6 Pieces of Advice for First Year Teachers

"The first days are the hardest days." Chances are you're familiar with the Grateful Dead lyric. Although I don't think Jerry Garcia was writing specifically about first year teachers, he certainly could have been. Your first year (or few years) of teaching will likely be the hardest. So, from someone who started my teaching career when many first year teachers were born, here are 6 pieces of advice I have for first year teachers:

1. Make rules and be prepared to enforce them

On the first day of school you will go over your classroom rules and expectations with students, and as a part of that discussion you need to include the consequences if they are not met. The most challenging part of this equation is that you need to be prepared to enforce the rules. For example, most teachers have a classroom rule about being respectful to everyone in the class. So, what are your consequences for when a student refers to another student by a racial epitaph? Perhaps the consequence is that they get detention or they have to go to the vice-principal's office. Whatever the rule and consequence, you must be prepared to follow through with the consequence because if you don't, the rules carry no weight.

2. Ask questions

Did you have that teacher when you were in school who told you that there are no dumb questions? Well, the same is true now that you are the teacher. There's a lot of new information that you need to be in command of when starting as a first year teacher, and asking questions isn't a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. Chances are, if you ask a veteran teacher a question, they'll respond with, "Oh I didn't know that either when I was starting out." It could be something as simple as defining and acronym that the district uses or a more weighty question regarding student behavior. Think of it this way: When you're the veteran teacher, what will your reaction be when a first year teacher asks you a question? Of course you'll be happy to answer.

3. The first days are, indeed, the hardest days

You might have a fabulous first few days of school, but there will be challenging days. Teaching is a craft, and just like any craft--pottery, woodworking, crocheting--you don't start out knowing everything. Through years of practice you gain skills and confidence; the same is true for the craft of teaching. Your first year of teaching might be the equivalent of a lopsided clay bowl, but it still functions and has its own character. The same will be true of your first year of teaching. It gets better because you'll get better.

4. Breathe!

...and practice self care. If you don't take care of yourself, then you won't be able to take care of your work in the classroom. If you don't already have a self-care practice, now is the time to get one. Maybe it's attending a weekly yoga class or meeting a friend for coffee. My first year of teaching I was sick as a dog. Aside from catching every virus that walked into the school building, I suffered from chronic headache and migraine. This was in the days before we even had the term self-care and breathing practice was something that opera singers did--not normal folk like teachers. I have no doubt that a self-care practice would've helped me physically and mentally in my first year of teaching.

5. Let everyone see your passion!

Are you a bona fide science geek or an unapologetic grammar nerd? Maybe you have the fastest 50 yard dash in the building or a knack for directing musical theater. Whatever lights your fire and sets you apart from everyone else in the building--let students, staff, administrators and parents see it! You'll be showing everyone why you were the right choice to hire because you bring something to the school community that no one else does. To be honest, some of us veteran teachers can be a bit tired and staid. So, your new teacher energy is a welcome addition to the school. Make sure everyone sees you shine!

6. Avoid a side hustle, if you can

As a first year teacher, you have a lot on your plate. The sad fact is that new teachers don't make a lot of money, so there is the very real desire to take up a side hustle. Obviously, you need to do whatever is necessary to financially care for yourself and your family, but if you can avoid a side hustle (even until your second year of teaching), I would. If the choice is between spending your precious free on self-care or a side hustle, I strongly favor the former.

You've got this! You've been through the training and now is the time to lace up your teacher shoes and show how much you can shine! As a veteran teacher, I'm excited to meet you in the building!

Are you a veteran teacher? What advice do you have for a first year teacher? Please share in the comments.

Photo credit: Kenny Eliason https://unsplash.com/@neonbrand