacher at the beginning of their career.
Don’t Sweat It
Remember that you can never expect perfection, especially during your first few years of teaching. Teaching is a dynamic job with many challenges. There will constantly be new faces, new challenges, and learning opportunities. Having a growth mindset can help ensure that both you and your students are learning from mistakes. Although it has its difficulties, teaching is a rewarding profession. Educators get to witness their students grow both socially and emotionally. You are providing students with the skills they need to succeed.
Enjoy Yourself
Remember that teaching is one aspect of your life, but not the only one. Take time to enjoy yourself. Whether it’s hiking, reading, playing video games, or watching Netflix, make sure to set time aside time every day to do something you enjoy. Don’t feel guilty about it either. This time should be non-negotiable. You can’t effectively care for your students without taking care of yourself.