Hindsight is 20/20, isn’t it?
There are so many things I wish people would have told me when I first started teaching. I spent my first two years trying to juggle everything the job required of me, but I still always felt like I was dropping the ball on something. It wasn’t until my third year that I was able to see what I really needed to focus on.
In an effort to save you the same trouble, here is my advice for new teachers.
1. Parent-Teacher Communication
If there is anything that you should master your first year of teaching, it’s parent-teacher communication. There’s nothing like dealing with a distraught parent who doesn’t have the tools to communicate with their child’s teacher successfully, or an upset parent who missed an awards ceremony or project due to a lapse in communication.
Today, there are so many portals to provide communication to families about upcoming assignments, events in your classroom, student behavior or helpful examples of how to complete homework. Even more exciting? The outlets listed below are totally free:
Each of these programs will have your parents raving about how you offer first-class communication in your classroom.
2. Free Homework Passes
In my classroom, I implement a free homework pass. During my first two years teaching, I spent countless hours at the school grading papers, changing bulletin boards and trying to get paper work complete. This cost me countless hours away from my family and my bed! Use your free homework pass! I’ve learned that if I come in 15-30 minutes early, and use my 45-minute planning time and the 30 minutes I have after school wisely, I can get a lot of work done.
Implement a week turnover to have assignments graded to stay caught up with grading and lesson plans. Practicing this will afford you the free time to enjoy your hobbies and recharge over the weekend – and that’s not just for your benefit. Above all, your students need a well-rested, energized and happy teacher.
3. Take Advantage of Teacher Workdays
This is the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the school year. On teacher workdays, try to come in at least 30 minutes earlier. Have a to-do-list to help you stay on top of all the things you want to complete that day. Work on lesson plans and pulling centers or supplement materials you will need to complete your lessons.
You can also block out 30 minutes to an hour to finish incomplete paperwork. Teacher workdays have proven to be one of my favorite workdays. You may be able to get as far as three weeks ahead, but hey, even if it’s only one week – you’re still ahead.
4. Ask for Help
Is there something you don’t know? A resource you need? Just ask. Reach out to your instructional coaches, your curriculum resources teacher; ask them for everything you need. You’d be surprised at the level of access and the many resources they have to help make your educational journey successful.
If you find yourself having trouble teaching a particular learning standard, ask your teammates or veteran teachers on your campus for advice. I have spent countless dollars, time and energy when everything I needed was available to me on my campus. I didn’t know because I didn’t ask.
5. Build Relationships
One of the best things I did my first year of teaching was put effort into building relationships with my colleagues. Whether it’s teammates in your grade or learning unit, another grade level or elsewhere in your school and even district, making connections with veteran teachers will help you become a more effective teacher.
6. Stay Organized
Staying organized as a new teacher is key to reducing stress and staying on top of your responsibilities. Use a planner or digital calendar to track lessons, meetings and deadlines. Create systems for grading, attendance and parent communication that you can maintain long-term. Keep your classroom materials labeled and accessible, and prep lessons a few days ahead whenever possible. Prioritize tasks daily, and don’t be afraid to say no to extras when your plate is full. Staying organized takes effort at first, but it saves time and energy in the long run, leaving more room for creativity and connection with your students.
7. Maintain a Positive Classroom
In my first year, I worked hard to establish clear routines and try out classroom reward systems to find one that students responded to. Greet students at the door, celebrate small successes, display student work and use positive language to reinforce expectations. Be consistent so students know what to expect. A positive classroom doesn’t mean it’s always perfect, but it’s a space where students feel encouraged to try, make mistakes and grow together.
8. How to Deal with Disruptive Behavior
Dealing with disruptive behavior is one of the most challenging parts of being a teacher. Some of my best classroom management tips for new teachers include:
- Remain calm, consistent and fair.
- Establish clear expectations early, and model the behavior you want to see.
- When disruptions occur, address them quickly and privately when possible (This will help you maintain classroom respect.).
- Try to understand where the disruptive behavior is coming from: Is the student seeking attention, struggling with the material or experiencing issues outside of school?
- For middle school and high school teachers: Building respect through relationships is one of the best ways to create a positive classroom environment.
- Try to offer positive reinforcement and follow through with consequences.
Remember, every interaction is a chance to teach — not just academics, but emotional regulation and respect.
9. Don’t be Afraid to Try New Instructional Strategies
One of my favorite pieces of advice for new teachers is: don’t be afraid to try something new! Student learning is only ever enhanced by your willingness to shake things up a bit. Try a new lesson plan or run a classroom activity a little differently. There are many foolproof teaching methodologies that you can have in your back pocket while also testing out new instructional strategies.
10. Create a Supportive Classroom Environment
One of my most important tips for new teachers is to strive to create a learning environment where all students feel supported. Creating a supportive classroom starts with creating a safe, welcoming environment where students feel valued and respected. Build a culture of collaboration by encouraging group work and peer support. Show genuine interest in your students’ lives and model the behavior you want to see – kindness, patience and curiosity. This encourages students to contribute to the classroom environment.
