If you’re stepping into your first classroom this September, congratulations. Becoming a teacher is a huge milestone, and it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
Walking into a classroom as a new teacher? It’s like being the new character in a long-running TV show. Students are eyeing you up like a plot twist, and staff are figuring out if you’re a main character or an extra.
Don’t worry, every teacher has been where you are right now. So, how do you survive it with your confidence intact? You’ve got the ECT edge…
Prep before term starts
Think of this as the calm before the storm. Planning now will pay off once the corridors are heaving with students. Take time to:
Get to know your school: Read through the website, check out the staff list, and familiarise yourself with the timetable. Take another look at any onboarding materials – especially if you looked at them at the start of summer.
Learn the routines: Every school has its way of doing things. From lining up after break to how books are marked, these small details make a big difference.
Brush up on behaviour strategies. Classroom management is a worry for most early-career teachers (ECTs). Use clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and have a few calm routines up your sleeve.
Start collecting resources
Now is a great time to gather information for the first few weeks. Think:
A planner (if your school uses them)
Timetable(s) and class list(s)
Details of learners with special educational needs (SEN)
Schemes of work and/or syllabuses
Textbooks
Display materials
Exercise books
Try to collect items as you go. The first week rarely runs like clockwork. Keep everything together in a folder and sort once the dust settles. A little prep goes a long way, but leave space for the surprises that come with starting a new school.
What to pack for day one
You don’t need to arrive with a briefcase, but a few well-chosen items will make you feel prepared:
Even in a digital world, a trusty notebook and pen are lifesavers. The staffroom seems to swallow them, so don’t bring a BIC!
A water bottle and snack. Lessons can run back-to-back, and lunch might feel like a distant dream. Stay fuelled.
Laptops, projectors, or printers have a mind of their own. Keep backup resources handy when tech misbehaves.
A trusty folder to wrangle all those important papers before they disappear into the void.
A small treat for yourself. This could be chocolate or tea bags.
Comfortable shoes: Your feet will thank you by the end of day one – and every day after.
Small prep like this can turn moments into “I’ve got this” victories.
Coping with your first day and week
Don’t worry, even teachers who seem like pros once stood where you are now. So, how do you get through the first day feeling a bit more in control? You’ve got your first-day edge…
The class doesn’t know you yet. They might suspect you’re new, but unless you give it away, they can’t be sure. If someone asks, “Are you a new teacher?” try replying with, “I’m new to this school.” Keep a little mystery; it works in your favour.
Every teacher has the chance at the start of the year to set the tone for their classes. Start firm from the outset; you can always ease up later, but it’s much harder to rein things back in once they’ve slipped.
Remember, you’re a teacher, not a friend or parent. Students expect formality and clear boundaries. Set them early, so everyone knows where they stand.
Take your time. Wait until you have the attention of everyone before speaking. Pauses aren’t a problem, and a thoughtful start is better than rushing and losing control. Relax, breathe, and remember that it’s okay to take a moment while you decide your next move.
Dress the part
Smart but comfortable is the name of the game. Yes, it might feel like school all over again. But it is! You want to move around easily, feel confident, and follow your school’s dress code. Shoes you can survive a full day in are non-negotiable. Think of it as armour for your first week; you’ll walk in feeling ready to take on anything. Save the weekend vibes for the weekend and your favourite jeans for a non-uniform day. Feeling confident in your appearance helps your mindset, too.
Look after your mindset
Starting a new job is exciting but exhausting. Focus on building relationships, asking questions, and learning as you go. Give yourself a break if things feel wobbly at first; that’s normal. A few tips to keep your energy up:
Sleep like a baby: Lessons can be a marathon; rest matters. Skip Netflix before bed to get an extra hour. You’ll thank us later.
Find your allies: A friendly colleague can be your lifeline.
Celebrate the wins: Even surviving Friday's last lesson counts.
Pauses are okay: If you need a moment to think, take it. Nobody expects early-career teaching perfection on day one, week one, or year one.
Keep perspective: Not every lesson will be a “stand-on-your-desk” moment (think Robin Williams’ iconic teacher in Dead Poets Society), and that’s okay.
Remember, teaching is a long game. Focus on progress, not perfection, and think about why you became a teacher in the first place; the small moments make it all worthwhile. Small steps, kind thoughts about yourself, and a bit of humour go a long way. You’ve got this!
How we can help
At Protocol Education, we’re here to back you up. Whether you need advice from a consultant who’s placed hundreds of new teachers, extra training to build confidence, or a bank of ECT roles to explore, we’ve got you covered. Some of us have worked as teachers, so we understand!
Browse our CPD Academy for practical training and classroom strategies. Our CPD Academy is your new secret weapon.
Contact your local branch for support whenever you need it.
We know how much energy and heart go into those first steps as a teacher. You don’t need to face them alone; we’re here.
Your teaching journey starts here
With the right prep, a few essentials in your bag, and some support along the way, you’ll walk into your school feeling ready. The start of term will be a whirlwind, but it’s the beginning of a career that changes lives. Prepare what you can, keep your sense of humour, and remember every great teacher started here.
Explore our ECT roles and let’s find your perfect start. Struggling to find a teaching role after qualifying? The ECT Pool is here to help. Join our Early Career Teacher pool here.
