Coming out of university into the big wide world is a daunting prospect in any industry; however, perhaps even more so in teaching. This challenging profession isn't for the faint-hearted, but those that can master it will enjoy a long and rewarding career in teaching. Here are a few pointers to get you through your first few years.
Need a break? Steer clear of the staffroom
The staffroom is where many teachers choose to take their breaks, conversing with other teachers and getting through their list of to-dos, but if you actually need a break then you should probably steer clear. You'll most-likely find that 'helpful' senior members of staff would prefer to force the latest memo down your throat (which you probably won't remember), update you on some kind of ongoing situation within the school or use your relaxing time in some other work-related way.
Instead consider spending the break in your department room, this gives you the chance to get through what work you need to, find a minute to relax and also get to know your department colleagues better.
"Should I smile before Christmas?"
Classroom discipline is a major part of any teacher's job, but that doesn't mean that you must adhere to the age-old and outdated advice "don't smile before Christmas". A piece of advice you may be given by hard-nosed veterans of the teaching business.
It's no secret that children learn best in a positive environment and with that in mind you should smile whenever it's appropriate for you to. If you're covering something slightly amusing in your lesson then go with it, utilise the comedy of the subject and tie it in to the overall point of the lesson. You'll find that it's much easier to control a class that you're smiling with, rather than battling against.
Make the effort with parents
We've seen a shift over the last decade or two in how pupils are managed both at school and at home. Once upon a time 95% of parents would work with teachers and schools to help manage and correct poor behaviour or effort. As a teacher nowadays most parents expect you alone to tackle and correct the issues as in the eyes of a growing number of parents, you're the teacher and it's your fault.
To sway this growing trend you should start an early dialogue and engage with as many parents as you can, display your welcoming nature by hanging around outside your classroom after all of your pupils have left and perhaps even invite parents to come in and see what their child has been working on in class. Establishing mutual respect between yourself and parents will encourage respect between you and your pupils.
Take every observation seriously
In your first year of full-time teaching you will be subject to observations, that's just the way it is and there is nothing you can do about it. You might be told that your teaching is going to be 'informally' observed in the coming weeks but no teaching observation is 'informal' as you and I understand the term.
Whenever you have chance to, prepare for an observation as if your career depends on it. It just might.
It's no walk in the park... For anyone
Many NQTs come into the world of teaching with the memory of excellent teaching placements that went swimmingly. Remember that teaching isn't easy for anyone, something that you'll inevitably discover upon taking on the responsibility of your own class. Not everything will go your way and at times it may feel like nothing is going your way; however, take what you can from the experience and use that to fuel the successes you will experience as a teacher. You may find it hard not to be too hard on yourself when something doesn't go your way, but be sure to reward yourself when something does.
Need a break? Steer clear of the staffroom
The staffroom is where many teachers choose to take their breaks, conversing with other teachers and getting through their list of to-dos, but if you actually need a break then you should probably steer clear. You'll most-likely find that 'helpful' senior members of staff would prefer to force the latest memo down your throat (which you probably won't remember), update you on some kind of ongoing situation within the school or use your relaxing time in some other work-related way.
Instead consider spending the break in your department room, this gives you the chance to get through what work you need to, find a minute to relax and also get to know your department colleagues better.
"Should I smile before Christmas?"
Classroom discipline is a major part of any teacher's job, but that doesn't mean that you must adhere to the age-old and outdated advice "don't smile before Christmas". A piece of advice you may be given by hard-nosed veterans of the teaching business.
It's no secret that children learn best in a positive environment and with that in mind you should smile whenever it's appropriate for you to. If you're covering something slightly amusing in your lesson then go with it, utilise the comedy of the subject and tie it in to the overall point of the lesson. You'll find that it's much easier to control a class that you're smiling with, rather than battling against.
Make the effort with parents
We've seen a shift over the last decade or two in how pupils are managed both at school and at home. Once upon a time 95% of parents would work with teachers and schools to help manage and correct poor behaviour or effort. As a teacher nowadays most parents expect you alone to tackle and correct the issues as in the eyes of a growing number of parents, you're the teacher and it's your fault.
To sway this growing trend you should start an early dialogue and engage with as many parents as you can, display your welcoming nature by hanging around outside your classroom after all of your pupils have left and perhaps even invite parents to come in and see what their child has been working on in class. Establishing mutual respect between yourself and parents will encourage respect between you and your pupils.
Take every observation seriously
In your first year of full-time teaching you will be subject to observations, that's just the way it is and there is nothing you can do about it. You might be told that your teaching is going to be 'informally' observed in the coming weeks but no teaching observation is 'informal' as you and I understand the term.
Whenever you have chance to, prepare for an observation as if your career depends on it. It just might.
It's no walk in the park... For anyone
Many NQTs come into the world of teaching with the memory of excellent teaching placements that went swimmingly. Remember that teaching isn't easy for anyone, something that you'll inevitably discover upon taking on the responsibility of your own class. Not everything will go your way and at times it may feel like nothing is going your way; however, take what you can from the experience and use that to fuel the successes you will experience as a teacher. You may find it hard not to be too hard on yourself when something doesn't go your way, but be sure to reward yourself when something does.