Navigating a New Teaching Career

Starting your teaching journey as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) or Early Career Teacher (ECT) is both an exciting and daunting experience. You’ve made it through your training, secured your first post, and now you’re standing at the front of your very own classroom. But what comes next? How do you manage the workload, establish yourself with students, and maintain your well-being along the way?

Here’s a practical guide to help you find your feet and thrive in your first years of teaching.

Build Relationships First

Your number one priority in the early weeks? Relationships. Get to know your pupils, colleagues, and support staff. Strong relationships create a positive classroom environment and a support network that will help you through the inevitable ups and downs.

• With pupils: Learn names quickly, show genuine interest, and be consistent with expectations.
  
• With staff: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most colleagues are more than happy to share advice and resources, they remember what it was like to be new!
  

Establish Routines

Clear, consistent routines are the backbone of classroom management. They help your pupils feel secure and reduce your mental load.

Start with:

• Entry and exit routines
  
• Clear expectations for behaviour and transitions
  
• Systems for handing out books, collecting homework, and gaining attention
  

The more predictable your classroom, the easier it will be to focus on actual teaching.

Accept That You Won’t Get Everything Right

Perfection is not the goal, progress is. You will make mistakes, lessons will occasionally flop, and you might feel overwhelmed. That’s normal.

Use every challenge as a learning opportunity. Reflect, seek feedback, and don’t dwell. Teaching is a craft, and you’re still at the beginning of your journey.

Use Your Mentor and Induction Time Wisely

Your mentor is there for a reason. Make the most of your meetings by coming prepared with specific questions or reflections. Use your induction time to observe others, experiment with strategies, and build confidence.

Remember, this support exists to help you grow, not to judge you.

Stay Organised (But Don’t Overdo It)

Planning, marking, meetings… it can all get overwhelming very quickly. Find simple systems that work for you!

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track tasks
  
• Set realistic to-do lists (you can’t do it all)
  
• Prioritise high-impact activities over perfectionist detail
  

Protect Your Wellbeing

Burnout is real. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so setting boundaries early is key.

• Try to leave work at a reasonable time at least a few days a week
  
• Don’t feel guilty about saying no to extra commitments
  
• Make time for hobbies, friends, and rest

Celebrate the Wins (Even the Small Ones)

The first time a pupil says “thanks, Miss” or gets that lightbulb moment because of your lesson? Cherish it. Teaching is full of tiny triumphs, and they’re easy to miss when you’re focused on surviving.

Keep a little wins journal or digital note for if times ever get tough, it’ll remind you why you started.

Starting out as an NQT or ECT is not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your support networks, be kind to yourself, and remember that you’re making a difference, even when it may not feel like it.