In January we called for your top tips for new teachers. On Facebook and Instagram, we asked what you wish you’d known in your first year of teaching. Your generous responses included a few key themes: be kind to yourself; be prepared to say ‘no’ sometimes; and, most importantly, join your union. Here is a selection of comments:
The IEU is there and is worth every cent (in all honesty I was in my fifth year of teaching in my third diocese before I knew and promptly joined, thanks to a vocal school rep).
Enjoy one of the most enjoyable, challenging, creative, worthwhile, life-changing and necessary careers you could ever take on. Not every day is gold, but every day has that opportunity. Our children deserve you!
Ask for help because you don’t know all the answers and it’s perfectly normal. Be kind to yourself.
Join the union.
It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon.
It’s OK to say no. Don’t burn yourself out.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
This too shall pass – it won’t always be this hard.
Get in good with the office staff – they’re the ones really running the school – and if you’re lucky enough to have a learning support officer, value them and their expertise properly by using them to support students.
No question is stupid. When you ask for advice, listen and apply it. There’s a good chance the experienced teacher who gave it knows it will work. It takes six weeks to develop good habits with students and only two weeks to lose them. Be consistent!
Write down every funny thing that happens. When you retire, this could be the basis for a book.
Find a great mentor, build rapport with your students whilst setting, supporting and expecting them to meet high expectations; connect and collaborate with colleagues; understand that there will be challenging moments and try to focus on what you are thankful for; understand that there may always be something more you can do, but prioritise what is important as well as self care and balance; be curious and flexible in evaluating your practice (Ask yourself: Is what I’m doing effective, efficient and necessary? If not, change it); remember that teaching is part of what you do but not all you are, so make time to for activities/hobbies you enjoy outside of work; and understand your professional rights and responsibilities – your union can help.
You are there to learn and grow too. Tread softly and with kindness to yourself and to your colleagues. Find your people. Join the union. Read a lot but read with intention. Ask questions. Most importantly, learn to see your teacher self as only part of who you are, have a creative outlet.