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What Every New Teacher Should Know

Advice for new teachers, from those who’ve been there.

Words of Wisdom for Your First Days of Teaching

Teaching is one of the hardest things you’ll do. But it is also a job that comes with profound opportunities for personal growth. Teach For America alumni share valuable lessons they’ve learned as new teachers, and advice for making it through your first days in the classroom.

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“Lean into the discomfort. There are going to be a lot of things that feel unfamiliar and that you’re not comfortable with. Just lean into it...and sooner rather than later, it won’t feel as uncomfortable anymore.”

Yvanna
New Jersey Corps Member 2016

“You are going to hear and receive so much information at once… You just have to figure out how you are going to best process that information and then transfer it into your classroom.”

Julie
Houston Corps Member 2010

“Keep an open mind. Work hard. Take care of yourself. And reflect, reflect, and reflect some more.”

J
D.C. Region Corps Member 2008