Advice for New Teachers, from Teachers
I am here to give you some advice. But the advice doesn’t come from me personally, it comes from hundreds of AFT members I have had the pleasure to hear from over the years.
No one knows how hard it is to be a teacher until they’ve done it. So many of the policies and structures of our public schools are designed and implemented by people who have never set foot in a classroom. This can make it challenging for educators to do what’s best for their students while worrying about following a scripted curriculum, completing endless paperwork, or working alone without opportunities to find support from their colleagues.
Every year more and more teachers leave the profession, with a majority leaving in their first five years. Teaching is hard, and preparation programs often aren’t set up to prepare teachers for the parts they struggle with the most. Even the best preparation programs can’t truly teach you the challenges of managing your own classroom firsthand unless it includes a full year of clinical experience.
While many teachers feel isolated in their classrooms and in their struggles, you are not alone. In my work at the American Federation of Teachers, I have heard from teachers from across the country, from different types of schools, in different subject areas and grade levels, with different teaching styles. No matter their circumstance, most teachers share the same struggles with working conditions, the same care for their students, and the same desire to make a difference.
Most teachers share the same struggles with working conditions, the same care for their students, and the same desire to make a difference.
At the AFT, I have the opportunity to share the voices of 1.7 million members (including not just teachers but also paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel, higher education faculty and staff, healthcare workers, public employees and retirees). I take what you tell me and what I see you do and what you experience, and I bring it to researchers, news reporters, government leaders, task forces—and now, blogs.
It doesn’t take a teacher to know that the profession is hard, that it’s often underappreciated, that your voice matters so much more than it is typically heard. But if it’s so hard, why are you here? My teenage daughter once asked me, “Why should I want to grow up if everyone keeps saying how hard it is to be an adult?” I have to set the example I want her to follow: We do the hard things because they matter, because the benefits outweigh the struggles. Most of you knew that teaching has its challenges, especially those of you who are new to the profession. But none of you signed up for a working environment that is encumbered by excessive standardized testing, public attacks on public education, national culture wars or school violence. It’s not necessarily the job itself that is hard, it’s the conditions that have been put upon it and upon you.
So, from my experience talking to teachers across the country, what can I tell you? I can tell you that despite any struggles you have or will face in the future, you matter. Your work matters. Your voice matters. Students will always need dedicated adults working in schools, and you have chosen to be one of them. I hope you stay here, that you push through the challenges, because the benefits to your students will be immeasurable.
Despite any struggles you have or will face in the future, you matter. Your work matters. Your voice matters.
I am here to give you some advice. But the advice doesn’t come from me personally, it comes from hundreds of AFT members I have had the pleasure to hear from over the years. I have listened to stories and struggles, and to the ways you have all overcome the challenges you face. Our national union is working on these issues to help improve teaching and learning conditions.
While we do that work, here are some things you can do in your school and classroom to make your first year(s) a little bit easier:
1. Join your union!
Your union is there to negotiate your salary, benefits and working conditions. But it’s also there to help you advocate for yourself and for the profession, to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed, to make sure you have what your students need to succeed. Unions are so much more than contracts; unions are the structures we use to improve the profession for educators and for students.
2. Find a colleague (or colleagues) to help you.
Don’t be shy or worried about criticism. We all need help and support. Some schools and districts have strong, successful mentorship programs. Some might not. In any case, knock on a door of a colleague, find someone who has experience they are willing to share. Maybe you’ll need to try a few doors, but there are veteran teachers who want to help you, and your students, succeed.
3. Spend some time on Share My Lesson.
This free website offers sample lessons for nearly every grade and subject area, special collections for events and holidays, virtual professional development, and numerous communities to network with colleagues across the world.
4. Fight for better conditions.
In our union, we show up for causes that affect our students, communities and profession. If you are able, join an action or committee on an issue that you find important. This will help connect you with others, and your fight will help improve working and learning conditions for all. Start with your local union, or visit the AFT’s Action website for national political and legislative actions.
5. Take care of yourself.
Finding and maintaining a successful work-life balance is a challenge for many teachers, especially newer ones. This can lead to stress and burnout, and stressful working conditions are one of the factors teachers cite as why they leave the profession.
One last reminder that you are not alone: Sometimes you might feel that way; maybe you are the only new teacher in your building, or the only art teacher, or the only non-white teacher. But you have a whole community out there—and in here. We have created a Share My Lesson community for new teachers where you can connect with each other. Or maybe you have another online community you belong to, or a professional group. And of course, your union. Reach out, learn from and help each other. We know students thrive when they have strong relationships with their teachers. Strong relationships with your peers and colleagues can help you navigate the early years of your profession. Also know that your union—local and national—is working on the issues that matter to you.
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Robin Vitucci is an assistant director at the American Federation of Teachers, where she focuses on research and policy issues that affect K-12 teachers.
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