In my time as a teacher, I transitioned between four very different schools, always bringing with it those “new teacher feelings.” Each move brought with it worry and anxiousness as I would, once again, try to ground myself inside an already-established school community. Teachers, whether veterans or beginners, across the country, face this experience every July and August.
As teachers, we understand the challenges and excitement that come with starting a new role, so our individual support can play a pivotal role in a successful transition. Instead of looking at strategies school leaders could use, here are practical ways that we – as educators – can welcome new teachers and help them feel at home in our collective, school community.
Extend a Friendly Greeting
One of the simplest yet most important tips to welcome that new member of the school is through a friendly greeting. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and offer a warm welcome. A simple “Hello” or “Welcome to our team” can go a long way in making someone feel included. Consider reaching out with a phone call or email before they arrive on the first day. You can set up a meeting in the office, so they have a friendly face waiting on them immediately.
At my last school, one of my teammates reached out before we were required to report on campus. I met her at her home, and we carpooled over to the school together so I could get my bearings. Not only was it a new school, but also a new unfamiliar city. That simple act of kindness allowed my school year to begin positively, as well as enhanced my confidence in a new environment.
Create a Welcome Package
A small welcome package can be a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. You never know the school environment this teacher is coming from, and they may need some time to heal from difficulties. This proactive step could include a few items such as a school map, a list of key contacts, snacks, or even a personalized note that is handwritten. These small tokens of kindness can make a new teacher feel valued and settle them comfortably into their new environment. Do you need ideas? Here are 10 New Teacher and New Staff basket suggestions.
One of the most valuable tools I ever received was a “cheat sheet” document. My new team members created this go-to resource for me that had a wealth of information that outlines where things needed to be submitted (and when), where to get support with certain questions, a teacher FAQ they had built over time, contact information for critical individuals, and so much more. I consulted that document regularly during the first quarter, and it helped ground me in the normal procedures of the school without feeling like I was a burden to my new teammates.
Offer a School Tour
This step sounds silly but, unfortunately, is often overlooked. Sometimes leaders will give the teacher a tour during the interview phase and think that is sufficient. Make sure you step in and walk them around the school pointing out student flows, closest restrooms, shortcuts around campus, and areas where supervision is particularly needed. This gesture not only helps them navigate their new environment but also demonstrates your willingness to support them. It’s also a great way to get to know a little more about them.
Introduce to Key Staff
Beyond just fellow teachers, introduce new colleagues to other important staff members, such as front office staff, custodians, or counselors. Building relationships with these individuals can make a big difference in how smoothly the new teacher settles into a good routine. Be careful not to overwhelm the new person by throwing lots of faces and names at them on their first day.
While the school tour seems like a natural time to do these introductions, it can cause mental overload. Give them the tour but, later, bring them back to individuals as a secondary refresher of the tour. Other natural times to introduce them include casual settings like lunch or during faculty meetings. One of my best relationships was with the school janitor. He took the time to show me around. It was not a rushed tour, even though he had many responsibilities over the summer. He always had a smile for me and made my first year of teaching much less overwhelming.
Give Emotional Support
Starting a new job can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Offering a listening ear can be a great support. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there to listen or offer encouragement can help ease the stress of a new role. Let them know you’re available if they need advice or just want to talk about their experiences. Maybe you both could work through the same course together and here’s an idea: Beat the Burnout.
Another way to do this is by creating team, grade-level, or content specific social gatherings. These can be formal or informal and foster a sense of belonging and community. Initially, the new teacher will be reserved, so make sure you are right there with them as they meet others. This socialization helps them build relationships with their colleagues outside of the classroom.
A third way to provide support is to conference as a team. Parent-teacher conferences can be very overwhelming for new teachers especially. Just having a teammate there in that conference allows moral support for that new teacher, even if you as the teammate say nothing. I’ve had excellent mentors/teammates over my career, as well as those not so supportive. Conferencing together also allows the parent to know that there are many people invested in their child’s education. This allows for relationship building on both sides of the desk. Let that new teacher know you have time for them.
In conclusion, welcoming new teachers into the school community is not a function for school leaders but is something everyone needs to become involved in doing. By extending a friendly hand and sharing resources, we can help ensure their transition is as smooth and positive as possible. As colleagues, our efforts to make new teachers feel welcome benefits them (and students) while also enriching our entire school community.