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The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them)

beginning elementary teachers classroom management new elementary teachers new teacher

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Show Notes:

I’ve dedicated my career to supporting teachers. Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but new teachers often leave university feeling unprepared and lacking practical knowledge for managing their own classrooms. That’s why each spring, I shift this podcast’s focus to provide new teachers with helpful, practical guidance as they graduate and prepare for their first teaching job.

There are many reasons why new teachers struggle with confidence and preparation in their first job. One major challenge is bridging the gap between the essential theory they learned in university and the practical skills needed to apply that knowledge in a real classroom. Through no fault of colleges and universities, there simply isn’t enough time in an education program to cover everything a teacher needs to know.

Unfortunately, this lack of time contributes to many of the challenges new teachers face during their first few years. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three of the biggest challenges—based on research—that new teachers experience and how to best support them. These struggles are so common that research links them to lower student achievement, increased behavior issues, and higher rates of teacher burnout.

Simply put, new teachers need our support. The demands of the job can feel overwhelming, and with little to no experience, they struggle to establish a strong foundation in their classrooms. However, by offering support, sharing resources, and mentoring new teachers, we can help prevent and manage many of these challenges in their first year.

In my ongoing effort to provide practical and effective support for teachers, I’ve revamped my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy to be the perfect solution. In addition to offering countless resources, a supportive community, and step-by-step classroom preparation guidance, I’ve expanded it into a licensing program for schools, districts, and universities. Let’s give new teachers the support that they need and deserve!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

The three biggest challenges new teachers face and how to best support them.
Why new teachers often revert to traditional practices instead of research-based instructional strategies for managing student behaviors.
The reasons new teachers frequently feel isolated and unsupported, and how you can help them feel seen and heard as a colleague or mentor.
How veteran teachers can re-establish their classroom foundation through a fresh lens, using their experience to refine their approach.
How the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy supports teachers in the months leading up to the school year—and how it can help you.

References:

Blair, N. (2019, September). New teachers face three common challenges. ASCD.
Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literature review of its teaching and assessment process. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101047.
Mathews, J. (2011, December 18). New teacher decries lesson plan gap [blog post]. Retrieved from Class Struggle at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/new-teacher-decries-lesson-plan-gap/2011/12/17/gIQAt0C50O_blog.html
Melnick, S., & Meister, D. (2008). A comparison of beginning and experienced teachers' concerns. Educational Research Quarterly, 31(3), 39–56.
Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literature review of its teaching and assessment process. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101047.
Smith, T. M., & Ingersoll, R. M. (2004). What are the effects of induction and mentoring on beginning teacher turnover? American Educational Research Journal, 41(3), 681–714.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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