First-Year Teachers Don't Know What's Coming

Yeah im gonna hope i can be at least 2 weeks ahead

“I need to get back into the classroom (and on my feet) fast! I'm looking at charters as a bridge while my out-of-state license gets renewed so I can transfer it to NY. School starts in about a month and a half, so I'm trying to move quickly. I have a few years of classroom experience and a Master's in Ed, but left to live overseas for a bit and my license lapsed. Now I'm waiting on state paperwork to clear, so charters make the most sense for a fast hire. Heavily leaning toward h”

Same here I love k-2

“Thank you so much!! I love your positivity and thoughts on things. Setting some dates, I might add myself some little rewards in there for reaching those dates! Brilliant! I am also interested in the habit tracker. I will check it out. Thank you again for the advice! Very helpful!”

“i just started training for my position at my new school. it’s a 2 week training with different courses on curriculum, pedagogy, seminars, etc. i won’t say the name of the school directly but it’s a public charter school, very well known in the southwest for classical, liberal arts education. day one and two were insanely boring “could’ve been an email” but today, we had these amazing lectures on the reasoning behind the classical education and curriculum and some seminars on fine arts and liter”

“Making a huge family move to Virginia, and also taking on a new career challenge in going up to teach High School history. I loved my time teaching predominantly 8th grade social studies as well as being a 3rd grade teacher early on and more recently an administrator for upper elementary. I know this will be a large change and was wondering if anyone else has made this jump and had any advice or maybe some things I should consider. Thank you guys so much! submitted by /u/No-Worry9322”

“Hi, I’m going to be a second year teacher and teaching 4th grade this upcoming school year. Last year I taught in a behavioral program with primarily k-3 students in one on one or small group lessons. I just found out I’m going to be teaching 4th grade in the same school and moving classrooms. I student taught 1st grade and I’m excited to be teaching in a gen ed classroom this year. I have so many questions. Looking for advice, suggestions, and anything to help me with decorating my classroom to”

“Hi everyone! I’m a K–3 special education teacher in Washington, and I’m spending the next few weeks getting my classroom ready for another school year. I teach students with autism and a variety of learning needs, so we use a lot of hands-on materials, sensory supports, literacy games, visual schedules, and adaptive learning tools. Like many teachers, I’ve purchased quite a bit myself over the years, but this year I’m hoping to build up our classroom without putting quite as much on my own credi”

“Hey everyone! I took a temporary career change (as the science field has been a bit hard to find jobs in…) and I am a high school teacher for freshman biology 1 right outside of DC! I was a partial year teacher halfway through last school year, so I have a basic understanding of how things work, but would love some more advice if anyone has any. This is my first full year of teaching! I’m excited :) I signed up for the teacher discount thing with Target and they gave me $10 for creating a “teach”

“Hello everyone, I am currently heading into Year 5 of teaching, but this year feels like Year 1 all over again. I am leaving a school and district that I genuinely loved to be closer to home and for a new opportunity. It was not an easy decision, but I am excited for the fresh start. The early process of rethinking how I want to organize and run my classroom has me wanting to ask: What systems, routines, or strategies have made your day to day life significantly easier? I am not necessarily look”

“hello :) I am going to be teaching 4th grade this upcoming school year in a new school district. I have two years of experience teaching in 3rd grade, and I’m starting to think of my classroom routines and procedures, the content, and overall how/if 4th graders act any differently in class than 3rd. I have a strong classroom management system, and have used classroom money/jobs/star in jar reward systems. hope my questions make sense. thanks so much :D submitted by /u/barnebeer [link”

“So I have been given a year long elective class with my 7th and 8th graders. It's really anything I want it to be, within reason of course. My principals only suggestion was PBLs. Personal my goals for this elective are something creative, variety and beneficial for my students. They don't have an art class (so far) this year, so anytime they can be expressive is great. Variety is the spice of life so covering a topic or skill for a few weeks then switching gears aligns with my students”

“I’m a career changer and I’ve recently been hired by a charter school to become an elementary school English teacher in nyc . Any helpful tips on everything from succeeding in network evaluations and observations to effective classroom management? I’d also appreciate advice on lesson planning, building routines, and anything else that can help me have a successful first year. submitted by /u/Ok_Excuse8267 [link] [comments]”

“I’m a second year teacher teaching high school students! My first year was great. I loved the kids and I loved my job. I’m going to a new school where nobody knows me, what are some tips! As a younger teacher I want these kids to take me seriously. As a first year I was too lenient. How do I set my expectations day 1 to let the students know they can’t take advantage of me because I’m young and new? I had a problem class this past year, and as the year went on I got so much more confident. It wa”

“This is my first ever reddit post so I apologize if I posted this in the wrong area, or wrong category. I’m new to this. I’m a 32 year old male with multiple years of paraprofessional experience and decided to finish my Early Childhood degree while doing that. I can currently teach Birth to 5th grade and have a Special Education endorsement. I currently sub for multiple districts. I’ve spent the last 3 years applying for teaching jobs across Northern IL and have only received a couple interviews”

“Hi everyone! I am a first year teacher teaching 1st grade as we are getting closer to the school year starting I am starting to make stations for my students to do while pulling small groups. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for math and reading stations I could do for the beginning of the school year? submitted by /u/These-Gift4110 [link] [comments]”

“From what I know pay scale usually starts lower at private schools depending on the prestige, however, environment, classroom management, discipline, etc, are usually much better at private schools. Idk how public Ed pay works but my cousin who teaches public middle school says she started higher than most starting professionals, but hasn’t really gotten a raise in a long time or doesn’t get one often. (Idk how it works and I didn’t ask if it’s just a them thing or if that’s normal.) I started t”

“I'm looking to start my career in teaching but am unsure whether to go public or private. I myself graduated from a private high school so I feel more drawn towards those. For people who have taught in both types of schools are there significant differences besides salary between the two? I would really appreciate any advice as I'm still very new to the field submitted by /u/Blueberry948 [link] [comments]”

“Hi guys, I’m anxious about starting the year. I’m new to teaching art education k-5th grade. My student teaching experience didn’t really show me how to lesson plan or school, it’s a been sort of on the go kind of deal… Can someone break down how to teach a lesson, and how you break it down for each grade level? For example, if you’re going to teach color to kindergarten vs fifth grade how would you break it down to lead to the art project? I struggled a lot with that.. and I really need support”

“Hello, I'm looking for some advice from experienced third-grade teachers. At the end of August, I'll be taking over for a teacher as their long-term substitute in a third-grade classroom. I previously taught Kindergarten for two years, so this will be a big (and exciting!) change. This is also a district where I'd really love to earn a permanent teaching position, so I want to do the best job I possibly can. Since I'll basically be starting the school year with the class and expe”

“Hi all, As the title suggests, I'm a high school yearbook teacher in need of some advice. I'm originally an English teacher and have English classes that I still teach on top of the yearbook classes. Unfortunately, I am miserable with the yearbook classes. I love teaching English but I hate teaching yearbook. I have a massive student body (thousands of students) to represent in the book and the school is split between two campuses. It's such an aggressive amount of work. From schedul”

“It seems like you are well suited to 4-6th. I will say, don’t assume older grades will always have bigger classes. This varies by school and I have taught grade school groups with 30 kids and high school classes with 12. (I teach 5-12 art at the moment but have taught 1st grade literacy and art to K-12)”

“Start the year by laying out clear expectations. Even simple things like getting a tissue, getting a pencil, etc can be demonstrated and practiced. Kids thrive on routine and knowing what they should do.”

Work Hard, Be Nice .

“So, I’m starting as a new teacher this year, teaching early childhood. And although I posted in a EC group a few times already seeking advice I didn’t get much engagement idk why tho. Basically, while I’m trying to learn the curriculum I don’t feel prepared in other aspects. Like, I was told I don’t need to do testing or grading, and that I will not really be teaching but instead doing observations on student initiated activities. My principal told me my job would be easy, lesson planning would”

“I'm beginning a student teaching internship this school year through my high school. What is the biggest thing that you wish your student teachers / interns knew before joining your classroom, and what would be the way I could best help in the first few weeks? submitted by /u/Nearby-Base-5804 [link] [comments]”

“I am a new first grade teacher and I have been getting my room ready and organized over the summer. Currently, I have tiny cubbies. There is a classroom down the hall, however that has a nice piece of cubby furniture. I am thinking about trading the cubbies. Is that ok? The classroom belonged to a teacher that left, so the classroom will have a new teacher move in. submitted by /u/Nice_Purchase_6795 [link] [comments]”

“Hi everyone! I am going to be a second year first grade teacher in the fall. While overall this year was a success, I did have some issues with classroom management (not based on anything my admin said, I just felt like my room was chaos at times). When my paraprofessionals were in the room, things would go pretty smooth and I’d be able to teach effectively and it would be great. However, we had lots of staffing switches, especially towards the end of the year. Out of my 19 kids, while most of t”

“I am starting a new teaching position in September (in the title). What advice do people have? What underrated supplies, techniques, etc do you all implement? I haven't ever taught before and I've been an engineer for 8 years. submitted by /u/travia22 [link] [comments]”

“Moving to a new school and new grade level, and I’m hoping to start buying for my classroom library. Originally was going to hit yard sales but then I just got the urge to buy them brand new books, it’s just I teach on what are called “community” schools which is very low income, because I’ll be honest low income here means like they likely live in a shelter, group home, foster care, rely on the school or food bank for food, so on. And that’s okay, but I feel like buying them some quality, brand”

“I graduated 3 years ago. I’ve been a stay at home mama to my two littles while subbing this last school year. I did do a long term 6 month sub for 2nd grade after graduating. I’m a new single mama & need a full time income/insurance but I NEED the experience principals want. I’m licensed K-6. I want a K-5 teaching job. I’ve interviewed for over 10 but they are all getting filled with “more experienced candidates”. I have a few options: - Full time 3/4 year old Preschool salaried teacher at a”

“Hello, I am going into my second year teaching and I’m going from 5th-grade Math/Science to 3rd Grade Reading/Social Studies. One of the biggest things I struggled with and noticed in my first year was that I lacked consistency in my management. I didn’t come up with good routines or rules that would really help manage my students. I also just lacked structure and routine so of course as a result my classroom did too a little bit. I was really flying by the seat of my pants. I want to change tha”

“I’m beginning my first year as a social studies teacher! I need to fill my classroom but I don’t have much funds. Does anybody know of any stipends, grants, or even just store discounts/tricks to fill on a budget? I’ve been slowly accumulating things from the thrift store for years but now I’m like ok but I need a class set of scissors, markers, etc. and idk how to do that. Also, just any good discounts you know for educators for outside the classroom to make life a little cheaper :) submi”

“I am basically new at teaching ( 1 month) and i teach math in language center. Most days i feel neutral about all my lessons, not too good, not too bad but some days especially when i dont feel good, i feel like my lesson was horrible and the students will not come back ever again after sitting in this type if lesson. But they do. The next time i try my best to make the lesson interesting and etc… So i need advice with these things: My mood and how i feel about myself affects my lessons too much”

“I’m going into my fourth year teaching and pretty excited for it except for a few things. The main one I’m nervous about is that my schedule is going to be a 6 period schedule with a 5th period prep. I teach middle school (all grades, elective), and I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a prep in the middle of the day the past three years. I’m really nervous to be on this different schedule. My teacher friends tell me that having a prep towards the end of the day usually means I won’t have any”

“Hi everyone! I will be a junior this fall and I came here to ask about high school teaching requirements and get some advice. For reference I live in Indiana. I’ve always been pretty 50/50 on either teaching 4th-5th grade or teaching high school history. I feel pretty torn because I see so many pros and cons with each option. I work at a daycare where I’m a teacher in the school age room. I like my job because it’s given me insight on pretty much all grade levels, what I like and dislike about e”

“Hello, I am going to be a first year teacher this coming year and I feel so overwhelmed. I have 2 main things that I am always thinking about: What supplies to I need to buy as a teacher and what is your best classroom management technique? Any advice or help is much appreciated! submitted by /u/Top-Leg-5389 [link] [comments]”

“Absolutely!! And you have a community here and there are plenty of resources online if they are not amenable. But I can’t imagine they won’t share their plans with you. I hope they are good teammates and share their resources with you!!”

“I am a new kindergarten teacher. Would it be appropriate to ask my team mates to see their first week of school lesson plans? submitted by /u/myicedtea [link] [comments]”

“Hi! I am transitioning grades from 1st to 5th. Would love to hear from other 5th teachers on what you found challenging or what you love. Also what your classroom looks like / essentials. Any tips welcome! submitted by /u/GeneralThanks2251 [link] [comments]”

“Yes! The OP isn’t out of college yet but maybe they can volunteer in the different age classrooms.”

“Hi All, I start my first year teaching 6th grade science in the fall. Im nervous because middle school wasn't my first option I wanted elementary but this job stuck. Im excited to teach science ! Im just nervous on how the kids will be. So any advice is well needed :) submitted by /u/DazzlingHunt2013 [link] [comments]”

“Hello. I am interviewing and they are asking me to do a 1st grade 10 min lesson on any California Standard. Does anyone have any mock lessons they used for this? I have no idea how to teach through Zoom. Help!!!! submitted by /u/Icy-Cup-8105 [link] [comments]”

“Going into my 14th year. My biggest piece of advice for all first year teachers is this: survive. It will not be perfect. It will feel insane. You will feel like you are doing a bad job. The system is not set up for you to feel like you are being successful. Just…survive and allow your survival to be enough. Label everything. Color code everything. Ask your colleagues for advice but be cautious of everyone you meet. Many people do not have your best interests at heart and the ones who betray you”

“Hi everyone! I just got hired this week for my very first teaching job, and I’m both excited and overwhelmed. I’ll be teaching TK-8 PE at two different schools in California while also completing my single-subject teaching credential program. I also have to complete 15 hours of teaching health as part of earning my second single-subject credential in Health. I’m trying to prepare as much as I can before the school year starts. What are the absolute must-haves for a first-year PE teacher? What su”

“Hey y’all, so I accepted a position for a upper elementary behavior intervention teacher assistant position for upper elementary (4th-6th grade). The students I’ll be working with are the ones that are in ISS from multiple schools throughout the district that get bussed to the school to be put in the classroom I’ll be working in My current experience is with one on one and special needs as well as my time substituting any advice or tips to help support the main instructor submitted by &#32”

“Hi, I am a second year teacher and will be teaching 4th/5th self contained/transition. For my first year I taught K-5 self contained (5 kinders, 1 first, 1 fifth). My “theme” was rainbows and just bright, fun stuff. I figure at this age I won’t really use any of the stuff I did this year but still want to do a theme and have my classroom decorated. Any ideas are appreciated! submitted by /u/dinoprincess411 [link] [comments]”

“I am considering becoming a high school math teacher in Georgia. For those who teach or have taught high school math: What do you like most and least about the job? How difficult are classroom management and student behavior? I enjoy teaching math and helping students, but I want to understand the daily reality before committing to the certification process. Honest experiences—both positive and negative—would be greatly appreciated. submitted by /u/kjliao [link] [comments]”

“Well, its not a million dollars, but right now it feels like it LOL If you had $500 to spend on a 4th grade ELA classroom, what would you buy? I've been teaching 4th grade Math and Science for so long, I have no clue where to begin with ELA. We're able to order through Amazon, so items I could find there would be great. submitted by /u/Bethany0821 [link] [comments]”

“Hi! This will be my 5th year teaching and I just finished teaching 3rd grade. I'm moving to 4th grade this coming school year and I want to be prepared for the first 2 weeks of school My new team is great, but they've all been teaching for over 20 years and won't show up to work until the week before we have to go in. I don't want to reach out to them just yet because I know they want to enjoy the last few days of summer. Since I have time on my hands and are unsure what to expec”

“I've only been a push-in helper and ELA co-teacher. But next year, I'm going to teach students actually all by myself for the first time. My own classroom and everything--I will no longer be constrained to just a desk in a 3x4.5ft area! I will be pulling ELLs from their classes to do ELD lessons. I've been coming up with so many ideas to make school fun and engaging. As an example: my lead teacher would have students write down the name of a country on a slip of paper, put them in a”

“This is my first real teaching job, teaching accelerated summer school. Basically 4 hours a day, we cram a whole year of content into 1 month in the summer. First day, I just had myself and the lesson visible on zoom. I opened the interactive lessons with students and walked them through. I solved verbally and used the mouse and tried to annotate on zoom but was hopeless. Ended early because we ran super quick through everything. Second day, I used a whiteboard and just held it up trying to hold”

“I [30M] recently got my teaching license and was hired yesterday as a 3rd grade teacher (US). I start next month. I worked previously as a TA and sub and, most recently, completed my student teaching. I've never had my own class before. I'm excited but also a bit overwhelmed. I would like advice on what sort of prep (both physically and mentally) I can do before the year begins. I don't get into my classroom until a week before the students start, so right now I am focusing on what I”

“So I just accepted a job to teach world history at a high school and I’m going to be a first year teacher. I have mainly taught middle school throughout my student teaching with one semester teaching juniors. Is there any tips or advice you may have? submitted by /u/Jistrix- [link] [comments]”

Seek advice from your colleagues. The first year is hard for everyone.

“Cry 🤣 Joking aside, decorate with student work as its done. Planning, we'll first year is shit no matter what. I would contact other grade level/subject and see if they co plan. None of my schools did. So I was planning on my own. Focus on important things. Establishing a routine. What do you want your day to look like? When i was in middle school they lined up and I let them in and greeted them. High school i just prop door open and let them in as they come. Do you have bell ringer etc. Ha”

“Hey all! I’m going into my “second year” of teaching (my full time position is from a long term sub position last year!) Because I’ve never started the year with a class before, I’m curious how veteran teachers structure their first week of school. Obviously I want to do some get to know you, community building, and routines and systems work stuff, but what order do you recommend doing it in? Any advice would be helpful! Thanks so much. EDIT: I will be teaching middle school math and one section”

“long story short, I’ve had a crazy career. I taught kindergarten for two years and now I’m in 6th. I’d love any advice on teaching 6th grade cause I feel more comfortable with the younger kids and not the older kids drama and such. I don’t want to be walked over. thanks in advance submitted by /u/ElevatorAmazing1107 [link] [comments]”

“Hi, All! I’m starting my alternative Masters in August. I thought I knew I wanted to only teach Secondary at the HS level, but my anxiety and fear is kicking in. If you’ve taught both, or if you have experience with each group, what are the pros and cons of Elementary vs Secondary? The schools I want to work at are all in our city’s system, and the economic level is pretty low, if that helps with your opinions. submitted by /u/Radiant-Peace-3078 [link] [comments]”