Welcome-to-Teaching Conversation Series

Welcome Back, Teachers!

Last summer, I had the pleasure of sharing advice with you for navigating the early stages of your teaching career, drawing from the collective wisdom of educators across the country. I hope that advice has been helpful as you’ve continued to grow in your roles. This year, the AFT is excited to elevate our support for new teachers with an approach that goes beyond general advice. Recognizing that each teaching journey is unique and that the challenges of early career education are multifaceted, we’re introducing a new online conversation series designed to offer more interactive support.

Although incredibly rewarding, teaching is a profession that is also filled with complexities that can be difficult to navigate, especially for those just starting out. From managing a classroom effectively to balancing personal well-being, the path can often feel overwhelming. Many new teachers face these challenges in isolation, without a clear road map or sufficient support systems. Even with help from your school and local union, there is value and reward in hearing from other educators. 

One of the highlights of my work at the AFT has been hosting focus groups for new teachers, seeing how much educators value the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with each other and develop instant connections over shared experiences. I wondered if we could share those conversations, so others could listen and learn from them. That idea, in collaboration with many of my AFT colleagues, has led to the Welcome-to-Teaching Conversation Series. 

This new series aims to address some of the challenges of entering the teaching profession by providing a platform where new teachers and experienced educators can have valuable conversations. This initiative is not just about offering advice; it’s about fostering a community where you can find practical solutions, share experiences, and gain insights directly relevant to your day-to-day challenges.

What You Can Expect

Each month, we’ll feature a conversation between a new teacher and an expert in a specific area of interest. This same new teacher will lead each conversation, allowing listeners to follow along throughout the school year. These discussions will be structured to allow for a back-and-forth exchange, with the new teacher asking questions and the expert providing guidance based on their experience and insights. This format will offer listeners the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge while also understanding how these concepts apply in real-world teaching scenarios. Maybe you will see yourself in one of our participants, and we hope you will want to join our online community to share your own goals, concerns or ideas. 

Here’s a glimpse of the topics we might explore throughout the year:

• Classroom Management: Strategies and techniques for creating and maintaining an effective learning environment.
• Communications and Collaboration: Building strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
• Children’s Well-Being: Approaches to supporting students’ emotional and mental health.
• Educator Health and Well-Being: Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress.
• Union Leadership and PD Opportunities: Exploring the benefits of union membership and opportunities for professional development.
• Building Community and Activism: Engaging in activism and building a strong school community.
• Finances: Managing finances, budgeting and student debt.
• Education Technology: Integrating educational technology and artificial intelligence into your teaching practice.
• Civics: Incorporating civics education to foster informed and engaged students.

How You Can Engage and Participate

Accompanying each conversation will be links to relevant lessons, research papers, blogs and additional resources on Share My Lesson. These materials are intended to supplement the discussions and provide practical tools for your teaching practice.

We invite you to join the conversation on the AFT New Teachers community and the Welcome to Teaching collection, where you can connect with peers, share your own experiences and ask questions. Our experts and the new teacher will also engage with listeners through online forums and social media, creating a dynamic space for exchange and support. Don’t hesitate to contribute your questions and comments, which may be featured in our discussions.

This series is designed to be a source of ongoing support and inspiration for new educators. For those of you in paraprofessional or other support roles, we hope these topics are equally relevant to you and encourage your contribution through our online community as we build out our resources. By sharing insights and fostering dialogue, we hope to empower all of you to navigate the challenges of your early career with greater confidence and resilience. 

Here’s to a successful and rewarding school year ahead. Welcome back, and let’s make it a great one together!