Please keep in mind that the opinions posted on this blog are my own.

Everybody might have a different experience and opinions, and that's OK.

Tips for New Teachers

Starting your teaching career is like jumping on a wild roller coaster ride—exciting, nerve-wracking, and totally unpredictable. At first, we're all buzzing with fresh ideas and a burning desire to make a difference. But let's be real, the classroom is a whirlwind of highs and lows. After 16 years in the field, I've picked up a few nuggets of wisdom. Here are some tips to help you navigate those early days.

You Will Make Mistakes

This might sound basic, but it’s true for all of us. Many of us start out aiming for perfection, especially in the beginning. We come in with new ideas, hoping to revolutionize the system, and sometimes that makes us a bit overconfident. But real-world teaching is a whole different ball game. Use what you know, but stay open to learning.

Don't Forget to Ask for Help

Mistakes are part of the journey. Luckily, you're not alone. You've got colleagues, a Director of Studies (DOS), and a community of seasoned teachers around you. It's okay not to have all the answers at first; most people are more than willing to help, even with what you might think are silly questions. If support within your school feels hard to come by, look outside—there are tons of resources like groups, webinars, blogs, and more to guide you.

Don't Be Too Critical but Be Assertive

I've seen new teachers fall into two camps: the 'know-it-alls' and the ones who struggle to be assertive. After 16 years, I can't say I fit neatly into either category—I was probably a mix of both, not always in a good way. Respect yourself enough to question tasks that seem pointless or uncomfortable, but remember, outright refusal won't win you any friends. Instead, talk it out with your supervisor, colleagues, or even students. Getting different perspectives can lead to a more cooperative vibe.

It Gets Better

The first lessons, months, or even years can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself thinking, "Why did I choose this career?" Even after many years, I sometimes wonder the same. These feelings are normal; teaching isn't easy (not many jobs are). But remember, with time, you’ll grow into a seasoned teacher who can guide newcomers. The shift from feeling like a lost novice to a confident expert will sneak up on you, even if it takes a while.

You Have Options

Your first teaching job isn't your last stop. No matter how you feel about your current role, keep exploring other opportunities. Public or private schools, language schools, summer or winter camps, teaching abroad, online tutoring, home tutoring, corporate training, higher education, or even self-employment—the options are almost endless. To find your best fit, try out different roles. If you're curious, I've recently written a blog post about this.

As you start this rewarding journey, remember, every teacher begins in the same boat—full of questions, doubts, and big dreams. Embrace the learning curve, ask for help when you need it, and stay open to the many teaching opportunities out there. Before long, you’ll be the one offering advice to the next wave of new teachers. Here’s to a fulfilling teaching experience ahead!