Help for the First Month of Teaching

Top Clicks for New Teachers

To help you survive -- and enjoy -- the first months of teaching, we have selected links to four types of resources: career file, first-year tips, stress relief, and books.

Career File
These resources will help you establish yourself as a professional.

Creating a Professional Image
An article about presenting yourself to the school community.
(North Carolina Association of Educators)

Your Professional Papers
A list of papers to save.
(North Carolina Association of Educators)

Create a Substitute Information File
Information that should be in your Substitute File.
(North Carolina Association of Educators)

First-Year Tips
These resources, from experienced teachers, provide advice and strategies for handling the first few months.

30 Questions You Should Ask During the First Days of School
A list of questions to help you learn school procedures.
(North Carolina Association of Educators)

Tips for the First Ten Days 
A list of twenty-five tips to get you ready for school.
(LEARN North Carolina)

Back to School Checklist
Resources to help you set up and decorate your classroom, create "getting to know you" letters and name tags, plan new lessons, locate effective worksheets, and more.
(Education World)

Tips for Nervous New Teacher 
Advice via chat board.
(Teachers.net)

New Teacher Support
Articles on arranging your classroom, building a support network, communicating with parents, and more.
(LEARN North Carolina)

What Teachers Say About the First Year of Teaching
A downloadable publication with tips and strategies from both first-year teachers and veteran teachers. From  What to Expect Your First Year of Teaching.
(U.S. Department of Education) 

Ask Not What Your School Can Do for You
What new teachers can do to excel in the first years.
(ASCD)

Stress Relief
This resource provides some strategies for managing stress.

Instant Ideas for Busy Teachers: Stress Relief for Teachers
An article with some ideas for reducing stress.
(Teachers.net)

Books
These resources are books recommended by other new teachers.

Survival Guide for New Teachers
A book to help new teachers work effectively with veteran teachers, parents, principals, and teacher educators.
(U.S. Department of Education, 2000)

Top Ten Best Seller List 
A list of books -- new and perennial educator favorites.
(NEA Professional Library)

The Inspiring Teacher
This book is about acquiring the qualities of an inspiring teacher. It includes strategies for conflict management and time management. Available for purchase. Also available FREE online.
(NEA Professional Library)