Suggestions for Beginning Teachers

The importance of structured induction programs and support for new teachers cannot be emphasized enough. However, there are lots of steps new teachers can take to help themselves when starting their first job or walking into a new school. Whether the school provides a strong induction program or not, new teachers can take the initiative in getting assistance and locating resources. Even when principals and more experienced teachers have the best of intentions, there will be things they overlook.

Beginning teachers can:

Ask for help. Don't be afraid of looking incompetent if you ask questions — no one expects you to know it all right off the bat (Renard, 1999).
Seek out a mentor. Whether the school has a formal mentoring program in place or not, there is nothing to stop new teachers from seeking out more experienced educators for guidance and support (Renard, 1999).
Ask to observe more experienced teachers' classes. Watching others teach will not only help you to visualize how specific strategies and teaching methods work, but will show veteran teachers that you are open to their suggestions and advice.
Avoid negative elements in the school. Don't let others' lack of enthusiasm for teaching or new techniques get you down (DePaul, 2000). Make an effort to connect with experienced teachers who enjoy their job, engage in ongoing professional development activities, and are generally enthusiastic about teaching (Renard, 1999).
Make an effort to get to know other teachers. Invite them to your room for lunch, and participate in after-school activities with other staff members.
Form or join a support group with other new teachers in the district. Establishing a peer group will provide you and other beginners a safe place to exchange ideas and discuss issues common to new teachers.
Connect with the principal early on. Ask him or her to observe your class and provide feedback (DePaul, 2000). Although this might seem scary at first, it is better to establish a relationship now —and demonstrate your willingness to learn —than wait for formal performance evaluations.
Search out resources, both within and outside the school. If the principal does not provide you with a faculty handbook or curriculum guide, ask for these things. You can also take the initiative to find books, magazines, and Internet sites that provide tips for beginning teachers (Renard, 1999).
Identify and join professional organizations in your field (Renard, 1999). Membership in professional teaching organizations, such as the National Science Teachers Association or the National Council of Teachers of English, will provide opportunities to network with other educators. As a member of one of these groups, you will also be notified of upcoming conferences, relevant publications, and other sources of current research and information on your content area.

For a list of print and Internet resources for new teachers, see the Appendix.