Hi, I’m New – The staff days

Whether you are entering a school as a graduate, or starting as an experienced teacher in a new school, starting somewhere new can be extremely intimidating. Schools are such interesting microcosms and getting to understand the seen and unseen in a new school is so complex.

I have been fortunate to start in four different schools, and whilst each school was somewhat different the first few weeks and months were somewhat similar. Most people who have worked with me would probably say that I am quite an outgoing character, yet that is not the case instantly and definitely not at least until I feel comfortable with the setting and people around me. Therefore beginning somewhere new is quite daunting for me. The introvert me makes it even harder and anxiety definitely plays a huge part. Even today I find going back to school at the start of the year an anxiety inducing act.

There are all sorts of ways that schools begin the year. Generally though, there are few schools that would not have a some days of staff development prior to students starting. Also a lot of schools will have a new staff orientation day. The level of information you get on these days can vary.

So what can you expect? Some schools you walk in cold on the first staff day. That is, you have not been given anything to work on, a timetable, or met anyone. Whereas others may have sent you plenty of information, which for some may even heighten the nervousness. Therefore this blog is some things, in no particular order, that I have learnt about being new in a school.

1. Celebrate – You have been given the position in the school and have beaten all the other candidates to be where you are today. Well done! Take heart, knowing that the school wants you there and genuinely believe that you are qualified and capable of the position. So be encouraged. People will be very excited that you are starting, keen to get to know you and in my experience warm, welcoming and understanding.
2. It is fine to not know – In my current school, even though I was very experienced, the general line that I received was that it takes 6 months to fully understand the place and that it is fine not to know. You are not expected to be up to date with all the intricacies of how a school works straight away. In fact, it may be not until your second year that you actually feel like you understand what is going on. People are going to be very understanding of you not knowing. Some might even tell you its an advantage, as you can pull out “the I didn’t know card”! Whatever it looks like you for you, aim to not put too much pressure on yourself. People understand. That said, it is a good idea to make a priority of reading school policies.
3. It is overwhelming – There is so much to take in, so much to learn, and schools will fill you with information. That is even before you have to worry about remembering names, trying not to spill your lunch, or trip over on the stair well. The school will apologise for telling you so much and likely acknowledge that it is a lot to take in at once, but that wont stop them doing it anyway. Write things down, take in what you can, jot down questions to ask later.
4. Locate the toilet. You will be amazed how many new staff take days to find the bathroom and just hold on. On that, drink lots of water!
5. The staffroom is a jungle. Coming into an established staffroom is extremely hard. Every staff room has their own little village and working out the cultural norms of that staff room can be tricky. You will likely get the worst desk in the office as everyone may have shuffled around. But hey, its a desk, its yours and you can make it work. Sit back and watch the staff at play in the room. You quickly work out the vibe, work out who is who and how things work. But don’t be quick to judge as well. All those staff are also coming back from an extended layoff and they themselves are re-establishing their work routines. Give it a few weeks before you pass judgement on people . The first few weeks are very stressful for all.
6. Meetings! – Your first week before the students start is likely to be filled with meetings, followed by another meeting, backed up with another meeting. These will be quite overwhelming with a lot of information to get across and lot of things to take in. Each person presenting will think that their meeting is the most important. It is important to remember that they are necessary meetings, that the information is needed and that the person presenting has put a lot of time in ensuring they are getting the right information across. That said, its exhausting! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to take absolutely everything in. You can’t and won’t. You will find your mind drifting off at times. Just absorb what you can, note the person presenting and then ask questions later.
7. Pick your moment – In my first year of teaching another young teacher told me that for the first 6 months to say nothing in staff meetings. The implication from him was that I was too new, both to the school and the profession, to have a valid voice. I think what he was getting across, not well, was that I should not go into meetings shooting off from the hip. His subtle message was to make sure that I understood the school, the processes, the history etc before I spoke, ensuring that I didn’t come across as a new graduate know it all. I must admit, it was difficult but the advice did help me stop and pause before I spoke. My advice in this area would simply be, just think before you speak and ponder how what you are saying might be perceived by others and the impression your words leave.
8. Politics – is an ever present factor in schools. Regardless of what we hope, schools are very political places. Understanding the politics of your school setting can take time, and getting to know those who play politics and their agendas can take even longer. Unfortunately it really can be the hardest part of working in a school, dealing with the underlying currents that some workplaces have. Whilst understanding the internal politics is a good idea, it is so important to not find yourself involved. Being part of the politics and conflicts is very emotionally draining and serves little purpose. As someone who has been there, it is much better to let those political things wash over you. Remember you became a teacher to work with students. If you keep that as your focus always, then everything else can pass you by.
9. Wellbeing – This week is draining. So much to take in, so many people to meet, so much to learn and remember. So when you go home, do not work all night. It is still summer so make the most of the warm summer evenings; swim, surf, sit outside with a drink, walk etc. Yes there will be the feeling that you have thousands of things to do but the more you get swamped in school work the less effective you become. Make sure you do something each day for you and prioritise your wellbeing. It is all too easy to get bogged down and forget that you come first.
10. Find your tribe – It is super easy in schools to stay in the silo you are in. Be it your year level team, your faculty, your office; it is simple to stay with those people. But get out and meet the various personalities in the school. Get to know people across the school and build relationships far and wide. As an English teacher I have some great conversations with a range of teachers from other areas. Even the PE teachers can hold a good conversation and are interesting! Some of my close tribe are Primary or Maths teachers. Essentially find your people that can be your rocks. These won’t necessarily be in your faculty or area but are crucial to your enjoyment at the school. As a beginning teacher everyone will be super interested in you so conversations will flow easily, and there are few places where you won’t feel welcomed quickly by somebody.
11. The 3 most important people – When I was at university the lecturer asked who the three most important people in the school were. Naturally most people started with the principal. The lecturer disagreed and said the groundsperson, the janitor and the front office person. Whatever they are called in your school make friends with these staff. Building a genuine relationship with them is not only showing that you are a team player but they are the people that you are most likely to need to ask for something. A spill in your room? You ask the janitor, not the principal. Need some furniture moved? Who do you ask? Got a delivery coming? Think about it..
12. Classroom Pinterest competition – I am mostly now a senior secondary teacher and move from classroom to classroom, but I know the pressure on primary teachers to present the perfect classroom. In fact, the competition, although unsaid, can be fierce! As an early teacher try not to place too much pressure on yourself to turn your classroom into the extravagance seen on Pintrest. Sure, make your classroom a warm and welcoming environment but making sure your teaching pedagogy is good, and prioritising knowing your students is far more important than beginning with the perfect classroom display.
13. Have Fun – It is so hard in the first week with everything happening to remember to have fun and enjoy. This is what you have worked so hard for, so make sure you take some time to congratulate yourself, soak in that you have started and enjoy everything that happens. That said, its not the best week of the year. Next week is! When the students finally start and you get to do what you worked all this time for. Because, the whole reason you became a teacher is to be with the students. Never forget that. And at the end of the staff week, put your feet up and shout yourself a drink (or a nice cup of tea).

There is so much to your first few days in a new school. First impressions are made and your norms are established. Be true to yourself, be friendly but most importantly be you. Schools are challenging and the only thing you can do is to be yourself, seek help, be honest and do your best. I am sure I have missed so much in offering these thoughts on the first few days in a new school. If you can think of anything comment below or join the discussion at Australian Early Career Teachers Association