7 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers

Too often, teacher preparation programs are rich in theory but light on practical guidance. After working hard through my undergraduate classes, completing student teaching, and spending countless hours laminating and cutting, I still found myself on the first day of school, standing in front of a room full of expectant faces with eager eyes, and realized I had no idea what to do next. I didn’t know what to say to students in that moment, let alone how to survive the following 180 days. Twelve years later, I have collected a trove of advice I wish I could have shared with that fresh-faced teacher.

Advice I Wish I Was Given as a new teacher

1. Set the tone on day one. It can be tempting to be a little more relaxed on the first day. You’re nervous, the kids have those first-day wiggles. You want them to feel comfortable and have a great day, but don’t sacrifice your expectations for behavior in the name of fun. One way I do this is by getting students to practice the skills we’ll be building all year, minus the content. For example, students will talk, collaborate, agree, and disagree with low-risk activities. This is an entry to the kinds of conversations they’ll be holding all year.

2. Build relationships. Establishing strong relationships early in the year is key to smoothing out bumps in the road as the year progresses. It’s not a magic panacea— you’ll still have behaviors to contend with. But getting to know your students as individuals builds trust and communicates to students that you care about them. It helps to reinforce the fact that consequences occur because of student choices, not the teacher’s feelings about the students. You don’t have to do cheesy icebreakers to get to know your students, either. Keep it simple. Listen to their stories at dismissal time, ask about their game last night on the way in the door. Be authentic.

3. The answer is “no” if you don’t ask. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from trying something new. Ask for opportunities, resources, and feedback, whatever it is you need to grow. This applies not just to administrators but also to your teaching team, mentors, grant funders, and school staff. Although you won’t always get the enthusiastic “yes” you were hoping for, you are in no worse a position than when you started. You may be surprised by how often your requests are granted. Your team, administrators, and colleagues want to see you succeed.

Whether you‘re asking for extra supplies, permission to pilot a new program, or guidance from a more experienced colleague, know that advocating for yourself is an essential skill. When you model self-advocacy and curiosity, your students learn to do the same.

4. “We’ve always done it this way” is meant to be challenged. It can feel like your job as the newcomer is to fit into the established mold. While understanding your school culture is important, don’t be afraid to bring in fresh ideas. If something isn’t working or could be improved, you have the power to be the change. “Best practices” in education are fluid, and the pendulum is always shifting. Stay up to date on the latest research and advocate for your students. Change can feel uncomfortable at first, for both you and your colleagues, but meaningful growth often begins with asking, “Is there a better way?”

For example, in a previous school, I worked with my principal to eliminate traditional tests in the middle school science classes. To better align to the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), we fully embraced performance assessments. It was a departure from the way the department had been structured, and there were many conversations, pilots, and data analyses, but we ultimately shifted the program to the benefit of our students.

5. Assume positive intent. Teaching is stressful, and much of our communication happens through email or text. When tensions rise or an email rubs you the wrong way, remind yourself that the parent, colleague, or administrator you are interacting with likely means well. This mindset will save you time, energy, and stress. Most of the time, misunderstandings happen because everyone is stretched thin. If you find yourself feeling frustrated, step back and reread the message with fresh eyes, or pick up the phone to clarify. A quick conversation can often resolve confusion before it turns into conflict. Remember, assuming positive intent doesn’t mean ignoring real problems, but it helps you respond with professionalism and empathy.

6. Say “yes” to one new thing each year. Teaching is full of novelty, but it can be easy to stick to tried-and-true techniques. Each year, commit to saying “yes” to one new program, project, or idea. Whether it is piloting a curriculum or welcoming visitors into your classroom, some of the best growth happens outside your comfort zone. Adding just one new thing each year allows you to give it your full effort and helps you succeed. Over time, you will build a rich collection of experiences and skills.

A few years ago, my school invested in increased technological and innovative resources. I wanted to do everything but was overwhelmed by the choices and didn’t know where to start. I found myself doing many things poorly. It was at that moment that I took a step back and decided I would do one thing and get good at it before adding another. The first thing I tried was Breakout Edu. Once I was proficient with escape room–style gamification, I decided to try my hand at block-based coding. Since then, I’ve added everything from basic robotics to raising trout. Next year I’m adding aquaponics!

7. Do what you love. You set the tone in your classroom. From the decor to the daily routines, find ways to infuse your space with what brings you joy. When you model passion and curiosity, you show students that learning is something to look forward to. Your energy is contagious, and your students will feel it too.

To remind myself of some of the best things that have happened in my classroom, I have a “wall of fame” full of newspaper clippings of anytime my class has been in the local paper, photos of all my past classes, and little reminders of professional accomplishments. It’s a mini-highlight reel right in my classroom. I fill the rest of my classroom with things I love, like plant propagation stations, a fish tank, and hydroponic gardens. My classroom is full of things that interest me and get students asking questions!

Remember, no one expects you to have all the answers on day one. No matter where you teach or how many years you have been in the classroom, you will always be growing and evolving. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories—big and small. Over time, you will discover your own style, your own strengths, and the countless ways you can inspire the learners who walk through your door.