30 Quick Tips for New Teachers

The first year of teaching is unlike anything else. It’s a wild mix of inspiration and exhaustion. You’re juggling curriculum, managing behavior, navigating school culture, all while trying to remember your own lunch. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world; other days you’ll leave wondering if you’re cut out for this at all.

That’s normal.

Every teacher remembers their first year, not just for the challenges, but for the growth, the relationships, and the wins (big and small) that stay with you long after the year is done.

Whether you’re in your first term or preparing to begin, here are 30 things that will help you not only survive your first year of teaching, but start to thrive in it.

Brief Reminders to Help You Keep Going

1. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to care. Teaching is human work. Let students see your effort and your empathy, not just your content knowledge.

2. Relationships before results. Build trust first. Greet students by name. Show up consistently. When relationships are strong, the learning will follow.

3. Routines are a game-changer. Establish procedures for everything: entering the room, asking questions, packing up. Practice routines daily until they’re second nature.

4. Plan with purpose, not perfection. Effective planning means being clear on your learning goals and flexible in how you get there. No need to script every second.

5. Find your people. The supportive colleague who shares resources, laughs with you on a hard day, or reminds you that you are doing enough—they’re gold.

6. Ask for help (and ask early). No question is too small. Learn from others. You’re not supposed to know everything on day one.

7. Make your classroom feel like a community. Students behave better and learn more when they feel they belong. Involve them in cocreating the culture.

8. Teach in your own voice. You don’t have to be the loudest or funniest. Authenticity builds connection. Your style is enough.

9. Keep instructions short and sharp. Aim for fewer than 10 words when giving instructions. Say them once, write them down, and check for understanding.

10. Get to know the whole child. Who plays sports after school? Who’s caring for siblings? These details inform how you teach and connect.

11. Mistakes are part of teaching. You’ll forget resources, misjudge lessons, and mix up names. What matters is how you reflect and respond.

12. Mentors are gold—lean in. Don’t wait for formal meetings. Ask questions in the corridor, debrief at the end of the day, or share a coffee and a conundrum.

13. Feedback is more powerful than marks. “Great work, but next time…” can be more valuable than a B+. Aim for specific, timely feedback that encourages growth.

14. Don’t mark everything. Be strategic. Use formative assessments, peer review, and quick check-ins instead of marking every book every week.

15. You’re not a counselor. Listen and show care, but refer students to well-being staff when it’s beyond your role. Boundaries are healthy.

16. Set email boundaries. Replying at 10 p.m. sets unrealistic expectations. Check emails during work hours, and don’t apologize for taking time.

17. Pick your battles. Save your energy for the behaviors that really impact learning. Let some things go, especially in the early days.

18. Celebrate the small wins. A quiet student contributing. A whole class transition without a reminder. These matter. Recognize them.

19. Get students moving. Use brain breaks, active learning, and outdoor activities. Movement boosts focus and well-being.

20. Reflect (even briefly). Try a two-minute journal at the end of the day. What went well? What will I try differently?

21. One tough lesson doesn’t define you. We all have lessons that fall flat. Students forget them; you should too.

22. Families are allies. Be proactive. Call home with good news. Show families that you see and value their child.

23. Simple tech is often best. Focus on tools that enhance learning—a shared doc, a quick quiz. Fancy isn’t always best.

24. Well-being is not a luxury—it’s essential. Get sleep. Move your body. Eat lunch. Your energy is your greatest resource in the classroom.

25. Keep a “positivity folder.” Save drawings, thank-you notes, and affirming emails. Open your folder when you need reminding that you’re making a difference.

26. Keep learning—but take it slow. Podcasts, books, or professional development sessions can inspire—just don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all at once.

27. Trust takes time. With students, staff, and families. Be consistent—it will come.

28. You don’t have to do it all. Choose one area to improve each term. Let yourself grow gradually.

29. Notice more. Who’s on the margins? Who’s unusually quiet or unusually loud? A moment of connection can change a student’s day.

30. You’re already enough. You won’t always see your impact—but it’s there. You’re showing up, you’re growing, and you matter.

You’ll Find Your Way

There’s no magic formula for getting through your first year, but there is strength in perspective. You’ll learn how to read a room, rework a lesson on the fly, and keep calm in a corridor full of eighth-grade students.

The truth? You’ll never be completely ready, but you’ll become more capable, more resilient, and more confident with every passing week. Remember: You don’t have to be amazing in your first year. You just have to keep going.

So take breaks. Laugh with your students. Connect with your colleagues. Celebrate your wins and reflect on your misses. You’re part of something big. You’re shaping lives, nurturing potential, and creating spaces where young people feel seen and supported.

You’ve made it this far. Keep going. You’re not just surviving, you’re learning to thrive.