Starting in a New School? Me Too!

My 5 Top Tips for Your First Week at a New School

Starting a new school year always brings a mix of emotions, especially when you're stepping into a new school! As someone who has experienced the thrill and nerves of starting afresh quite a lot in a short space of time, I can assure you that it's a unique opportunity for growth and new beginnings, which is what I am most excited about as I begin again at a new school for the next academic year. The excitement of meeting new colleagues, adapting to a different environment, and impacting a new group of students can be both daunting and exciting. To help ease your transition, here are some tips and strategies to make your move to a new school as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Culture, Culture, Culture

This is the backbone of what your time will be like at your new school. In your interview, ask what the school's culture is. If the school has a website, this will usually be on it. Try to speak to existing or past colleagues, read inspection reports that are published online and go through the school's social media pages.

Build Relationships but Stay Professional

Try to find a balance between showing your personality but not oversharing too much of your personal life. Keep your cards close to your chest and try to listen more than you speak for the first few days and weeks. Let staff speak to you and pay attention to what they are saying to you or the questions they are asking, it will help you with your judge of character and to understand dynamics amongst the staff. If the school organises a social at the start for new staff, be mindful of how you conduct yourself. There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the year to let your walls down, just always remember you are new so you must give it time to ''suss'' things out before you get too comfortable.

Dress to Impress!

Dressing professionally sets a positive example and helps you feel more confident. A top tip I always give is to check the school's social media pages to gauge the dress code in your specific school as they will usually, always have photographs of staff there. You may receive, as part of your offer for the school, a contract which explains the dress code.

Focus on Understanding, Not Complaining

Instead of voicing frustrations about new or unexpected situations, focus on understanding the reasons behind them. It is only natural for you to compare practices or expectations to previous workplaces, however, remember that every school has a different context. Some schools are newer than others and are still growing, trying new things and implementing new recommendations. Try to avoid getting drawn into negative conversations and maintain an optimistic outlook, even when others might not. My first Head of Primary in Dubai always advised us to, ''moan upwards, not outwards'', and it will always stick with me. If you have any suggestions or if there are expectations or practices which you are not comfortable with, not sure of or need more support with, always approach your line manager or someone in your senior leadership team to engage in professional dialogue. Aim to approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

You Don't Need to be a 'Yes' Person Because You're New

When you're new, it's tempting to dive into various activities and responsibilities to try to make a good impression, or at times, unfortunately be pulled into them. However, it's wise to pace yourself. Focus on settling into your teaching role before taking on additional commitments. This will prevent burnout and ensures you can give your best to your primary teaching duties. Teaching can be demanding, so it's essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Make time for activities you enjoy and practice self-care to stay enthusiastic.

By understanding the school culture, building professional relationships, dressing appropriately, avoiding negative spaces and pacing yourself with new responsibilities, you can set yourself up for a successful new start. Embrace the excitement of meeting new colleagues, adapting to a different environment, and impacting a new group of students! Ask lots of questions and remember the children are always at the heart of what we do, never forget to bring it back to them. More importantly, you are more than your job, so make sure to mind yourself from the inside out, and remain positive that no matter how stressful it may seem at the start, it will all pass and you will be in for an exciting school year!