INFORMING, CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING EDUCATORS

From Experience: Advice for Beginning Teachers

Lindsey Enns 255 Views 8 min read

If you could go back to your first year of teaching, what would you tell yourself? Maybe you would worry less about having every answer, ask for help sooner, or lean on a colleague.

Beginning your career as an educator can be both exciting and overwhelming. Along with lesson planning and curriculum, new educators are learning how to establish routines, build trust with students and families, collaborate with colleagues, and protect their own well-being. Much of that knowledge develops through experience but it can also be strengthened by honest guidance from those who have already navigated the early years.

We asked experienced educators across our social media channels to share their best advice for beginning teachers, and they delivered. From setting boundaries and finding your people to giving yourself grace and remembering why you chose this profession, there is plenty of wisdom here to help beginning teachers start the school year with confidence.

Give Yourself Grace

  • “Don’t expect it to be easy when you start. My first two years were trial by fire and I’m glad they were. I learned a lot and I knew I could weather whatever came my way. Twenty-four years later, I still love it!”
  • “You don’t have to choose between who you are and who you are as a teacher. Bring your whole self—your passions, creativity, questions, and even your uncertainty into the classroom. Teaching is not about becoming a perfect version of “a teacher”; it is about continually discovering who you are in relationship with your students, colleagues, and community. Give yourself permission to change, to learn, and to rethink what you thought teaching would be. Your identity as an educator will evolve, and that is not a weakness; the evolution is part of the work. Stay curious, stay connected, and leave room for yourself.”
  • “Channel your inner Ms. Frizzle. Genuine enthusiasm for the topic and hands-on learning opportunities are nearly impossible for young learners to resist.”
  • “Be patient with your learners and with yourself. Ask questions of your colleagues and admin. Always be willing to learn.”
  • “Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but you don’t have to pretend that every day is amazing. It’s OK to acknowledge when you’re exhausted and struggling.”

Find Your People

  • “Take your lunch break and find “your people” on staff. Even though you will feel like you have so much to do, the lunch break is necessary to reset your day, debrief, and take a breather. Your people, once you find them, will build you up, make you laugh, listen to you, offer advice and get you through the tough days.”
  • “Foster a relationship with a teaching partner or two in your building- collaboration and sharing with colleagues is a key strategy to making it through those first few years. Also, make friends with your learning support teacher!”
  • “The most important people in your school to know are the Secretary (Administrative Assistant) and the Custodian! Treat them well. They know where everything is and what’s going on. They are your greatest asset!”
  • “The first few weeks/month is about building relationships with each child and getting to know them (as a collective and also as individuals). Setting up routines and expectations is fundamental and students need to know what to expect from you as well. And it is OK to not know everything, you do not need to know it all, you do need to be able to demonstrate that you will find the answers or resources and model these behaviours for them so they know they can that do this too. Children won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And make the calls home for good things that you are noticing, how helpful or kind their child is, focus on finding the good in each child. Remain curious about everything and wonder out loud so your students can see how learning happens in the little things every day. Lastly, hold on tight, this is one of the best rides of your life. Every day will be different so enjoy it all and focus on the positive aspects of teaching and surround yourself with others who are just as excited as you are. Energy is contagious.”

Set Boundaries

  • “It’s OK to say no to things above and beyond the call of duty and don’t feel like you need to achieve everything all at once.”
  • “You can’t do it all! Seek out resources from mentors in your building – don’t spend money or time re-inventing the wheel! Set boundaries – set do not disturb times on your devices and don’t answer emails or text during your time. Also, limit your extra-curricular activities to one or two this helps with setting boundaries. Do not give your cell number or accept friend requests from parents or students and only use chat features that are supported by your division. This protects you and them! Finally, breathe! The first five years are challenging, but if you set boundaries, and stick to them, you will be great!”
  • “It is possible to be friendly and liked by kids and still have very strong boundaries. Never make assumptions that kids know what is expected of them in the classroom. Teach them how to do everything. (Enter the room, clean up their spaces, interact and share space in a group, use tools and materials, etc.) Model and demonstrate routines. Set those boundaries early and follow through immediately on adjustments to unwanted/disruptive behaviours. Affirm and thank every kid who is contributing positively to class culture and privately check in on those who are not behaving appropriately: misbehaviours are almost never on purpose, and your empathy and support can go a long way. Kids who are struggling or who need a little extra care or connection (struggling emotionally, mentally, lack of safety, turmoil at home, hungry, lack of sleep, etc.) will sometimes show you they need support in the most unpleasant ways and if their basic needs aren’t being taken care of, learning just cannot happen!”
  • “You cannot possibly cover an entire curriculum, be careful not to spread yourself too thin with extracurricular duties, and remember that your kindness, compassion, and patience can impact a desire for learning for your students’ lifetimes. Finally, prioritize your wellbeing, and remember to have fun!”
  • “Everybody has a story. There is a reason behind behaviours. Address the behaviour but understand the reasoning and deal with it accordingly. Consequences are not a one size fits all. It takes a long time to find out the truth when dealing with problems. Take the time. Do not jump to conclusions. Perception is often the root of conflicts. Ensure everyone’s perception is heard; make sure both sides understand each other’s perception and deal with the conflict accordingly.”

Protect Your Well-being

  • “You are replaceable, make sure you take care of yourself both mentally and physically. There’s no sense in killing yourself trying to overachieve and impress whoever you think needs impressing.”
  • “Take care of yourself, breathe, one day at a time.”
  • “Imposter syndrome is a real thing, but the voice telling you you’re failing is lying to you. No one expects you to have all the answers and be able to shoulder it all right off the bat. You have plenty to learn and nothing to prove – lean on your colleagues, ask for help when you need it, and accept help when it is offered.”
  • “I was an instructional coach for nine years and worked with hundreds of new teachers. So please, please, please, do this: ask questions. It’s very easy to assume that you’d be seen as a “bad teacher” when you feel like you have to ask a “stupid question”. The biggest “stupid question” is the one not asked. Ask, ask, ask. Asking demonstrates to your leadership team that you care, that you’re not arrogant, and you’re willing to learn. The only other advice I have is to make teaching something you “do”, not your entire personality. Have a hobby, something that allows you to decompress. This career can be all encompassing, so you need to ensure that you keep it compartmentalized in your life.”
  • “Work-life balance is essential. You cannot achieve it by doing everything – set your priorities and maintain healthy boundaries.”

We want to hear from you!

Whether it’s a practical tip, a lesson learned, or a few words of encouragement, your advice could make a real difference for a beginning teacher.

Send your advice in 100 words or less to coms@mbteach.org and we will add a selection to this page.