As you enter your very first classroom, you're likely filled with enthusiasm and perhaps a touch of nervousness. To help you navigate this exciting time, we’ve compiled six key tips to help you set yourself up for success in your first year of teaching.
1. Access support for beginning teachers
You’ll be well-supported to kick start your teaching career in a Queensland state school.
In addition to a comprehensive school induction and a mentor, you’ll have access to our Education Futures Institute (EFI) who offer a broad range of professional learning to empower you to build your professional expertise in the early stages of your career and beyond.
The EFI 12-month Starting Successfully program is aligned to the professional standards and will help you to transition from graduate to proficient career stage and collate the evidence of practice you’ll need when you apply for full teacher registration. Through the program, you’ll have access to a series of virtual masterclasses, professional collaboration opportunities and a dedicated professional learning portal. It will be your go-to support for professional growth during your first year.
Learn more about the Starting Successfully program on the
Queensland Department of Education (QED) website, or if you are a current Queensland state school teacher search Starting Successfully on One Portal on the EFI Catalogue.
2. Become an expert at planning
Effective planning is crucial for a smooth teaching experience and one of the great benefits of teaching in a Queensland state school, is that all permanent and temporary teachers are provided with additional non-contact time in their first 12 months of teaching.
To start you on the path to great planning, we recommend speaking with your mentor and colleagues about the planning expectations and support in your school and check out the Establish your practice section of the Starting Successfully portal.
Other helpful tips from teachers in the classroom, include: 'Stay organised from the very beginning. Keep your files on lessons and units in order. Then, you can build upon these lessons over the next few years. Write notes to yourself about the lessons as a reminder for the next year of what went well and what needed to be changed.' – Jessica
3. Build strong relationships with your students
Yes, we know, you’ve most likely heard this many times throughout your studies. However, it is absolutely true! The power of strong relationships cannot be overstated. Hannah emphasises, ‘My number 1 teacher tip is quite simple: relationships, relationships, and... relationships! Take the time to learn about your students' interests and use this knowledge to engage them in the classroom. Even small gestures, like discussing their favorite movie or asking about a recent soccer game, can go a long way in building trust and increasing student engagement.’
Playing ice-breaker games and completing team challenge activities during the first few weeks of school is a fantastic way to learn about your students’ background, interests and knowledge and observe the overall classroom dynamic. Take note of which students are natural leaders and which ones prefer to sit back and observe. These observations will assist you with relationship building and classroom management throughout the school year.
The
Classroom management hub is a great resource for teachers and includes information and tools to support you to foster positive relationships with your students.
4. Don’t forget parents and guardians
Introducing yourself to parents and guardians at the beginning of the school year helps to establish an open channel of communication. You may like to do this by using a class newsletter, via email or at a parent information session.
Clearly communicate the ways in which parents can get in touch with you, considering the needs of families who may have diverse communication needs such as families from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, parents with disability, working families and single parents.
The
Parent and Community Engagement Framework has a range of practical ideas for effective classroom, parent and guardian communication.
5. Create a student-centered space
Remember that perfection isn't the goal when it comes to getting your classroom set up. Social media has an array of Instagram and Pinterest-worthy classrooms but as Katie points out, ‘You don't need to have a picture-perfect classroom at the beginning of the year. The best classrooms are those that grow with the students inside!’
Focus on creating meaningful learning experiences in the classroom and those “ah-ha” moments for the kids. As the year progresses, student work will transform the classroom walls and create a space that reflects the class learning journey.
6. Embrace the learning adventure
‘Buckle in and enjoy the ride! The first year of teaching is a tremendous adventure with many ups and downs,’ Aaron, a secondary teacher and one of our
Teach Queensland ambassadors reminds us.
It’s crucial to approach this journey with an open mind and a positive attitude, ready to learn and grow from the triumphs and challenges you’ll encounter.
‘Be a sponge – really try to learn from those experienced teachers, but also don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas as well. Teaching is a profession when you’re constantly learning from people. Be confident in your own abilities and work with your staff to cater for the kids,’ Matt, a primary teacher advises.
By implementing these strategies, and using the supports provided by the department, you'll be well-equipped to handle the challenges and joys of your first year in the classroom. Remember, every experienced teacher was once a beginner, and with dedication and passion, you'll grow into an inspiring teacher who makes a lasting impact on your students' lives.
More about beginning teacher incentives and support