Tips Before Beginning Your First Year of Teaching

As I embark on a new year in a new grade level at a new school, I keep thinking how grateful I am and how lucky I am to have the experiences I went through in just three fast years.

Getting your room ready for the school year can be extremely exciting. What we really need to focus on, though, is functionality. Yes, it's great if our rooms are cute and fun, but it's more important that we be strategic in how we set things up so that we can maximize our efficiency.

Supporting new teachers in a way that's relevant to their needs is important. I spent over ten years as a school principal, and it led me to become an advocate for actively supporting teacher practice. As new teachers ready themselves to start their first year teaching, I’d like to share 5 tips to help ease them into a successful school year.

Here it is August and many teachers begin to consider what things they need to do prior to the beginning of school. Since most school systems begin during the month of August, teachers will reach the point of rushing to get ready for that first day.

I believed that being new meant I had to follow someone else's advice for the first six weeks of school, or I would be doomed. Now I know that students mostly know how to do school, and we must respect their intelligence as we build community with them.

Education World asked the "sophomores" who faced -- and survived -- that dreaded first year to reflect on their successes and failures. First-year teachers, here is their best advice for getting through it.

Tips for first-year and novice teachers.

I learned a million things that year, but let me tell you, few of them came out of the textbooks I read as a student. Here are five things I wish I would have known before stepping foot into a classroom.

Are you headed into your first year as a teacher? Perhaps looking at the date (it's August already?!!?) is making you nervous? The beginning of a new school year can bring anxiety for anyone, but new teachers are especially prone to a little extra anxiety since this is likely the first time you'll have your very own classroom!

When I first started teaching, I was passionate and loved my subject area, but I was clueless when it came to classroom management. My teacher preparation program gave me no specific strategies, so I went into the classroom thinking that if I had a well-planned lesson, classroom management would take care of itself.

This school year will be my 10th year teaching! Ten years blows my mind because I can still tell you the names of all the kids in the class I student taught. It's strange realizing that you're not the total newbie on campus anymore.

1. Don't talk over the kids If there is one piece of advice I could give you, it is this. Never talk over the kids. You might have to wait a long time for their attention and on occasion you might have to stop and wait. Be patient.

And oh, those first impressions -- they stick like gum on hot asphalt. So here are some tips for giving the best impression, Day One:

Are your knees knocking at the thought of walking into a classroom for the very first time this fall? Have no fear! We asked our friends on Facebook to share their best pearls of wisdom for new teachers, and they generously sent their inspiration, advice and need-to-know strategies.

The new school year is right around the corner and you know what that means: stress. Lots of it. There's a lot to worry about and plan for when it comes to building the perfect classroom, group of students, and lesson plans. If you're a seasoned teacher, you know (roughly) what to do in terms of preparation.

First-year teachers bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the classroom. However, they also bring some preconceived ideas about what that first year will be like. As you begin this first critical year in your career, you need to remember some important information to start you off on the right foot as a teacher. Just like that kindergartner on her first day of school, take this advice and be a gold star teacher.

Whether you are launching into your first year as a classroom teacher, taking on a new role, or moving to a new school, come get some helpful tech tips to get the year started.

I remember the first day I walked into my very own classroom... I was nervous, excited and overwhelmed with the possibilities of the year that lay ahead. As our new school year approaches here in Australia, I can imagine that there are lots of new teachers feeling the same way I did! What to plan? What to buy? What to wear on the first day? And, most importantly, how can I win over my kids? :)

Rather than give you a lengthy introduction about the fun and follies of being a first-year teacher, we're just going to dive right in. While this list is by no means exhaustive, we'd like to share 5 things first-year teachers should know about the profession. Your classroom is your first responsibility Obviously, right?

Teaching is hard. But it's also one of the most important professions around, because it's responsible for cultivating and nurturing the next generation of doctors, scientists, business leaders and teachers. The first year of teaching is exhausting, emotional and can sometimes come down to survival.

For all of you new teachers out there (and also those who have been in the profession for a while now), I wish you years of success, as you are in the greatest position of all- the position to influence the lives of many students.

Go with the flow. You are likely coming into the classroom with big ideas and big goals. Keep those in mind but remember you're part of larger ecosystem. Establish your footing and build your expertise as you go. After your first year, it'll be much easier to add your 'voice to the lessons, parent-teacher conferences, and staff meetings.

​Arrive early and make sure that the room is ready. Set up any necessary equipment. Write (or display) the course title and your name and contact information, on the chalkboard (or screen). Chat with students before you begin class. Interacting with students in this way will make them more likely to participate and ask questions during class.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I’ve been able to work in a few different capacities in the education system since then, but my first year teaching experience was memorable. Here are my top 10 tips for surviving your first year in teaching:

This month, the U.S. Department of Education kicked off Connected Educator Month, with engaging keynotes, panel discussions, book chats, and more. During this month, educators in the U.S. and globally will have opportunities to connect themselves and their communities, online and in-person, to support their professional practice.