10 Underrated Tidbits of Advice for New Teachers

When I started my teaching career a quarter century ago, I had near-limitless expectations. I wanted to make a “dent in the universe,” as Steve Jobs famously put it. That sentiment has guided my work and served as my North Star across four different schools and a mix of K–6 grade levels.

Every educator needs a North Star. But finding your groove, growing comfortable in your role, is an entirely different exercise. I’ve learned that it’s the little things—the accidental discoveries, the “fail” stories and growing pains, the well-timed feedback from veteran colleagues—that make all the difference. Below, I’ve tallied up 10 tidbits of practical advice that aren’t necessarily common knowledge for new teachers, but they can make your transition into the profession (or a new school site) significantly smoother.

Under-the-Radar Tips

1. Send a note to your students and families over the summer: When you start teaching at a new school, you don’t have a reputation to rely upon. Some basic outreach can set the tone for the school year. In your note, I recommend following this outline:

• Introduce your classroom location and any staffers who will be regularly teaching with you.
• Express excitement and positivity about the year to come.
• Name some of the units you’ll be teaching this year.
• Tell a bit about yourself and your educational philosophy.
• If you’re able, invite families to attend a voluntary room-preparation session. During this time, be sure you have a to-do list ready, and materials set out, so families can easily choose how to help.

2. Reach out to your office manager and building manager: These outreach efforts demonstrate an appreciation for two of the most important people at your school site. And secondarily, you might just end up at the top of the office and building managers’ queues when you need them. Believe me: You’ll need them. They are the glue that holds everything together.

Take the time to introduce yourself before you need something. When you see them around, ask how they’re doing and connect with them. Earnest recognition and validation go a long way. So do cookies. I’ve brought in home-baked goods and flowers from my yard.

3. Avoid teacher workroom oversights: Don’t assume you know how the copier works. Ask for a quick tutorial before jamming it with the wrong-sized paper. (You might even be able to ask your office manager for a walk-through.) If you accidentally break the copier, fix it. If you can’t fix it, leave a sign and contact the person who can. Also: Always be mindful of whether there are designated times to make copies.

Other workroom etiquette, such as paper restocking, laminator usage, or borrowing items like staplers and scissors, is typically dependent on each school. As silly as it sounds, take these informal rules seriously. Don’t accidentally make early enemies with your coworkers.

4. Your parking spot is crucial: Parking during work hours isn’t something I anticipated having to think about. Then I worked at a school where a row of spots was, unbeknownst to me, targeted for smash-and-grabs. You can guess what happened next.

Logistically speaking, you should keep in mind whether or not you need a quick exit at the end of the school day. At another school I worked at, a large section of the parking lot was blocked off by buses and families for at least 20 minutes after dismissal. Not great when you schedule an after-school dentist appointment.

5. Keep keys to the building on you at all times: I really didn’t want to wear a lanyard when I started teaching. It was annoying and got in my way when I leaned down to help students. But after accidentally locking myself outside of the building (with my students, no less), I learned my lesson. Few things are more embarrassing than students going home and telling their friends and family that their teacher locked the class out by mistake. More important: It’s worth having your keys readily available in case of emergency.

6. Send a short introductory email to all school site employees: The Seven Circle Model teaches us that connecting with other humans is the first step in building trust at the workplace. A brief hello to your new colleagues is great. I recommend the following:

• Distinguishing your name in your email address from your informal name, if you have one.
• Telling where you’re from and what teaching experience you have.
• Sharing what you’re most excited about, as far as teaching in general and at this specific school site.
• Some hobbies and interests of yours.

7. Attend a parent-teacher association meeting: Going to a PTA meeting provides insights about how a school runs, as well as what matters most to caregivers. Your attendance sends the message to parents and school administrators that you really care and will go the extra mile to serve. These first impressions create a positive narrative about you that eventually turns into a reputation.

8. Don’t overspend on classroom materials: This is easier said than done, especially when you’re so excited about your new placement. Though you might think you know what you need for your classroom, it’s rarely so straightforward. Make an initial list of materials you’d like to purchase, pause for a bit of time, and return to the list at a later date. If you still believe certain materials need to be purchased, remember these steps:

• Start by asking your school for help. Sometimes there are funds available.
• If that’s a no-go, borrow materials from veteran teachers. Just be sure to give them back in good condition and in a timely manner.
• Create a wish list on Amazon (or another platform) that families can donate to if they’re able.

9. Avoid speaking negatively about others: This erodes trust, diminishes joy, and can come back to bite you. In moments of irritation, remind yourself that there’s always another way to view the situation. Be curious rather than angry when a parent, student, or staff member does or says something you don’t like. Try to get to the root of their motives. Often, you’re working toward the same goal and simply need to communicate that sentiment to the other person.

10: Stay away from social media (or keep it very private): Families will want to “friend” you or “follow” you. I recommend not accepting requests. I’ve successfully navigated this situation by explaining that I don’t use social media outside of family content. Stay consistent. Accepting some requests but not others opens a can of worms.