Starting out as a new teacher can be exciting but nerve-racking. Those heading into the classroom for the first time have a lot to get to grips with, from the critical (handling parents) to the functional (figuring out how the coffee machine works).
We brought a group of experts together to share their advice for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) – here are the highlights of their discussion.
Manage marking
I’ve seen NQTs write more in their feedback than the students have done in the lesson. At key stage 4 I cut my marking load by preparing mark schemes based on previous exam questions that the students stick in their books. They can then self- and peer-assess and I can quickly refer to them when I’m marking their books, which saves me from writing reams and reams of feedback.
• Peter Lee is vice-principal at Q3 Academy in Sandwell.
Make a connection with your mentor
To build a good relationship with your mentor, find out what their biscuit weakness is. Also, remember to thank them when they help you or provide good ideas – just like kids, adults work best with praise rather than negativity. If you adapt an idea, give the new version back to them in case they would like to try it out.
• James Williams is a lecturer in education at the University of Sussex.
Guardian contributor Timetable regular meetings - with a specific time/ending and agenda. Be organised and take what you need to them. Ask if you are unsure - then they know they do not need to chase them. Observe others - and do what you say you are going to do. Take on their advice - even if it is not your style, it can be worth considering. Thank them for their time as they will be busy too!
Ask for help
Support - the right level and from the right people - is essential in the NQT year, and schools are obliged to provide this. I would emphasise that it is also the NQTs responsibility to seek it out if it's not forthcoming - it can come from various sources, including colleagues a bit further down the line, a sympathetic SLT member etc. But do be proactive in addressing issues promptly, being honest about any concerns or questions, and being willing and positive to take on board strategies for addressing these.
Tackle bad behaviour
Loads of good stuff already on behaviour, but three things that work really well:
- Stick to the main point and ignore secondary behaviour (within reason).
- Repeat, repeat, repeat (quietly and in the same tone of voice) “gum in the bin” etc. It drives them nuts and they will comply.
- If a child’s behaviour is causing you problems, find a reason to praise the person next to them.
• Emma Kell has been teaching for almost 20 years and has worked extensively with trainees and NQTs.
Be proactive with parents
In your NQT year take advice from other staff- perhaps tell parents initially you will get back to them rather than giving an immediate direct answer. But do get back to them quickly , and do respect them
I was terrified of dealing with parents for – literally – years. What I didn’t realise was that the parents were far more intimidated by me than I was by them. Get in there early. Call to introduce yourself – they’ll really appreciate it. Take opportunities to make positive phone calls home; these are still the highlights of my working week. Where there are issues, be honest and direct with parents. The vast majority will be supportive, and for the minority who won’t, there will be others in the school who are used to dealing with them and are able to help.
• Emma Kell
Chat to colleagues
A bit of light chat at the coffee machine is a good way to break the ice. It soon becomes clear who wants to talk and who wants to bury their head in the paper all break. Don’t push too hard but don’t hide in the corner either.
• Andrew Foster is head of performance and learning at Colfe’s school in London.
Know the staffroom rules - where to sit, if you need your own mug and can you use tea/coffee or do you need to pay in etc, so you don't upset anyone, but just be friendly - be happy and approachable in the staffroom and say hello to all staff members on the corridor.
Strive for work-life balance
Plan your week to give yourself a break. You could use Sunday night to look over your planning for the week and prioritise what needs to be done. I know some who do this on a Friday to keep their Saturdays free.
Don’t give up on your hobbies. If you go to a pub quiz on a Wednesday, plan to keep doing that. Be organised. We’ve found that getting our NQTs to create a marking plan for each week has helped a lot.
• Peter Lee
Get online
Twitter is a fantastic source of information for new teachers, and if you can DM people so much the better. You should also try to make links with your school community and with any NQT networks in your area. People will have had different experiences before teaching and we can all learn from each other and share good ideas.
• Liz Williams, consultant with a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities.
Twitter is a wonderful thing. @NQTUK is a chat on Thursday 8-9pm for NQTs to discuss worries and get advice. I run @RQTchat on Tuesday's 8-9pm for RQTs, however NQTs are also more than welcome.
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Plan how you are going to mark the work when you plan the task. Keep the focus on the learning. Allot only as much time to the marking as you can afford. If you can make the marking easier through the use of pro formas, pre-printed stickers indicating common areas of success and where improvement is needed, do that.
If the pupils never read it, it has been in vain. So plan time, if only a brief amount, into the next lesson for them to reflect on what they did well and what they can improve.