Newly-qualified teachers quit UK for schools abroad due to abject pay and conditions
Growing teacher shortage crisis also caused by threat of Ofsted inspection and lack of respect for profession
July 2021
‘Have I chosen the right career?’: Three new teachers reflect on their first year
From group bubbles to virtual classrooms, it was a strange year to be starting out in school. How did they cope?
December 2020
'It's been hard, I'm not going to lie': new teachers' first term in a Covid pandemic
One accidentally ‘outed’ herself to students; another ‘took’ his class to Egypt. We catch up with three UK teachers
September 2020
'It's my calling': new teachers in a pandemic – meet the class of 2020
One has left the navy to pursue a dream. Another feels his working-class roots will be a bonus. We talk to three new teachers about their hopes for the job
February 2019
Bring on the four-day working week for teachers
Holly Rigby
The Labour proposal for a shorter working week would help burnt-out staff and address shortages
August 2017
Universities can do more to stop the exodus from state school teaching
Juliet Fern
Almost a third of state school teachers quit in five years, but by supporting and mentoring NQTs for longer, universities can help keep people in the job
July 2016
Acronyms, planning and resilience: 10 lessons I learned as a student teacher
After a year conquering the School Direct PGCE, Sophie Devonshire has learned a thing or two about surviving teacher training
May 2016
Five ways to nail your final term as a trainee teacher
Little and often is the best approach to paperwork, and avoid taking on too much – here are the dos and don’ts as you head down the home straight
March 2016
Teacher training is like a TV survival show – and we all need a Bear Grylls
The right school and mentor can make or break you as a student teacher in a dark jungle of unruly pupils, pedagogy and paperwork
Teacher wellbeing
60-hour weeks and unrealistic targets: teachers' working lives uncovered
The Guardian’s survey of teachers provides a snapshot into the realities of teaching – from career ambitions to mental health concerns
Dear NQT, teaching isn't easy but here's how to enjoy the adventure
Teaching at its best can be rewarding and exciting, but what can you do to get through more difficult times during your first year?
January 2016
The secret teacher
Secret Teacher: we all feel like a failure sometimes, but we must have hope
Every teacher has moments when we question whether we’re cut out for the job. Don’t despair – it’s what you do with the bad days that really counts
November 2015
Help! I'm an NQT and I'm lost – live chat
Join our newly-qualified teacher surgery on Wednesday 11 November from 5.30-7.30pm for advice and tips on any first term issues
October 2015
Six classroom management tips for new teachers
Smile, be consistent and add some fun – teacher and blogger Michael Linsin explains his behaviour management basics
September 2015
Learn from our mistakes: teachers share their first-year faux pas
From dunking ties in custard to encouraging year 8s to smoke, experienced teachers look back on their early blunders
Community
Share the triumphs and horrors of your first month in teaching
Whether it’s classroom calamities or major breakthroughs, we want to hear about your first few weeks as a fully fledged teacher
Back to school
How to survive your first year: a practical guide for new teachers
From hoarding glue sticks and whiteboard pens to building an arsenal of stock phrases, Gabbie Chant shares her advice for rookie teachers
August 2015
Back to school
How to handle parents: a survival guide for new teachers
Dreading meeting the parents for the first time? Education coach and mother Nicole Ponsford offers advice on getting off on the right foot
The secret teacher
Secret Teacher: I really don’t know if I can face another school year
I may have survived my NQT year, but the thought of going back fills me with dread. School leaders and politicians must tackle what’s driving us away
Help! I am starting my NQT year – live chat
Join us on Wednesday 26 August from 5.30-7.30pm where our expert panel will offer help and advice for new teachers starting this autumn
