Advice for New Teachers


by | 08.3.17

Teacher2Teacher is a community that shares effective practices and innovations so educators can connect and grow together.

As summer winds down and your anticipation for the school year amps up, we wanted to share some pearls of wisdom you’ve offered one another.

First-year teachers have posed questions about making the most of year one, and veteran teachers have responded generously and thoughtfully – with reminders from which everyone can benefit. Dig in, then comment with advice you’d add!

  • “Ask other teachers for support. Do not be an island. Twitter is a great place to ask for help. … I hope you have a supportive mentor.” – Teacher Alana Gilliam
  • “Remember to take time for you! You can’t meet the needs of your students when you’re drained. Nurture yourself. You’ll be a better teacher for it!” – Educator Beth Keefer
  • “If possible, check out your assigned students online. I had several that were shocked that I knew their names the first day!” – Educator @MrsJBroadwell

Click here to read more insights from the T2T community!

  • “Show parents [you] see them as allies (not adversaries) and be upfront in making sure they know you want to develop open communications with them.” – Teacher John Mead
  • “Give out notecards and ask parents to answer the prompt, “What do you want me to know about your child?” – Teacher Kyle Salkin
  • “I always have a sign-in sheet at the front when [families] walk in. Get an email address so you can email them later and thank them for coming.” – Teacher Catherine Massino

Click here to read more insights from the T2T community!

  • “Find mentors to guide you throughout your journey. Mentors are important, not only your first year but your entire career.” – Teacher Meagan England
  • “Don’t stress about making ‘perfect’ lesson plans – they don’t exist and rarely go as planned!” – Teacher @classchatblog
  • “Relationships will make or break you as a teacher. Kids will work tirelessly for someone that cares about them!” – Teacher Ms. Cave
  • “Fail forward. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to admit a lesson was a flop or that you could have responded better with students’ issues.” – Teacher Morgan Kirkpatrick

Click here and here to read more insights from the T2T community!

  • “Figure out what works for you. … I learned by doing everything the wrong way first.” – Teacher Shannon M.
  • “Always let what is best for students guide your decision making.” – Teacher Jeff Crayton
  • “You are only one person. Try not to stay in superhero mode all the time (second year teacher and STILL trying to find a balance!).” – Teacher Deanna Burkett

Click here and here to read more insights from the T2T community!

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