Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
10 mistakes I made as a first-year teacher, what I learned my first year of teaching, and how I've grown as a teacher since then.
What should a first-year teacher know? Here 15 mistakes to avoid making as a first-year teacher! (Personal mistakes i've made!)
Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
Middle grade and young adult novels in verse have exploded in popularity in recent years. Books like Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo, and Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins have been game-changers for many readers. Novels in verse are engaging and powerful, and they’re often the books that truly hook students on reading. Many verse novels do not shy away from the tough stuff, tackling topics like grief in Me (Moth), the death penalty in Moonrise, and addiction in What About Will. Young readers appreciate this and gravitate to these raw, emotional, books.
The first year of teaching can be a challenge! These 15 Teaching Tips for New Teachers are proven strategies to help new teachers survie their first year!
Moving into a coaching role as a teacher can be daunting for anyone. You spent years in the classroom perfecting your craft and all of a sudden you are in a new role and feel like a first year teacher all over again. But, you don’t have to. This post serves as a guide for…
Has your first year been a doozy? Do you feel like you are drowning and you don't even have your students yet? Here are 20 tried and true tips to tackle your first year of teaching!
I so remember my first year as a new teacher! I wondered why I was even hired! (Did they not know that I didn't have a clue how to do ‘this teacher thing'?!) Yes, I had graduated with a degree, a teaching certificate, and had an idealistic philosophy of education (that had no basis in research […]
Hi there, teacher friend!! Since you’re here, you probably either JUST snagged a new teaching job or are planning to in the very near future, yes? Either way, CONGRATS! Starting a new job is so exciting and full of adventures. I’m STOKED for you. So, whether it’s your very first teaching job or you
Step by step guide to setting up a classroom for a first year teacher. Practical tips on organizing and time management to create a warm & welcoming class.
"What is your best advice for a first year teacher?" This is by far one of my most frequently asked questions I get in my direct messages. And it always takes me back to my experience as a first year teacher. I made lots of mistakes along the way. And there are things I wish I
This post contains affiliate links. That first year of teaching. The joys of getting your first "real job" offer! I can remember that phone call-my stomach twisted into knots! I got my first teaching job 5 days before school started. I was fresh out of college and desperate for a job. I had no clue what to expect as I had gotten my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and my first teaching job would be teaching remedial math to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. I truly believe that with each passing year you get better if you continue to stay current with new teaching methods and adapt to your current classroom's needs. I am no superstar teacher that knows it all but I DO know what has worked for me. My hope is maybe some of these tips will help you be successful with your first year changing lives! 1. Do NOT take work home. I had a veteran teacher give me this advice my first year with a stern voice. She said, "It will all be there when you get here in the morning". I could count the number of times I have taken papers home to grade on both hands. I have coworkers that love taking home papers and grading in front of their favorite Netflix series, but that doesn't bring me joy. I truly believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup. I have watched teachers get so tired because they never "leave work at work". They are constantly stressed feeling as though they are never caught up. This can lead to teacher burn out and this is NOT what you or your students need. Sometimes it is necessary to bring home something and I get this. I'm only suggesting you do not make this a habit and do it every single night. Please don't think I'm bashing anyone who does take work home each night-remember this is what worked for me! Stay organized with your time management. Utilize your planning periods to the full extent! Do not go to your team teachers and gossip and waste precious minutes you could be using to grade that giant stack of papers. For me, I had to be honest with my coworkers that come planning time I meant business and to not bother me unless it was an emergency. You can always email me and I'll respond! Even five minutes here and there means another 10 papers graded. Remember that stack will be in the exact same spot when you open your classroom door. You could even stay after school and work for a little bit to get caught up. I find I am exhausted by the end of the day and I'm not as efficient. I would rather get to school early and hit the ground running because I've had a large cup or two of coffee! Try this instead of taking it home! 2. Use a Planner. Your life is going to get busy really quick with so many deadlines and dates to remember! I love a paper planner! Have you seen "The Happy Planner"? Amazon has Box Kits that includes the 12 month planner and coordinating stickers, sticky notes, pen, and a pocket folder! There are some really good ones at your big box retailers as well. First thing I do is sit down with our district calendar and write every single date for the entire year. Every time you get an email with a deadline write it immediately in your planner. Open your planner first thing in the morning while waiting for the computer to start. Refer to it throughout the day and always look ahead to the next day before leaving school. I have recently been moving towards strictly using Google Calendar. I'll admit I'm becoming slightly obsessed. My district uses Google as their email platform so I can sync multiple calendars. I can easily color-code my events. I can set reminders to repeat as needed. I never miss a deadline. I can access this calendar from anywhere without having to carry a paper planner around. Whatever method you use just remember to actually use it. In order for it to work you must use it! Plum Paper Planner 3. Don't worry if your classroom isn't "Pinterest-worthy". This should not be your main concern your first year(or ever!). You need to be sure you have some type of decorations that make you happy to be there as well as your students but you don't have to have it all your first year. Work on having designated areas for multiple trash cans, pencil sharpeners, and where students will turn in their work. Your classroom will evolve over time as will your style. I'll share this picture from my first classroom. I took anything I could that other teachers were getting rid of. I was so proud of that room and each year something changes with my decor that I thought I loved the previous year but am passing it on for next year. 4. Establish your Rules and Procedures on Day One. Ever heard of "Fake It 'till You Make It"? Try not to let your students see that you are nervous and/or have no clue what to expect your first year teaching. Students will feel it the moment you let that show. I never liked being told "don't smile until Christmas". I don't agree with this but I do feel that you must let students know how you will run your classroom with high expectations each day. You absolutely MUST have a classroom management strategy in place before school starts. You are going to have a classroom full of multiple children with all various parenting styles at home. How you set the tone with your expectations for your classroom each day is so important. This is important for your own sanity. You can walk up and down the hallways and see the teachers that do not have control over their classroom. It is pure chaos day in and out. This also can lead to teacher burn out. Remember we do not want to get burned out on what we love to do! My biggest tip for the new teachers at our school is to go through your Rules and Procedures on Day One. I have used this PowerPoint presentation since my first year. I do not read every single thing on each slide. This is to help guide me in what I show the students. I quickly scan through this presentation and remind students we will work on these as the specific situations arise. Remember to be consistent and follow through with your expectations and consequences. 5. Build Relationships. You are going to feel like you are alone in that everyone else knows what they are doing. They don't. Do not be afraid to ask questions! You have to reach out to those teachers around you. Get their cell phone number and add them on Facebook. If you are feeling lost or confused about something-ASK! Teachers are busy and you may have to be the one to go to them. Make friends with your coworkers! They are one of your greatest resources! You also need to work on building relationships with students(appropriately). This was one of my professional goals for the previous couple of years. I will be the first to admit I was terrible at this. I felt that I showed my students that I cared, but I wasn't doing my best. I vowed to stand at my door every single morning the entire time during homeroom, as well as every single class change and greet every single student by their name. My first couple of years I was nervous to hug my students. I was so young(22 years old when I started teaching) and it felt weird. I wanted my students to take me seriously as a teacher(some of my students were 16 years old), so I didn't want to get too personal. I think this changed after having two kids of my own. Remember, even your worst student is someone's baby. Stand at your door and say "Good Morning!" with a smile on your face. Do this even if you are having a stressful day. You are modeling so many things to your students and I want to model positivity! 6. Call Parents. Calling parents can be a frightening thing! Parents will be concerned that you are a new teacher and are not going to teach their child what they need to know. You have no credibility. Yet! Get on the phone and call parents. You will probably meet a lot at Open House which a great time to introduce yourself. The older the students get, the less phone calls that happen. You will recognize the students on day one that might be the unruly ones. Call those parents first. Get them on your team. Explain to them that you are so excited about the opportunity to teach their child and that you can't wait to see what the year holds. This initial contact is SO important! It needs to be very positive! Parents talk to other parents. You want a positive message to be attached with your name. Talking on the phone is the way to go! Be sure that parents know you are there for them and can be reached when needed. This will be a game-changer for your classroom management. If you wait until that unruly student has driven you off the edge to make the first contact you will have more difficulty with getting their parents to be on your side. Trust me-you want parents on your side. What is your best tip? Leave a comment below with your favorite tip for First Year Teachers! I hope you have a FABULOUS first year! I promise you will survive and you will get better every year! I cannot wait to hear all about it and remember that you are changing the world one student at a time! If you have any questions or need help with something please don't hesitate to ask! [email protected]
I asked veteran special education teachers what they wish they knew when they first started... and they gave some MUST READ advice!
Trying to figure out how to prepare for your first teaching job is tough. I get that, I've been there! Here's help.
Amazon is a teacher's best friend! Each year my list of must haves for the classroom grows so I'm here to share more of my Amazon classroom finds!
Download your FREE End of Year Teacher Checklist so you can get a jumpstart on closing out another amazing school year!
Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
Ensure an organized and well managed classroom all year long by planning and implementing these classroom routines and procedures.
I learned a ton of lessons my first year of teaching. If you are a first year teacher, this is a must read blog post! Prevent teacher burnout!
Wondering how you're going to survive your first years of teaching? This list provides 33 top tips for beginning teachers to help you thrive!
This shopping guide shares 25 classroom essentials that every first year teacher needs to be confident and prepared to begin the school year.
School’s out for the summer! (Please tell me you sang that while reading like I did!) It’s that time of the year and I KNOW you’re ready to bolt out the door and get summer break started. But you want to know the secret to enjoying your summer even more? I’ve got 5 quick things […]
Make sure you take time to relax this summer, but if you want to prep for next year, here are some ideas that will give you the biggest ROI!
Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran, you step into the unknown when you move to a new school. Map out the uncharted territory by asking these 27 questions to a seasoned coworker. Discover your new school's unwritten rules so you're all set for your first day!
In today's episode, we're sharing tips you can do at the end of the school year that will help you when you return to school in the fall!
Moving to a new grade level? Make sure to check out these 7 tips for changing grade levels to first grade. You won't want to miss these for an easy transition.
You’ve probably got about 80,130 things swirling around in your head that you want to do before the school year starts. It’s such an exciting time!
I learned a ton of lessons my first year of teaching. If you are a first year teacher, this is a must read blog post! Prevent teacher burnout!
I wrote this post with advice for first year teachers after I got this email from Rachel A.: "Hola! My name is Rachel and this fall I will be starting my first year as a Spanish teacher. I'm trying to plan everything that I can for the school year right now but I just don't
You've been hired, you signed the paperwork, and are left wondering, "Now What? What should I be doing to prepare for my first year?"
This is such an exciting time of year - all around the world millions of children are getting ready for their first day of ‘big school.’ (And if they have a uniform, we can be sure they’re popping it on at every opportunity!). Of course, millions of teachers are also behind the scenes, getting ready to welcome these little ones into their classrooms. It’s only natural that many children will feel nervous and unsure, so what can we do to help them feel welcome? So glad you asked, metaphorical reader! Here are three of my favourite tips for introducing yourself to your students. And the best part is, these tips count whether your students are in their first year or final year of school. Nothing says welcome like a little rainbow decor! Create a Meet the Teacher Flyer One super simple way to introduce yourself to your students and parents is to create a ‘Meet the Teacher’ flyer. This gorgeous letter can be emailed or posted before the school year starts, so the students can get a sense of the (amazing!) teacher they’re about to meet. Miss Zienter and Ms Riso got the memo with their Boho Rainbow templates. Gorgeous images via @misszandthefirsties @teachingwithms.riso. My ‘Meet the Teacher’ templates are available in a range of different designs and aesthetics to match your overall classroom theme. In the flyer I’ve made space to list some facts about you, your favourite things and a meaningful quote, but you can really take it in any direction. They’re fully editable (no fancy software required - Powerpoint will do!) so you can communicate the things that are important to you. This is always one of my favourite things to make - that’s the Boho Rainbow collection on the left, and my new Boho Plants collection on the right! As a fun bonus, why not send a blank copy for your student to fill out and return to you! It’ll give you a head start on knowing them, and they’ll love that you’re excited to meet them too. Just change the heading to ‘My name is’ and you’re good to go! Host a Meet and Greet Another popular idea at many schools is to host a ‘meet the teacher’ evening where parents and students come in to meet you. These can be a little nerve-wracking the first few times, but BFF - I’ve got your back! Talk about a warm welcome - SUCH a stunning space from @miss_grosse_! My biggest tip is to prepare a fantastic slideshow to kick off the evening. Use it to introduce yourself, share your values and provide and insight into the kind of teacher they’re entrusting their kid’s ones to. Share details of what parents and students can expect from you, and really use it as a chance to start building trust with the children and parents. Absolutely adore the way your slideshow matches your decor, @miss_grosse_! I have a range of different Google Slides templates that work perfectly for this, and they just so happen to match my classroom decor ranges. These little details - like a cohesive aesthetic and slide decks with a little extra personality - can really showcase the effort, care and attention you bring to your work. No matter your aesthetic, there are Google Slides to match! The slide templates are completely customizable, so you can photos, videos, illustrations or anything you like. Approach this kind of session as an investment - the more you can reassure parents that their children are in great hands, the more you can avoid situations where they may otherwise assume the worst. A little extra effort now may just prevent a few of those kind of emails later! Love the Boho Vibes in these shots. Right hand image via the wonderful @firstieswithmissm. After your slideshow you’ll likely have a Q&A session, or time to mingle with the parents 1:1. So, I’d recommend having some fun play stations ready to occupy the children. Now I’m not talking about PlayStations (though I’m sure the kids would love that!) but little discovery setups that encourage tangible play-based learning. Set up sensory stations where they can dig for hidden ‘bones’, or reading nooks where they can curl up with a book. The spaces we create form part of our first impressions - wouldn’t you feel so welcomed by @kelseyholloway’s reading nook, and @myteacherlibrarianlife’s Affirmation Station? Clever, play-based learning stations present yet another opportunity for parents to see that they’ve won the teacher lottery with you. Don’t you just love the brilliant play station via @teachingwithmissblechynden and the Boho Plant reading zone via @mrslanderlearns? And much like sneaking veggies into kids’ dinners, you can even plant a fun little writing exercise to provide a benchmark for comparison later in the year. Consider Personalised Accommodations There are some really powerful actions you can take to support neurodivergent children before they start the school year, that will set you both up for success. One simple action is to invite the child and their parents to the classroom (perhaps right before the info night) and ask them to choose their own seat. Have you sorted out your welcome displays or name tags yet? For Autistic children and children with ADHD, their position in the classroom can make a big difference to their comfort, ability to focus and their resultant performance. Similarly, seeking their input when choosing appropriate chairs, desks and sensory tools is really important. When everything has a place? Magic happens. And when that place is beautiful? Even better! I also find that labels are helpful for orienting children - whether it’s helping them find their chair, office supplies in a trolley, their reading group books or little stationery items. A little real life label-inspo via @i_spy.mrs_i and the Boho Rainbow range! These kind of simple accommodations show children (and parents) that they’re entering an inclusive, safe and tailored classroom. And there’s no better introduction than that! These may be my favourite labels ever! I hope these tips help BFFs! Whether you’re brand new to teaching or a little more seasoned, it’s safe to say we all want to make a great first impression. Take a browse through my resources to see how I can help you save time, and if you get stuck, reach out via my socials - I’m always here to help!
I'm teaming up with my good friend Jen over at Sparkling in Second to share three of my favorite first grade teacher tips.
It’s hard for me to believe it, but I’m about to start up my twelfth year of teaching. A lot of new teachers have messaged me on IG asking for some advice. When I sit down to reflect on my previous years, there is so much that I wish I had known when I first started. 1. ... Read More about First Year Teacher Advice
One of the scariest parts of a teacher is the summer before they are hired for their first teaching job. There is so much that is unknown. So many ideas, emotions, and questions and yet you’re powerless in a way because you just need to get into your classroom, meet your students, and start teaching ... Read More about Best Books for First Year Teachers
You landed the job and you're a brand new teacher! Check out these tips for first year special education teachers in this blog post!
Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
Learn how to be a successful 1st grade teacher with these tried and true tips that will help you become the teacher you always wanted to be.
Teacher interviews can be nerve-wracking! Here are the teacher interview tips that I have learned. What can you do to improve your interviews?
A must-read before you set up your first classroom, these 10 tips from veteran teachers will make your first classroom setup easy and fun!
Gain wisdom from experienced educators! Teachers share invaluable back-to-school tips they wish they knew earlier. Learn from the best to start your year right!
Being a teacher isn’t easy. We are constantly juggling many hats. So what is the secret to not feeling like a hot mess? Here are 10 things we have observed in
It's back to school time! Be successful and avoid the first year mistakes with these ideas about classroom management, organization, personal growth, and much more I wish I knew!
Get smart organization tips for packing up your classroom that make set up next year a snap! Download the free end of year checklist for teachers to help.
5 MUST-HAVE TEACHING PRACTICES Whether you are a panicking first year teacher or a fifth year teacher hoping to finally gain that 100% confidence and joy in the classroom, these effortless tips wil…
It’s that time of year. I’m guessing you’re tired and so ready for summer to start! You may be counting down the days, but as those days draw nearer you realize it’s also time for the dreaded clean up, pack up, and organization tasks. Cue the dramatic music! But what if I told you that […]
