Latest / New Teacher Talk / Ep 156: Who You Know Matters: Building Your Support Squad as a New Teacher

Transcript

Ep 156: Who You Know Matters: Building Your Support Squad as a New Teacher · New Teacher Talk

Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to New Teacher Talk,
the podcast where early career educators get real about
classroom life,
share ideas to make an impact and keep well being in mind
along the way.
I'm Dr.
Beth.
And I'm Dr.
Anna,
and today we're diving into something that's honestly a
game changer for new teachers,
building your support squad.
Not just who you teach with, but who you lean on,
learn from, and grow with.
Exactly.
Because let's be real.
No matter how strong your lesson plans are,
teaching can feel isolating if you don't have the right
people in your corner.
And new teachers especially, we see you.
You're collaborative, resourceful, and you want connection.
So let's talk about who to connect with to start your
career on solid footing.
Let's start with mentor teachers.
If your school assigns one, great.
But if not, don't wait.
Seek out someone whose vibe and values align with yours.
You want someone who's not just experienced,
but generous with their wisdom.
totally.
And don't be afraid to ask questions that go beyond
curriculum.
Like,
how do you handle parent communication when things get
tense?
Or what's your go to strategy for classroom transitions?
These types of questions are real gems.
Ask them of your mentor.
And when you're teaching across cultures or come from an
international background,
connecting with mentors who grasp your cultural experience
often proves essential.
Next up, instructional coaches.
These folks are often underutilized but they are gold.
They can help you design lessons,
differentiate your instruction,
and align with district goals without losing your creative
spark.
Yes, and most of all, they're not there to judge.
They're there to support you.
Think of them as your backstage crew helping you shine on
stage.
And if you're not in a school without formal coaches,
look for curriculum leads or even tech integration
specialists.
They often wear multiple hats and they are there to help
new teachers succeed.
So don't hesitate to ask who those people are in your
school or district and reach out to them.
Absolutely Beth.
Your team is your day-to-day lifeline.
These are the people who know the pacing guides,
the school culture, and the unspoken rules,
like where to find the good coffee, how to fix the copier,
or how to decode emails from admins,
or that frustrating parent.
That's very well said, Anna.
Let's continue to add to those day-to-day lifelines.
Don't underestimate the power of shared planning.
Even if you're the only new teacher on the team,
showing up with curiosity and collaboration builds trust
fast.
If you're a newer teacher who values transparency and
collaboration, this is where you shine.
Don't hesitate to speak up, ask questions,
and share your ideas.
Your perspective matters.
natural teacher leader.
Make sure you leverage that.
And let's talk about the folks who support your students
beyond academics.
Those are your school counselors and social workers.
They have insights into students' emotional and social
needs that can help you teach with empathy.
And don't forget administrators.
If you have a principal who leads with vision and values
teacher voice, that's someone to build a relationship with.
They can advocate for you,
support your growth and help you navigate challenges.
If you're not,
sure how to connect.
Start small.
Ask for feedback.
Share a classroom win or invite them to see a lesson you
were proud of.
This was a game-changer in my first few years.
I asked my building principal, Mr.
Howe, to step into my classroom, ask his schedule aloud.
He was great about offering support and ideas and even
offered compliments when they were deserved.
It was the best decision ever.
So think about doing the same.
Let's talk about socials.
Instagram, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
These platforms are full of educators sharing ideas,
resources, and interesting talk.
Hashtags like new teacher chat, edu color,
and teacher Twitter are great entry points.
Yeah, I agree, Anna.
And listeners don't sleep on professional organizations or
your local union.
They offer PD, mentorship, and advocacy.
Plus, they help you understand your rights and benefits,
which are super important.
and they often offer insurance for your practice as well.
For international teachers,
look for global educator networks.
There are amazing communities out there that cross borders
and time zones.
So here's the major takeaway.
Teaching is a team sport.
The stronger your connections,
the stronger your foundation.
You don't have to know everything.
You just need to know who to ask.
your support squad doesn't have to be huge.
A few solid relationships can carry you through the
toughest days and help you celebrate your wins.
You've got this.
Let's keep the conversation going by
following @NewTeacherTalk on Instagram and Blue Sky. Catch our Tuesday Teacher Resource and Thursday Thought to stay inspired.
If this was helpful,
consider following the show and sharing it with colleagues
who might benefit too.
We're building a community where new teachers feel seen,
supported, and empowered.
Until then, keep showing up, keep connecting,
and keep believing in your impact.