Advice from Veteran Educators that Every New Teacher Should Hear

I began my teaching in September 2014 at Fitzgerald High School – “Fitz” –  just outside Detroit, Michigan. I had been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors leading up to that moment. Still, nothing quite prepares you for teaching like stepping into a classroom yourself.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned that year didn’t come from a science teacher or professor, it came from the school’s football coach.

It was a Friday evening around 6:00 PM. I was still in my classroom, buried in a pile of papers, long after the hallway lights had gone dark. As he passed by on his way to the football field, the coach noticed my light on and stopped at my door.

“What are you still doing here?” he asked.

“Just wrapping up the week and prepping for next,” I replied.

“Put down the papers and go to the football game,” he said.

I started to protest, but he cut me off.

“Go to the game. Students will see you there, and they’ll have fun with you. You’ll meet other teachers and start building relationships. That’s how you survive here. Go. To. The. Game.”

So, I went. And he was right; it made returning to the classroom on Monday just a little bit easier.

Reflecting on that moment, I often think about the advice I wish I’d had at the start of that school year. With that in mind, here’s some guidance from our Teaching Channel staff and master teachers from across the country; wisdom I would have loved to hear back when I first started at Fitz.

When I first started teaching there would be nights that I would stay up making assignments, only to have kids finish them in 5 minutes. You don’t have to “make” every resource yourself; lean on your colleagues and online resources to supplement.
Dallas Rico, MS/HS Spanish Teacher

“Done” is better than “Perfect!” Focus on quality content instead of making it pretty—the students will not notice! Don’t worry about making your room super cutesy and perfect. Pinterest teachers can make you feel inadequate, but a pretty room doesn’t make a good teacher.
Sarah Murphy, Teaching Channel, elementary teacher

Be nosy. Observe everyone’s class in the school. Invite other teachers to give you feedback.
Zachary Sweet, HS Assistant Principal, Chicago, IL

Befriend the support staff in the school building— custodians, lunch workers, office clerks, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, etc. They are often the ones doing the heavy lifting, and the hardest, and (sometimes) most thankless work. A smile, a hello, or checking in with them after a weekend goes a long way in letting them know that they are seen and valued. Building community amongst all the staff makes for a fun and cohesive workplace!
Marcee Harris, Teaching Channel, elementary teacher

Set yourself up for success! Think about routines and systems, and implement them. And don’t give up after a week, give it a month to see if it works or not.
Kerri Valesey, MS/HS English Teacher

Set a schedule and stick to it! Don’t stay late every day, you will burn out! Work will expand to fit the amount of time you allow, so set clear boundaries for how long you will spend on something, then call it done. Try not to bring things home if you can help it, and if you do, choose something that you enjoy or prefer working on at home.

Sarah Murphy, Teaching Channel, elementary teacher

Use a journal/planner and write out brief plans for the days and weeks. At the end of each day, spend 2 minutes writing notes and reflections. This will be very helpful in year 2, and beyond!
Samantha Willsey, MS Science Teacher

The teacher’s lounge has the potential to be a place for negativity. If you find that happening, stay away. Also, TRUST YOURSELF, you’ve got this.
Susanne Leslie, Teaching Channel, Early Childhood Educator

Your first year teaching is tough – you’re learning! Even in your toughest moments, however, the advice from Teaching Channel’s Betsy Butler will always ring true:

3pm comes every day, Friday comes every week, June comes every year.

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