Your first year of teaching is one of the most exciting times of your life! It’s also one of the most transformative. 

That’s why knowing what challenges to expect—and what real-world solutions are most effective—is so important. 

Here’s what experienced teachers suggest you do to thrive during your first year of teaching.

1. Value the wisdom of others.

You’ll learn so much from your colleagues, but you’ll also want their support and respect. Avery Lieske, a third-grade teacher in Alabama, has been teaching for eight years and knows that earning respect is a two-way street—if you want others to respect you, you have to respect others. 

“Make sure you listen to your teammates and value the wisdom from teachers who have been doing this for years,” says Lieske. “Find out what their gifts are and go to them and intentionally ask questions to make them feel seen.” 

Being intentional about the support you seek will not only make you a better teacher, but it will also foster the strong connections you need for success that first year and beyond. 

2. Focus on yourself.

If there’s one universal tip for thriving during your first year of teaching, it’s practicing self-care. The first year is often challenging, which makes focusing on yourself even more important. 

“It’s not unusual to spend countless hours at school before and after hours during your first year, but make sure to set yourself some boundaries as you ‘learn the ropes,’” says Joshua Blackburn, a second-grade teacher in Tennessee with six years’ experience in the classroom. “This might include no grading on the weekends or not responding to parent messages past 5 p.m.” 

In addition to setting boundaries for your first year, find time for hobbies, exercise, and most importantly, hanging out with friends and family. “Being around people you love always makes things better,” says Lieske. 

3. Connect with parents.

“The best team is when parents and teachers are working together, and communication is the key to that relationship working,” says Liekse. She suggests reaching out to parents on a regular basis to share positive progress reports.

“Send each parent an email that tells them something you admire about their child or something they’ve been doing really well,” she says. “That positive communication will also go a long way, especially when you have to have more difficult conversations.”

Leana Malinowsky, a second-grade teacher in New Jersey with 13 years’ experience, recommends introducing yourself to families before the school year begins. “Set up early meetings to get to know families and use surveys to provide opportunities for families to get to know you and share their stories,” she says. “Establishing this connection early on creates a sense of community and trust.” 

4. Cast a wide net.

Malinowsky strongly recommends developing both a professional learning community (PLC) and a professional learning network (PLN) during your first year of teaching. “Your PLC might include those on your grade-level or department team, as well as others in your school and district who are like-minded and think like you,” she says. 

“They will help you transition into the classroom, support you as you learn district policies, and help you with resources your first year.” Your PLN, which will be composed of teachers you connect with from professional organizations, social media, and other groups outside your immediate community, will keep you on the forefront of best teaching practices and the latest research, she says. 

5. Map out an inclusive space.

It’s also important to spend time mapping out and designing your classroom so it’s appealing and accessible. “Physical space plays an important role in the classroom for you and your students,” says Malinowsky. “It’s worth the time to create a space that is inviting to all."

6. Be flexible. 

“Be flexible with your classroom management plans,” says Malinowsky. “Schedules and procedures change all the time, and as educators, flexibility is key to help students adjust.” 

7. Pace yourself.

During the first few weeks of school, your to-do list can quickly become really full. That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself, even if it goes against your instincts. Blackburn suggests spending at least the first week of school teaching classroom routines and procedures and not to worry too much about academic content. 

“Taking this time to teach students how you want your classroom to function will set the foundation for all the learning that will take place the rest of the year,” he says.

8. Embrace mistakes.

As a teacher, you should always make adjustments and fine-tune instruction to meet the needs of your students. Additionally, you should always embrace your mistakes. 

“Don’t be afraid of making mistakes in your first year teaching—it’s inevitable,” says Blackburn. “Instead, make this a teachable moment for your students and yourself by learning from the mistakes and trying again.”  If you have to scrap a lesson plan or go in a different direction, don’t stress about it, he adds. 

9. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

When it comes to classroom management strategies, instructional methods, or other teaching ideas, don’t be afraid to “beg and borrow” from others. 

“It’s okay to ask your mentors and colleagues for advice and ideas to assist you in effectively managing and instructing your students,” says Blackburn. “Borrow ideas you love from your colleagues in your school or from social media outlets, giving credit where credit is due, of course. You will find most people in the education field are more than happy to help one another out.”

10. Laugh out loud.

Laughter is the best medicine—especially during your first year of teaching. So don’t forget to laugh! “Look for those small moments that make you laugh and smile, write them down, and think of them when you have a tough day,” says Malinowsky.

Shop essential first-year teacher resources below! You can find more books and activities at The Teacher Store.