How To: Make A Great First Impression At Your New School
You’ve aced your interviews, signed the offer, and now the big day is here! It’s time to get started in your new role in your new school - congratulations! First days can be a mix of emotions: exciting, nerve-wracking, confusing, not quite knowing what to expect. It’s normal to experience all of these, and more!
When it’s finally time to clock in for your first day at your new job, we know that you will have a lot on your mind. The main (and most important!) thing? Making a great first impression! Starting off on the right foot is essential for you to seamlessly transition into your new school, plus gets the school year off to a great start.
We’re pretty sure that you’re going to make an excellent first impression no matter what, but if you’re looking for a few extra tips on how to really shine in your first few days, here is what you can do!
Be on time
Punctuality sends a clear message: you're reliable, professional, and respectful of other people's time. This is especially important in schools where schedules are busy and tightly managed. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get to work without rushing and stressing yourself out. Aim to arrive at least 5 minutes early for classes, new teacher orientation, meetings, training sessions, and school events. It’s a simple but powerful way to build trust quickly.
Learn the names of students and colleagues
It’s a small thing, but taking the time to learn and use names is one of the fastest ways to build rapport. It shows that you care, you're attentive, and you value each person as an individual. Make an effort with pronunciation, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. A student or colleague who hears their name said with care is much more likely to engage with you positively. It’s the little things like this that will carry through the rest of the school year.
Dress professionally and appropriately
Dressing your best will not only give a great first impression to others, but knowing you look smart and put together is an excellent confidence booster for yourself. In the crucial first few weeks of term, you’re going to be meeting new colleagues, students, parents, and SLT members, so make sure you’re clued up on the expected requirements for professional attire.
Of course, different roles and schools will require different levels of formality. If in doubt, dress a little smarter than necessary, and you can always relax things once the busy settling-in period is over.
Bring new ideas to the table
As a new teacher, you can offer a fresh perspective and valuable take on things. Don't be afraid to share strategies, activities, or insights that have worked well for you in other schools. This will also help define you as an educator who really cares about doing a good job and positively contributing.
Of course, be mindful of the context. Listen first, observe the culture of the school, and offer ideas as part of collaboration, not as criticism of existing methods. No one likes a know-it-all, but everyone appreciates a team player with thoughtful input.
Show respect and have a positive attitude
Following on from the previous point, being respectful is a quality that will always help create a good, lasting first impression.
Remember to always be mindful of school culture and ways of doing things, even if they differ from what you’re used to. Approach new experiences with curiosity and humility. A positive attitude, especially when navigating challenges, helps build goodwill and sets the tone for your professional relationships. In our experience, positivity, flexibility and respect are the qualities that many schools value highly.
Observe and ask questions
Making a good first impression isn't about ‘knowing everything’ from day one. Schools will appreciate the teachers who take time to observe and understand their new school community, routines and role. Your willingness to learn will make you stand out in all the right ways.
Get involved with school life
No doubt, you’re going to be very occupied during your first few weeks at your new school. If you can, take the time to look out for anything else you can get involved with, even if it is beyond your immediate new role. Think about putting yourself forward to run an after school activity, assisting with a school event, even joining an after work social event with your new colleagues. These are all things that will help to build relationships, and cement you as a valuable new member of the team from day one.
Most of all…be yourself!
While professionalism is key, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make the ‘perfect’ first impression. At the end of the day, we’re all human. If you get lost on the way to the staffroom, don’t sweat it. Now you’ve got a funny story to tell at the end of year party! Your first class didn’t go quite as planned? Don’t worry! The students are still settling in and learning new routines too.
Let your personality shine through, be respectful, have a good, willing to learn attitude, and you’ll be starting the school year off with your best foot forward!