During the summer holidays, we have been interviewing teachers to find out how and why they got into the profession for our Why I became a teacher series.
They're always lovely stories and it has been fascinating to explore the range of motivations teachers have for joining the profession; we've heard about teachers wanting to bring personality to the classroom, desires to use creative skills and those who are keen to pass on a love of literature.
As part of this new series, we've also been asking our interviewees to share the wisdom they've accumulated during their careers with newly qualified teachers who will be stepping into their own classrooms for the first time this autumn term.
We've had some cracking tips. John Rutter, deputy head of North Berwick High School in East Lothian, said: "Don't pretend you know it all – as you are going to get found out quite quickly! It's good to be a role model right across the board and part of that is being a good learner. You're the one who knows how to find out the answers."
Sajeela Shah, religious studies and philosophy teacher at Benton Park secondary school in Leeds said: "First of all, don't take on too much, do what you can. I know from my own experience, and work as a mentor, that NQTs are very enthusiastic and think they can take on everything, and some schools might exploit that. But you don't want to get burnt out."
She's also a big fan of creating a positive teaching environment for students, and Sajeela painted her classroom in yellow and red, put air fresheners in and covered it in students' art work.
This is just a flavour of the advice our teacher interviewees have shared. But we also wanted to give you the opportunity to seek and share NQT tips based on your own situation, subject and school. So, we've assembled a panel of teachers and education experts to take your questions on everything from lesson planning to work-life balance. Join us, Thursday, 4pm to 6pm to debate all things NQTs.
The debate will take place in the comment thread below - and is now open for advance questions and comments. If you would prefer email to a question, send a message to kerry.eustice@guardian.co.uk.
If you're interested in hearing about and taking part in future live chats, sign up to our newsletter for details.
The panel:
David Didau:@learningspy
David has been teaching for 13 years and is director of literacy at Clevedon School in north Somerset. He is the author of The Perfect (Ofsted) English Lesson and is an associate of Independent Thinking. David is a regular blogger at learningspy.co.uk and also contributes articles to the Guardian Teacher Network.
Richard Marshall: @edu_organiserNE
Richard is education trade union organiser in the north east of England for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and a qualified primary teacher.
Lisa Ashes: @lisajaneashes
Lisa is lead teacher in English (AST) at Joseph Swan Academy, Gateshead. She often works with Sunderland university to deliver seminars to ITT students and is also currently working alongside Newcastle University to promote independent learning skills, making links between school and university. She blogs about teaching and learning at:
http://lisajaneashes.org.uk/.
Katrina Feakes: @treenypops
Katrina Feakes teaches teach in year 6, is SENCo (special needs co-ordinator) and is a member of the leadership team at a primary academy in Suffolk. She has been teaching for 10 years and across English, maths, science, PE and humanities.
Sarah Mellor: @MissMellor84
Sarah got QTS in 2006 and completed her NQT year at an inner city school in Bradford. She is now working at a catholic high school in East Lancashire. In her teaching career, Sarah has been through four Ofsted inspections in six years; three in her first three years.
Caroline Room: @GeographyCarrie
Fifth year humanities teacher at an 11-16 secondary school in Luton. Caroline's subject focus is geography, but she also teaches RE, history, PSHE and music. She is involved in shaping teaching and learning strategy and leads three extra-curricular groups, including the Sustainable Schools eco-team.
Isabella Wallace: @WallaceIsabella
Isabella Wallace is co-author of Pimp Your Lesson - a guide for teachers. She has worked as an advanced skills teacher, as well as at senior curriculum and school governance levels. She is now a trainer and presenter working for Osiris Educational, running courses on subjects such as outstanding cross-curricular lesson planning, differentiation and 'Talk-Less Teaching'.
David Doherty
Assistant principal at Cowes Enterprise College on Isle of Wight, responsible for learning and teaching, and been in teaching for 16 years. Trying to improve every day and learning lots from the people around me, particularly NQTs and GTPs.
Ebuni Ajiduah @a2z_nqt
Ebuni completed her NQT last year at an inner London academy. She hopes to inspire students and prides herself on being able to form good relationships. Ebuni set up a company called Think Big Youth. She is also the author of A-Z of NQT, a guide book for new teachers.
