Are you starting your career as a teacher? You are not alone! The latest figures show that 44,002 teachers entered the profession in 2022/23 in the UK alone.
Your first year as a teacher can be as exciting and fulfilling as it is daunting. No matter how much training you’ve done, when thrown into a buzzing school setting there is lots to think about, and being prepared from the get-go, having resources you can rely on, time management, building good relationships and recognising the need for rest will all help make your first year as a teacher rewarding and enjoyable.
But what can you do as a first year teacher to ensure that you get the most out of it, and impress your new school? Here are some tips and strategies to help you.
First Year As A Teacher Survival Guide!
Classroom Management Strategies
The best way to ensure order in your classroom is to set clear expectations from the moment you step foot inside. Building positive and respectful relationships with your students is imperative for smooth sailing and by making sure they understand the rules of the classroom, what you want to achieve and what you won’t stand for in terms of behaviour is important. Handling classroom disruptions effectively is part and parcel of the job, and the quicker you get a handle on this the easier it will be to focus on the job at hand.
Lesson Planning and Time Management
Lesson planning is one of the biggest challenges that new teachers will face in their first year as a teacher. Get prepared for the start of terms by familiarising yourself with the curriculum and prepping class materials in advance.
You will be expected to create engaging and structured lessons that follow the national curriculum, and have the ability to effectively manage your own time. Of course, not only that, but you’ll have to leave time for marking, admin work and other school commitments too.
Discover what technology and resources can help you stay organised, and don’t be afraid to ask senior colleagues for help and advice - they’ve been there and done that and should be happy to offer some support.
Building Relationships with Colleagues and Parents
Another crucial aspect of the role of a first time teacher is building relationships within and around the school. As previously mentioned, seeking support from mentors and colleagues when you need it will help you build rapport and get to know your colleagues better. You’ll also need to be able to effectively communicate with parents and will be expected to be part of the school community, taking part in extra curricular activities such as school fairs, plays and other events.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
There is no doubt that your first year as a teacher will have its ups and downs. However, by taking proactive steps to manage stress levels and keep on top of your workload, having a willingness to learn from mistakes and a positive attitude will help keep you on the right track. In this first year as a teacher you will undoubtedly learn a lot, and it’s important to celebrate small successes as well as big wins and accept that there will be challenges and days where you find it tough.
Final Thoughts
When you come to the end of your first year as a teacher, it’s a good idea to reflect on your progress and growth. Even if you have had wobbles along the way, it’s important to know that you are not alone. The latest figures show that almost 9 out of ten teachers stay in teaching after their first year, so more and more teachers are committed to staying in their roles and progressing. Remember, your choice to become a teacher is helping the next generation learn and grow - you’re doing a great job!
If you are thinking about becoming a teacher or looking for a new teaching role, why not get in touch with the team at Horizon today? We’re here to help you at whatever stage of your teaching journey and are on hand to offer help, advice and support when you need it. You can also browse our jobs board to see the latest vacancies in your area.
Want to learn more? Check out our Tips For New Teachers, and Our Favourite Resources For New Teachers articles now!
