Great advice for new teachers

February 27, 2017 • By Unleash Learning • 14 comments

This month I want to dedicate this post to new teachers.

*If you’re not a new teacher…please keep reading. There’s something for you too.

There’s a lot of startling statistics about how many new teachers leave the profession or about the kinds of obstacles they face.

Working with new teachers for over a decade, I know first-hand the gifts they bring and the challenges they experience. It’s one of the reasons I wrote Unleash Learning.

I also know that effective early career support is key to the success of new teachers.

That’s why I want you meet to Ben Grozier.

If you’re a new teacher, work with new teachers or know a new teacher, this interview is for you.

Ben has been in the teaching & learning profession for over 2 decades and in our discussion, he will offer great advice for new teachers.

If you’re a new teacher, work with new teachers or know a new teacher, this interview is for you.

To all teachers everywhere – I’m cheering you on! William

PS – Do you know a new teacher or someone who works with them? If so, I would so greatly appreciate it if you would forward this to them. Let’s spread some inspiration.

A question for you...

What’s your best advice for new teachers? Please add your comments below and help inspire new teachers everywhere.

Answer now

Comments

Judy says:
April 11, 2017 at 12:17 pm
As a teacher you are a guide a mentor a listener and supporter but not a ‘friend’ kids get confused if you blurr the boundaries. Be an adult don’t be afraid to take control you need to create boundaries in order to set the educational landscape.
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  April 11, 2017 at 12:21 pm
  Hi Judy, Thanks for your great advice!
Bev Baka says:
April 11, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Take ownership of your classroom.
Always greet your students at the door as they enter.
Be kind to yourself, not all classes are going to run smoothly.
Don’t be afraid to ask for and use different strategies.
NEVER accept disrespectful behaviour after you have set up a list of positive, respectful classroom rules, negotiated WITH your students.
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  April 11, 2017 at 3:10 pm
  Really wonderful, useful advice Bev. Thank you!
Robert Adams says:
April 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Keep the fun of learning, your own learning, and steer clear of those colleagues who have long since forgotten how to do that. To pass on the joy of learning you need to keep the joy of learning yourself.
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  April 11, 2017 at 6:06 pm
  Wonderful pieces of advice Robert. Thank you for sharing. I’m sure new teachers will appreciate your wisdom.
Karen Corbett says:
April 13, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Take the time to set up your organisational systems. Ask other teachers about how they monitor homework, assessment, evidence for parent teacher interviews and how they schedule their week so that they can maximize their time at school. A great app is iDoceo – check it out!
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  April 13, 2017 at 4:22 pm
  Hi Karen – such fantastic, practical, helpful advice for all new teachers. I can’t wait to check out IDoceo. Thank you!
Jo Lee says:
January 17, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Remember to breathe and take one session at a time. Do not negotiate after you have agreed your class rules and have fun….remember they are kids and they learn best when they are relaxed and happy (that does not mean loud and out of control!!!). Be fair, honest and transparent and the students will feel your love for learning. I always say that the students only have one shot at the year; but I get to go away and reflect on how to improve….bear this in mind as you welcome them through the door each day. Find a great ‘go to’ person within the staff and ask questions. Listen and be respectful to the ones that dictate your practise, take what you like and ignore the rest….. It is a privilige to help shape someone’s future…enjoy and stay in love with your learning.
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  January 17, 2018 at 3:20 pm
  Hi Jo, I think that many new teachers will find your advice valuable and very useable. I especially appreciate the idea of finding a great “go to” person to work with. Getting a team of support is critical to early career success! Thanks again.
Ingrid Turner says:
October 10, 2018 at 9:24 am
Rely on your structures to keep the classroom positive and if you are relief teaching, stay calm and stay to the plan, you, are like a juggler that is keeping the balls flowing, – the balls often hit the floor for everyone at times, just pick them up and stay with the structure. Remember the overwhelming majority of us were in your boat, and as schools vary so much, yep take the help that is offered. Get ready to work your little socks off as the first year is at least 4 times the level of work than any other year. Each year it gets half as easy, and by the 5th year, you generally feel you are pretty competent – it always a full-on job, however you feel in control somewhat more. So take care of yourself, and let those in your life know that this is the year they need to support and be there for you. (most people have no idea how much work teaching is).
Reply
- William DeJean says:
  October 10, 2018 at 9:27 am
  Ingrid, what wonderful, kind and useful advice. I think it’s really important that new teachers know we all went through the challenge of being new and that their is a whole network of support waiting to help. Thank you!
Lynda says:
December 7, 2018 at 10:02 am
Get out of mainstream education and go to Montessori where true respect for children from birth to adulthood is realised and practised. You will learn so much about everything as well.
Reply
Julie Schwab says:
August 13, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Believe in your abilities, your knowledge and your desire to teach. You will work out the “kinks” along the way. Focus on your students. Who are they? What do they want? What do they like? How do they want to be treated? What are they worried about? You will find this much easier than starting with a lesson. Let them know you are interested and that you care. Together you will create the best classroom for successful students and teacher!
Reply

Great advice for new teachers

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