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Being an early career teacher (ECT)
is intimidating and at times it's straight-up nerve-wracking. That’s why it's
important to know how to be the best ECT you can be. We’ve made a list of
insightful tips for any ECT wanting to start their career with a bang.
Build Relationships &
Connections
One of the most important things
that any ECT must do is build as many good relationships and connections as
possible. These connections will become your support network within your new
school and the earlier you can make these good impressions the better. Always
ask for help if you need it, asking these questions and listen to what the more
experienced teachers say is a good way to form a bond with them.
Look After Yourself
Being a teacher, especially an ECT
can be overwhelming at times. Remember to focus on a healthy work-life balance
that works for you. You need time to relax, unwind and blow off steam at the
end of the day and during your spare time. Make time for whatever it is that
relaxes you and remember that your well-being affects you, your work, and your
students.
Know Your School’s Policies
& Procedures
Familiarising yourself with the
policies and procedures of the school you’re working for is crucial. Knowing
what to do if certain situations arise is the key to being a prepared and
diligent teacher. Read and understand the school’s safeguarding policy, this is
vital.
Keep Your Ideas Manageable
Bringing ambitious ideas to your
classroom and coming up with learning incentives, like ‘reader of the week’, is
a good idea, but as an ECT it’s important to not over commit yourself. Your
ambitious ideas need to be manageable, achievable, reasonable and functional.
Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
There are times when you will doubt
yourself, it is very common for ECTs to criticize themselves for making
mistakes. You are still learning, it’s only natural to make a few mistakes,
remind yourself that you are improving with each day and every mistake is a
step forward. Take things in your stride and focus on your professional
development and you will be a great teacher.
Embrace Opportunities
Take opportunities to better yourself
as a teacher and your network with both hands. ECTs need to make a good name
for themselves while embracing the opportunities available to them. Building
your knowledge makes you a better, more confident teacher and bringing
everything you learn to the classroom helps a lot. Trying out new teaching
strategies and behaviour management is how ECTs find their best teaching
methods.
Get To Know Your Students
Knowing your students’ names shows
your school that you care and are passionate about your work. It also helps
ECTs develop stronger bonds with their students and gain confidence in their
skills. Knowing what your students like, what they struggle with and the best
ways to engage with them is the mark of a great teacher and can even help with
behaviour management. Find ways to remember your students easily, for example,
Mike likes Superman.
Connect with other ECTs &
Experienced Teachers
There is a lot of value in sharing
experiences and tips with other ECTs. ECTs can relate to each other and are all
learning how to do the best they can, having a community, online forum or
social media group is a great way to share tips and stay in touch. Seeking out
the knowledge of more experienced teachers is a good way to learn advanced tips
quickly.
Own Your Classroom
Taking over a classroom is an
intimidating thing for an ECT to do. The most important thing is to make your
classroom a learning environment and make it your own. You can cater it to your
class by decorating the walls with their work. Rearrange the room often to find
your perfect layout. Make it feel like a home away from home for you and your
students. Don’t be afraid to make changes, after all a change is as good as a
holiday.
Some Teaching Tips for ECTS
Always be consistent, and enforce
rules, deadlines, and structure.
Make classroom rules visible and
clear.
Have a reward system for your
class. Stickers, magic markers, and stamps are fun ways to reward students.
Encourage and call out good
behaviour.
Celebrate the small things.
Your diary is invaluable. Use it!
Be on top of student needs, SEN
indicators, allergies, medical needs, and safeguarding matters.
You will encounter difficult
parents and guardians. Do not let them get to you and find the best way to deal
with them.
A class mascot is a great idea for
young students.
Keep things clean and have cleaning
implements nearby.
Stock up on post-it notes, pencils
and other little necessities.
