Starting Out Guide For Newly Qualified and Trainee Teachers

Your first steps into teaching

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Your first day

Like any new job, your first day at a new school can be daunting. The best advice you can take is to be as prepared as you can. Work out your journey time in advance so that you don’t turn up late on your first day. Familiarise yourself with the school timetable, staff handbook and your class list. Develop an understanding of the school ethos and culture, such as attitudes towards school uniform, homework, behaviour and equal opportunities. The more information you can glean before you start, the easier you will find it to settle in.

What not to wear
We’ve all wished the ground would open up and swallow us after making embarrassing fashion faux pas. But whether we like it or not, first impressions count. Find out what the official, or unofficial, dress code is for your school. Will you be expected to wear a suit, or are things more casual and relaxed? Have a think about how you will be presenting yourself to the pupils, staff and parents.

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  1. Jan 6th, 2009

    kirsty said:

    I felt my mentor – also my head of department – was over-critical, always trying to pick holes in me. I’d often go home in tears. After yet another lesson observation where she’d torn my teaching apart, I decided I’d had enough. I requested a meeting with her and asked for a senior colleague to sit in, as a neutral party. I told her how her behaviour was making me feel, how it was affecting my confidence. She looked horrified. I don’t think she even realised what she was doing. Things were a bit frosty for a while but she definitely made the effort to be more positive after that.



  2. Jan 6th, 2009

    will said:

    When I first started teaching, my mentor was one of the senior management team. She was overloaded with work and seemed far too busy to give me much time. I tried to tackle her, but she couldn’t seem to even spare the time to discuss it. Eventually, I had a confidential chat with another senior teacher.

    She had a tactful talk with my mentor and offered to take over the mentoring, which meant I finally got the support I needed.

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