There is so much more to teaching than I thought. I write these words while basking in the two-week Easter holiday – one of the perks I am still getting used to. But I am conscious that as you read this, I will be in the thick of another term at the south London school where I work.
You know the drill: 7:30am starts, coffee, planning, lessons, coffee, marking, more lessons, more coffee. And now and then, a spark of joy: a class responding to my worked example with exclamations of “that’s amazing”, a thank you card from a student, an appreciative email from a parent.
Since I changed career to become a maths teacher my working life has gone up a gear. I’ve revisited the entire maths GCSE syllabus and most of the
A level syllabus too. I’ve used cognitive science techniques to teach quadratic equations. I’ve discovered what cognitive science is. I’ve tried various behaviour management techniques, some of which worked better than others.
Behaviour management was my biggest concern before I started teaching and the top worry of my fellow trainees. However, when I asked teachers for their advice for ECTs, mental health and wellbeing was the theme that dominated.
Unsurprisingly, then, many – but not all – of the 12 things I have learned in my first year of teaching relate to these two areas. Here goes...
Wait for silence before speaking to your class: If you don’t do this, your students receive the message that it is okay to talk over you and further misbehaviour will ensue. Furthermore, if they’re talking, they’re not learning. No matter how long it takes, wait for silence. There are many ways to do this. You can stand with a firm posture at the front of the room, stare down the chatterers, or employ a 3-2-1 countdown.
Use praise to manage behaviour: Your school will probably have a warning system and a range of sanctions, all of which is useful, but do not forget the power of praise to bend a student to your will. Statements such as, “That was an excellent answer, well done,” or “Sylvie, I was really pleased with your listening in class today,” can be more motivational than the threat of three behaviour points. Moreover, reinforcing good behaviour is a lot easier than punishing bad behaviour, and anything that makes your life easier should be welcomed.
Drink lots of water throughout the day: Tea and coffee don’t count, though your tolerance for caffeine will increase dramatically.
Early preparation: If you have a copy of your school’s scheme of work, do some light lesson-planning ahead of starting in September. Work out what you will do with your classes in your first week. You will be more likely to hit the ground if not running, then jogging at least.
It’s your classroom: Remember that the classroom is your space and students must abide by your rules. Don’t be afraid to challenge behaviour that undermines this, such as not taking off coats, chewing gum, not following your seating plan…
Have a seating plan: It helps you learn names and establishes that the classroom is your space where the students must abide by your rules – see above. Don’t be afraid to change the seating plan as you get to know your students and understand the social dynamics in the class.
Relaxation is a biological necessity: Keep an eye on your wellbeing and your workload. Is marking getting too much? Put aside time in the next lesson for peer-marking and feedback rather than doing it all yourself. Don’t strive for perfection, work to what is good enough. Ask colleagues if they have any ready-made activities or resources that you can use. Give yourself permission to teach a bad lesson now and then. Don’t sign up to help with too many (or any) extra-curricular activities until you’re sure you can fit in the extra work.
Make time for exercise and fresh air: Stop scrolling through your phone at the weekend and go for a walk in the woods. Book a gym class. Take the bike out…
Save time at home: Reduce time spent on tedious activities such as household chores. Cook in bulk and freeze food for the week ahead. I’ve found myself appreciating the odd ready-meal. Set up a regular online shop. Consider getting a cleaner.
Behaviour is communication: Remember that students have lives and problems outside the classroom. If they have a poor attitude in your lesson, it is very unlikely to be personal. It might even be a sign of something more serious so check-in with them.
Don’t quit, change schools: If your first few months really don’t go as hoped and you’re thinking of quitting teaching, try a different school first. I’ve experienced three different schools and the culture in each, together with my level of enjoyment, has been wildly different. Other teachers have told me the importance of finding a school that’s aligned with your values. So don’t give up too soon – shop around.
Relish your subject: Relearning a subject – in my case maths – can be surprisingly joyful. Before teaching I’d never have thought I’d use the phrase “triangles are amazing” but since September I’ve said it several times (and meant it). This enthusiasm is infectious. If just a small part of that joy rubs off on one or two of my students, that’s no bad thing.
Final thought
Yes, teaching is exhausting and the first year can be difficult, but I am improving so fast and have noticed the difference already. Lesson planning is quicker, I am more adept at addressing behaviour issues on the spot, and I have become genuinely fond of all my classes. The students won’t thank you every day, but that’s okay because when they do, it really means a lot.
- Angelita Bradney is an early career teacher working at a school in south London. Find her on Twitter @AngelBradn
The SecEd Early Career Teacher Supplement 2023
This article first appeared in SecEd's annual Early Career Teacher Supplement, which features 20 pages of advice, guidance, ideas and hacks for new teachers. This published in June 2023 and is available to download free of charge by following this link.