Early career teachers (ECTs): Build confidence in the classroom

Starting out as an early career teacher (ECT) is exciting, rewarding and sometimes overwhelming. No one expects you to have it all figured out on day one.

That's why we've brought together practical guidance, classroom resources, expert advice and real experiences from other new teachers to support you as you build confidence in the classroom.

Download the new teacher's survival toolkit

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Quick tips for early career teachers

  • Make the most of mentor sessions

    ECT mentoring is a key part of your first term. Your mentor is there to help you reflect on your practice, navigate challenges and develop as an early career teacher.

    Before each session, make a note of: 

    • What's going well 
    • What's proving challenging 
    • One question you'd like help with 

  • Check your digital safety

    Take a few minutes to review what pupils and parents might see online.

    • Set personal accounts to private
    • Search for yourself online
    • Read your school's digital and AI policies

  • Build positive relationships with parents and carers

    Building trust early can make conversations much easier throughout the year.

    A quick introduction, a positive update or simply taking the time to listen can go a long way.

  • Protect your wellbeing

    Your first term won't be perfect, and that's okay.

    Celebrate small wins, set boundaries where you can and remember that every teacher has lessons that don't go to plan.

The new teacher’s survival toolkit

A practical resource designed to help you navigate the day-to-day realities of starting out in the classroom, with advice you can return to whenever you need it. 

Inside, you'll find practical guidance on: 

  • Getting the most out of mentor sessions 
  • Understanding key admin, payslips and pensions 
  • Building positive relationships with parents and carers 
  • Protecting your wellbeing and setting boundaries 
  • Navigating the challenges of your first term

Download the toolkit

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ECT video stories

Hear from recent Tes Institute graduates as they share their experiences, challenges and lessons learned during their first term as early career teachers.

  • Hear from Enoch Sasu Edwards

    From cover teacher to qualified maths teacher, discover how Enoch's initial teacher training prepared him for life in the classroom.

    Read more Read more

  • Hear from Ryan Laughton

    From trainee teacher to Physics and Psychology teacher, discover how Ryan's initial teacher training prepared him for success in the classroom.

    Read more Read more

  • Hear from Victoria West-Taylor

    From trainee teacher to secondary RE teacher, discover how Victoria's initial teacher training prepared her for the next step in her teaching career.

    Read more Read more

Understand Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE)

Starting your teaching career comes with more support than you might realise. Explore your Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) and learn about the training, mentoring and professional development available to support you through your first years in teaching.

Explore ECTE

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Prioritise your wellbeing

Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to look after yourself too.

Explore practical advice, expert guidance and resources to help you manage workload, maintain balance and navigate the challenges of school life. You'll also find wellbeing insights, support tools and articles from Tes Magazine to help you feel supported throughout the year.

Visit the wellbeing hub

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Support every learner

Build your understanding of SEND and discover practical ways to support pupils with additional needs in your classroom.

Whether you're adapting resources, creating an inclusive learning environment or looking for strategies to support individual pupils, our SEND advice hub offers guidance, resources and expert insight to help you meet a range of needs with confidence.

Explore SEND support

Teacher reading to their SEND students

Practical advice for your first term

  • Illustration of five teachers, each with a different icon above them to show their interests

    5 ways to develop a unique teacher identity

    Read more Read more
  • Illustration of a piggy bank wearing a graduation cap

    What salary can you expect as an Early Career Teacher?

    Read more Read more
  • Illustration of a teacher holding a blue bubble with the number 5 inside

    How to make the most of your mentor: 5 tips for ECTs

    Read more Read more
  • Illustration of classroom stationary including notebooks, scissors, a clipboard and calculator

    Your ECT induction: what to expect

    Read more Read more
  • Illustration of a teacher doing a thumbs up and holding a laptop, with a green bubble next to her that has the text '4 tips' inside

    4 tips for ECTs in the first weeks of term

    Read more Read more

Insights from Tes Magazine

  • Mouths shouting positive words

    Teaching is brilliant - and we should not be afraid to say it

    Read more Read more
  • An electronic apple hanging from a tree

    Using AI in schools: a beginner’s guide for teachers

    Read more Read more
  • A 7 made up of books in a library

    7 books every new teacher should read

    Read more Read more
  • Teachers holding up lightbulbs

    What are the different teaching approaches?

    Read more Read more
  • A droplet with the number 4 in it running down a leaf

    4 types of question every teacher must know and use

    Read more Read more

New term classroom resources

Created by teachers, for teachers, these ready-to-use resources are here to help you get off to a positive start. Explore classroom set-up ideas, first-day activities and fun getting-to-know-you tasks to help you save time and prepare for your first few weeks with your new class.

Explore classroom resources

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Support for every stage of your teaching journey

At Tes, we're proud to support teachers at every stage of their journey, helping you build confidence, strengthen your practice and reach your full potential.

Explore expert insight, professional learning, career opportunities and classroom support through tools and services designed for teachers at every stage of their career.

Explore tools and services

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You don’t have to do this alone

Whether you're looking for practical ECT guidance, help with mentor sessions or support as you settle into teaching, our toolkit brings together resources you can return to whenever you need them. 

Download the new teacher’s survival toolkit.

FAQs