Advice for early career teachers

Starting a new role can be exciting, but it's natural to feel a bit nervous as the big day approaches. You may find yourself overthinking everything that could go wrong, wondering what your class will be like, or how well you’ll settle in with your colleagues. Rest assured, feeling a mix of nerves and curiosity is completely normal - in fact, it would be surprising if you weren’t a little anxious!

To help ease those first-day jitters, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks for starting your teaching career or a new role as a teaching assistant. Let’s dive in!

Preparation is Key
Being prepared with everything you need, from notes to timetables, sets you up for a smooth start. Knowing where you need to be, what classes you’ll teach, and which students you’ll be working with will reduce last-minute stress. Starting the day with everything in order helps you feel more confident and keeps any unnecessary chaos at bay!

Ask for Support
Seeking support is underrated - truly. As a newcomer, you’ll naturally have questions about students, the school culture, and other aspects of your role. If anything is unclear, always ask! Asking questions is a powerful way to learn, so don’t worry about coming across as bothersome. Remember, there’s always someone willing to help.

Engage with Those Around You
It can be daunting to join a new school where everyone seems well-acquainted. But engaging in conversations - both personal and professional - with colleagues shows that you’re trying to be part of the team. Open communication builds connections and can make it easier to seek advice or support as you get settled.

Building trust with your students is also key. Open, friendly communication helps students feel comfortable coming to you for support, creating a positive environment for learning.

Be Kind to Yourself
At Teach, we emphasise self-care for educators. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the role, but being kind to yourself is essential. Taking time for yourself, doing activities you enjoy, and speaking openly about any stress you’re feeling all help you stay balanced. When you’re healthy and happy, it reflects positively on your students, too. Prioritising your well-being should always be at the top of the list!

We hope these tips help as you begin your new journey in education. Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous, it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to connect with others, and it’s okay to take care of yourself - actually, we encourage it. Good luck!

We’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with our delightful team via phone, email or why not get in touch with us via social media – we can’t wait to speak with you!

Use the hashtag #teachtalks and let us know your thoughts on this article and share your views. Let’s start a conversation.

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