Guest Blogger: Sara Manning

Starting your teaching career is exciting, but let’s be real - it can also feel overwhelming. Those first few years are all about finding your rhythm, learning what works, and growing into the educator you want to be. To help make the journey a little smoother, here are five key tips that every new teacher should keep in mind.

1. Reflect, Reflect, Reflect

Taking time to reflect on your teaching is one of the best ways to grow. Ask yourself: What went well today? What could have been better? Even jotting down a few quick notes after a lesson can help you spot patterns and improve over time. Rebecka Peterson, a former Teacher of the Year, says daily reflection helps capture both the wins and the challenges of teaching (Peterson, 2023).

2. Find Your People

Teaching is tough, and you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with a strong support system - whether that’s fellow teachers, mentors, or even online educator communities. Connecting with others who understand the ups and downs of the job can make all the difference. According to Drexel University, having a solid network helps teachers navigate the complexities of the profession (Drexel University, n.d.).

3. Set Clear Expectations (And Stick to Them!)

Classroom management is so much easier when students know exactly what’s expected of them. Establish routines, communicate clear rules, and be consistent. If you start strict, you can always loosen up later, but it’s much harder to go the other way. Nearpod advises new teachers to be firm with guidelines from day one - it sets the stage for a structured and supportive learning environment (Nearpod, 2022).

4. Take Care of Yourself

Teaching can be draining, so don’t forget to recharge. Set boundaries, find hobbies outside of school, and don’t beat yourself up over the rough days. Not every lesson will go perfectly, and that’s okay! Kindergarten Cafe reminds educators that self-care isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. You can’t be your best for your students if you’re running on empty (Kindergarten Cafe, 2021).

5. Be Ready to Adapt

No matter how well you plan, things won’t always go as expected—and that’s part of the job. Maybe your lesson falls flat, or a last-minute schedule change throws things off. The best teachers roll with it and adjust on the fly. A first-year teacher shared that while preparation is key, being flexible is just as important (Carnegie Learning, 2023).

Extra Resources for New Teachers

  • Teaching Channel – A great collection of videos showcasing best practices in different subjects and grade levels.
  • Todd Whitaker’s Books – His book Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher is packed with practical advice for new educators.

Resources:

Carnegie Learning. (2023). Advice for new teachers from a first-year teacher. Retrieved from https://carnegielearning.medium.com/advice-for-new-teachers-from-a-first-year-teacher-69705bba7277

Drexel University. (n.d.). Teaching advice for new teachers. Retrieved from https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/teacher-resources/teaching-advice/

Kindergarten Cafe. (2021). Best advice for new teachers. Retrieved from https://www.kindergartencafe.org/best-advice-for-new-teachers/

Nearpod. (2022). Tips for first-year teachers. Retrieved from https://nearpod.com/blog/tips-first-year-teacher/Peterson, R. (2023). Advice for new teachers from the teacher of the year. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/advice-new-teachers-teacher-year/