Empowering Educators: 5 Key Strategies for New Teachers

By: Breanna Miller

March 2nd, 2024

It's completely understandable that the transition from preparation to the reality of being in the classroom can be quite challenging. The firsthand experience of managing a classroom and adapting to the diverse needs of students can often present unexpected hurdles. It's essential for new teachers to recognize that every classroom and student is unique, and the learning process never truly stops. Embracing ongoing professional development, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and staying open to learning from both successes and mistakes are all vital components of growth within the teaching profession. In a way, they are the same components we teach our students. As a second year teacher, I will not pretend to say I have all the answers. I have learned a lot and I know there is so much more to learn.

My goal through this blog is to help other new teachers see that they are not alone - together we can navigate any hurdle! Below are 5 key strategies that helped me get through my first year of teaching and continue to help me as I navigate a challenging year.

1. Give Yourself Grace. This one is at the top of the list for many reasons, but mostly because as first year teachers, we want to be everything we can be for our students. It is simply impossible to be perfect all the time as a teacher (no matter how long you have been teaching). You will find yourself feeling like you are combatting 500 thoughts at once, you will question if you should be prioritizing curriculum or trying to perfect your classroom management (which I assure you, will take you more than just a year to figure out), you'll lose track of time and be a few minutes late for related arts, you'll forget to grade and find yourself staying up late to grade 10 different worksheets before the end of the quarter, you'll cry because you cannot figure out a better way to teach that one concept that your students are struggling to understand, and honestly so much more. But, I want you to remember this one thing, if you are worried about even just one of these things, you are an AMAZING teacher and your students are lucky to have someone as passionate as you. Your passion is enough because it drives everything else.
   

2. Prioritize Building Relationships with Students AND their Families. The impact of strong teacher-student relationships is undeniable. Students who feel seen, valued, and cared for beyond their academic performance demonstrate greater engagement and trust, leading to improved learning outcomes. Recall your own childhood teachers - who left a lasting positive impact? Likely those who fostered authentic connections, demonstrating genuine interest in your life and well-being, not just your test scores. Extending this connection to families creates a powerful support system. By partnering with parents and guardians, teachers gain deeper insight into students' individual needs and build trust essential for addressing academic or behavioral concerns. Collaborative solutions emerge more readily, and families become empowered to reinforce learning at home, leading to stronger overall academic achievement. Investing in relationship building, while seemingly simple, carries profound impact. It requires dedication, but the benefits for students, families, and teachers themselves are truly transformative.
   

3.  Find your Teacher Bestie/Mom/Dad/Mentor. Starting out as a new teacher can be tough, especially without someone to guide you. While I landed a job in my desired county, it wasn't at the school with my mentor figure. Although disappointed, I saw potential in my new placement, hoping to learn from an inspiring teacher there. Unfortunately, she moved on to a well-deserved promotion, leaving me feeling adrift. My first year was challenging, lacking a trusted person to navigate the ups and downs with. Sure, colleagues were helpful, but I yearned for a dedicated mentor. Thankfully, in my second year, I found my "work mom," a teacher I deeply admire and who readily supports me. The impact has been immense. From building my confidence in teaching reading groups to confidently making difficult phone calls home, my growth has been remarkable. Having someone I trust, who inspires and encourages me, has made a world of difference. It's truly a must for new teachers! You'll feel better about your work and see your own development flourish.
   

4. Set Boundaries - Prioritize Yourself as a Teacher! Honesty and transparency are key in this profession. While setting and maintaining boundaries is widely considered the most challenging aspect of being a teacher, I haven't completely mastered it myself. However, I've discovered ways to prioritize self-care within the system. By arriving early and leaving at my contracted hours, I maximize planning time, freeing up personal time for activities I enjoy – reading, walks, exercise, and relaxation. This efficient time management approach allows me to leave work feeling fulfilled and ready to enjoy my personal life. But self-care extends beyond personal well-being. In today's environment with a teacher shortage, it's crucial to stand up for ourselves and address unrealistic expectations. When faced with something you disagree with, prioritize clear communication and express your concerns effectively. Remember, you deserve a voice, and it doesn't have to be adversarial. Speak your truth with professionalism and remember, you are not solely responsible for everything. I'm a strong advocate for both self-care and professional development. We are individuals with lives outside of the classroom, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance is essential. As we move forward, prioritizing ourselves as people first, and then educators, will be a central theme in our discussions. This perspective is vital to ensure our well-being and continued dedication to the profession.
   

5. Remember your "why!" Facing the challenges of teaching can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like expectations outweigh appreciation. Often, amidst the chaos, doubts creep in, and the "why" behind your passion can get lost. However, remembering your core motivation is the most valuable tool you have. It empowers you to navigate even the toughest situations. Those moments you helped a student improve their reading, supported another in self-regulation, or advocated for a third's educational needs – they all highlight the unique impact you have. Recalling these instances can reignite the fire within, reminding you that you matter to your students. This sentiment was echoed by a fellow educator who once shared, ""No matter how difficult a class is, remember that those students were destined to be in your classroom that year. They were meant to have you as their teacher, in fact...they need you as their teacher. You may never know why they needed you, but trust that they are in your class because they need you." This powerful reminder applies to all teachers. You bring something special to your students, and remembering that can fuel your journey in this demanding yet rewarding profession.