1. Preparation is Power
“Preparation is gold! No one likes to barrel into the parking lot and scramble at the copier in the nick of time.” — Antonio Nicolazzo
Being organized not only keeps chaos at bay, it boosts your confidence. Plan ahead and protect your mornings.
2. Build Relationships, Not Just Lessons
“Try to listen to each student at least once per week. Ask what they had for breakfast, what they did after school, what their favorite color is… anything!” — Amy Koetter
Relationships are everything—more important than any perfect lesson plan. Know your students as people first.
3. You Don’t Have to Grade Everything
“You don’t have to grade everything! And even high school students like stickers and stamps.” — Rachel Wilson Eidson
Let go of the grading guilt. Use feedback wisely and save your sanity.
4. Recess is Sacred
“In elementary school… never take away recess as a punishment. It’s as important as almost anything else.” — Kathlyn Rooney
Kids need movement, fresh air, and time to reset—just like you do.
5. Your First Year Is a Learning Year
“College taught you nothing! It’s on-the-job training!” — Marianne Hohenstein Davies
“You know nothing, really, when you first start teaching… By year three, you’ve got it!” — Nicole Vrooman
No matter how prepared you think you are, your real education starts now. Be open to learning and evolving.
6. Protect Your Energy
“Don’t complain about anything; no one is coming to help.” — Starla Teague
“There will never be enough time to plan, grade, and sleep.”
“Take care of yourself first!” — Julie Larwood
“Use your sick days. If you’re sick, use them.” — Kay Gage
Burnout is real. Set boundaries, ask for help, and prioritize your health.
7. Develop a Thick Skin (and a Sense of Humor)
“Don’t take things personally and have a sense of humor.” — Jane Heinen Callejón
“Pick your battles.” — Peggy Smith
“Always have a notebook or clipboard—don’t let them see your hands shaking!” — Judy Harris
Not every battle is worth fighting. Keep your cool, keep it light, and keep going.
8. The “Support Staff” Are Superheroes
“Make friends with the secretaries and custodians.” — Debby Warner Moyers
“You’re only as good as the support you receive from your campus.” — Dan Castle
Your school community is bigger than your classroom. Those relationships matter.
9. Things Won’t Always Go as Planned
“Nothing ever goes as planned, so learn to improvise!” — Arnold Morrison
“Take one day at a time.” — Debra Rodriguez
Flexibility is your secret weapon. Plans will change, tech will fail, and kids will surprise you. Adapt and breathe.
10. Believe in the Kids—and Yourself
“Focus on your students, not on the test scores.” — Mary Lu Reda Mulcahy
“Make sure every student in your class knows that you think they’re special.” — Jeanne Minck Turnock
“That I was a lot more capable than I thought.” — Simone Beaudelaire
You were chosen for this for a reason. Show up, stay kind, and keep growing. The impact you make goes beyond the classroom.
Final Words from the Pros:
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“Enjoy it!” — Ks Fielding
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“Take care of your mental health.” — Mar Fav-Metz
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“Experience is the best gift a teacher can get.” — Kristen Muse
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“Don’t worry… we all went home and cried after the first week. You’ll be fine.” — Carol Sanderson
