Words of Wisdom for New Educators

Experienced educators tell us what they wish they'd known in their first years of teaching.

Your hard work has paid off and you are now a New York state public school teacher. Congratulations!

You’re eager to get your career started. You’re excited about your first year. And let’s be honest, you’re probably a little nervous.

Don’t worry. The Empire State is filled with some of the very best teachers and public schools in the nation. And, not only does NYSUT offer the resources to ensure you succeed in the classroom, its members — your colleagues — are there to provide you with the support you need to start your career on the right foot.

Here’s some of their advice:

When the going gets tough, don’t forget why you’re there.

“The most critical (piece of advice) I could give is: time management,” says Garth Merlino of the Erie 1 Professional Education Association. “What you think may take five minutes, may take five weeks. Plan for that. Expect that. ”

Use Social Media for Inspiration.

“What worked for me as a first-year teacher,” says Collin Mulcahy of the Brocton Teachers Association, “was reaching out to social media platforms like Twitter and looking for ideas that other Social Studies teachers used in their classroom.”

You will be surrounded by colleagues with shoulders to lean on; don't be afraid to ask questions.

“Find a veteran teacher that will help you,” says William Magnarelli Jr. of the Syracuse Teachers Association. “You are not in this alone.”

You can’t make up for lost time.

Your day isn’t over when the school day ends.

“Be prepared to work a bit at home,” says Brysen Van Eck of the Ardsley Congress of Teachers. “I have about an hour or two of work at home every night."

Make friends with ALL of your colleagues.

Skylar Simeone of the Middle Country Teachers Association, Rosemary Farfaglia of the North Syracuse Teachers Association and Chris Michael of the Cohoes Teachers Association all recommend making friends with — and being respectful to — the custodians and secretaries in your building.

“This will make your life so much better,” says Michael.