Tips for new teachers

Tips for new teachers

Being a new teacher can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips especially for teachers just starting out their career. These tips apply to teachers in primary or secondary schools.

In the classroom:

·        - Be professionally dressed, ready to start the lesson prior to the students entering the class.

·        - Use appropriate language when teaching and amongst peers.

·        - Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard at the back of the class.

·        - Don’t be late for lessons or staff meetings.

·        - When dealing with confrontation, maintain composure.

·        - Maintain a positive attitude in class.

·        - Remember the way you resolve problems becomes a model for your students.

·        - Never share personal details with students. Maintain a teacher-student relationship.

·        - Take advantage of the resources available to you…interactive whiteboard, text books, IT suites, various stationary etc.

·        - Be confident in your decisions.

·        - Teach using a variety of methods like holding quizzes, allowing independent research, class activities etc.

·        - Regularly set homework.

·        - Tell students when their homework is due and what is expected of them.

·        - Clearly set learning objectives (read the power of the learning objective here).

·        - Have students take accountability for their absent peers. I.e. recording homework or taking handouts.

·        - Keep your desk organised.

·        - Give students enough thinking time during a lesson.

·        - Ask students for feedback on how they found the lesson.

·        - Realise that all students work at different levels.

·        - Always let students know when they have done a good job.

·        - Maintain a sense of humour with students.

·        - Establish firm ground rules regarding class conduct on the first day of class and stick to those rules. Having a firm discipline policy laid out at the -beginning of the school year is essential for new teachers.

·        - Always make clear to students what you expect and follow through.

·        - Know the school's discipline policy and adhere to it.

·        -Do not argue with a student during class. Discuss the problem one-on-one after class.

·        Be consistent in the way you deal with students; don't offer special treatment or excessive punishment to anyone, ever.

·        - Give the students the benefit of the doubt.

·        - Strive for excellence, not perfection.


With Parents:

·        - Establish a good rapport with parents and carers.

·        - Keep strong lines of communication open between you and parents.

·        - Meet with parents if you have concerns.

·        - Tell parents when their child produces good work, or does something beyond what is expected of them. Don’t limit communication to bad news.

·        - Show parents that you care about their child’s progress.


In the staff room:

·        - Always try to act professionally in the staff room.

·        - Get to know the head teacher/principal of your school. Invite them to sit in on of your lessons.

·        - Ask other teachers for advice.

·        - Show respect to your head of department and ask for his or her views on your teaching.

·        - Familiarise yourself with administrative expectations and school policy.

·        - Don't be afraid to talk to fellow teachers about problems you are having.


Outside of school:

·        - Attend regular workshops.

·        - Know your rights as a teacher.

·        - Collate a series of resources you can refer to in order to improve your teaching.

·        - Prepare your lesson plans in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute.

·        - Always plan more than you think you have time for.

·        - Have lesson plans ready for substitute teachers.

·        - Keep a record of your lesson plans.