7 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers

Focus on relationships with students and colleagues to make a good start to the year—and remember to ask for what you need.

By Brienne May

Edutopia

August 4, 2025

Summary for Educators: “7 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers” by Brienne May Published August 4, 2025 | Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-pieces-advice-new-teachers

Brienne May, a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience, offers heartfelt and practical guidance for new teachers stepping into the classroom. Her article bridges the gap between teacher preparation theory and the daily realities of leading a classroom, with advice that centers on connection, courage, and continuous growth.

1. Set the Tone on Day One

May emphasizes the importance of establishing expectations immediately. While the first day might seem best suited for fun and flexibility, new teachers must resist the urge to be overly relaxed. Instead, she suggests engaging students in low-risk activities that reflect the collaborative, discussion-based learning style that will be expected throughout the year. This gives students an immediate sense of classroom norms and structure.

2. Build Relationships

Strong relationships form the foundation of a successful school year. May underscores that knowing students as individuals helps teachers respond to behavior in a way that feels respectful and fair. Relationship-building doesn’t require elaborate icebreakers; it can be as simple as greeting students by name, asking about their interests, and listening to them during transitions. Authenticity is key.

3. Ask for What You Need

May encourages new teachers to advocate for themselves. Whether it’s requesting supplies, feedback, mentorship, or opportunities, asking is essential. Too often, fear of rejection holds teachers back from seeking growth. May reminds educators that most colleagues and administrators genuinely want to help and that self-advocacy models a powerful lesson for students.

4. Challenge “We’ve Always Done It This Way”

New teachers might feel pressure to conform to established routines. But May urges them to question outdated practices and bring new perspectives. She shares a compelling example from her own career, where she helped replace traditional science tests with performance assessments aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. While change can be slow and sometimes uncomfortable, educators must champion what’s best for students.

5. Assume Positive Intent

In an age of digital communication and heightened stress, misunderstandings are common. May advises educators to interpret emails, texts, and interactions with empathy and professionalism. Most conflicts stem from miscommunication, not malice. By assuming others mean well, teachers can defuse tension and foster collaboration.

6. Say “Yes” to One New Thing Each Year

To prevent burnout while promoting innovation, May recommends committing to just one new initiative per year. She shares her journey of embracing technology step-by-step, beginning with Breakout EDU and gradually incorporating coding, robotics, and even aquaponics. This manageable approach fosters competence and confidence without overwhelming the teacher.

7. Fill Your Classroom with Joy

Teachers set the emotional tone of the classroom. May suggests designing a space filled with personal touches—plants, fish tanks, or memorabilia—that reflect the teacher’s interests and professional accomplishments. Her own “wall of fame” reminds her of student successes and her own growth. Joy and curiosity are contagious, and when teachers bring passion to their work, students respond in kind.

Conclusion May’s advice resonates deeply with educators at all stages, especially those starting out. She reminds us that teaching is a journey of evolution, marked by connection, courage, and creativity. By setting clear expectations, prioritizing relationships, embracing change, and infusing joy into the classroom, teachers can create learning environments where both they and their students thrive.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com