Top tips when moving to a new school
In the last few days I have left a school in London to start an exciting new adventure teaching by the seaside. This is my second time leaving a school since I embarked upon my teaching career. It has been a time filled with mixed emotions; particularly this year where goodbyes to the vast majority of my class have been online. I feel a sense of loss that isn’t easy to define, that’s intermingled with growing excitement and a sprinkle of nervous energy!
Yesterday, I had my first inset day at my new school and finally was able to physically meet some wonderful colleagues after various Zoom meetings. It was a truly wonderful day and has put my mind at ease for September. However, many of you will be starting a new job in Autumn without having had that opportunity to ease in. With that in mind I thought it might be helpful to share some tips I’ve picked up for moving to a new school. These tips will focus on the school itself and colleagues as there are so many incredible tips out there already focusing on pupils and relationship building.
Prepare for uncertainty
We are living in strange times. With the most recent guidance released from the government (and I am sure there will be more over the summer!) we know it will mean significant changes in September. Teaching may not look entirely as we are used to. This can be anxiety inducing even when we are in a familiar setting so it’s perfectly normal to have feelings of concern about going into this in a brand new position. But, remember, you are not alone! All of your new colleagues are in the same boat. School will be very different for them too. Take comfort in the fact that you are journeying into the unknown together and be prepared for things to change as the latest guidance does.
Know your school’s pedagogical approach
This is a big one for me. By now, having accepted the job you should be aware if your own pedagogical approach marries with your school’s; however, if you don’t then find out! As we’ve seen on edutwitter and edufacebook there are multiple approaches to tackling teaching and learning. Direct instruction versus enquiry based learning can look very different. Every school will have its own approach, principles and methods based on their pupils and context. It is important that teachers are mindful of these.
Of course, that’s not to say that teachers shouldn’t bring with them their own knowledge, methods and approaches - and this might be part of the reason you have been hired - but working collaboratively is key.
Learn from others
I’m a big believer in watching others teach. NQTs regularly observe others' practice but we often fall out of this as we become more experienced. It’s a real shame. Observing colleagues teach is a meaningful way to grow as a practitioner, reflect and see pedeogicial approaches in action. Make sure though, that the observation is meaningful. Reflect afterwards. What can you take from it? Discuss the lesson with the colleague in question. Find out why they chose to do something in a particular way.
I am very lucky to be taking part in a coaching programme in my new school. I cannot wait! I will coach colleagues and be coached in return. I love the collaborative nature of the model and that we will be learning from each other.
Learn the IT
This may seem like a strange one but it is crucial! Different schools have different digital systems. My new school uses Google Classrooms, storage and mail. Whilst I’ve used aspects of these on a personal level, I’ve never used them professionally and it’s been a real learning curve for me. If you’re using an unfamilar system make sure to spend some time reading/watching tutorials so you can become more proficient using it. Asking for help is important but try to find out how to do things for yourself too. And remember, check your emails!
Know the behaviour policy
Know it before you start teaching. Know it and follow it. You are part of a team and everyone should be singing from the same hymn sheet. Regardless of where you sit on behaviour, your school will have an approach that works (hopefully!) for both colleagues and pupils and it’s important for all parties that everyone is on the same page and knows what the expectations are.
Build relationships with colleagues
You’ll be spending a lot of time at your new school. Five days a week. 39 weeks a year. Get to know people. Professionally it enhances communication and personally it creates a nicer environment to work in. Knowing a member of your team takes two sugars in their tea isn’t a bad thing. Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be difficult conversations but it’s how they happen that is key. A difficult conversation between two people who have a relationship built on mutual respect is far more likely to go better.
It’s okay not to be completely okay
Remember, it’s okay to have mixed emotions. You’re taking a big step in an uncertain world. In normal circumstances this would be a huge change. It’s okay to feel like you’re leaving your old school without the closure that you would like. Ensure you take the time to reflect and let yourself feel these emotions so you can positively move forward.
Take a break!
Finally, make sure you get some rest and enjoy the summer. Yes, you want to prepare for your new class/es and school but this has been a very intense academic year. We don’t know what the next year will bring in terms of the pandemic. It’s important that you recharge so you can be the best you can be for your new pupils. Look after yourself and your well being. Spend time with those you love. Watch rubbish TV. Go for walks. Snuggle your children and pets. Just be.