As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time bouncing between primary and secondary classrooms, consulting with teachers, and examining student work, I’ve seen firsthand what a rollercoaster teaching can be. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. One thing that’s always struck me, though, is the incredible energy and potential that Early Career Teachers (ECTs) bring to the profession. There’s a fire in them, an enthusiasm that can transform a classroom—even if it sometimes feels like they might be one marking session away from spontaneously combusting.
Let’s face it: teaching is tough. There are the lesson plans, the meetings, the endless marking, and the occasional existential crisis when a student asks, “Why do we even have to learn this?” It can be overwhelming, especially for new teachers. But it’s that very nervous energy, that fresh perspective, that makes ECTs such an essential part of our educational ecosystem. And, as someone who’s been there (and probably worn a few too many coffee stains to prove it), I can’t help but feel strongly about making sure they thrive—rather than drown—in the chaos that can sometimes define our profession.
The Power of a Nervy, Fresh Perspective
I remember my first year of teaching like it was yesterday. Full of excitement, a bit of fear, and a whole lot of imposter syndrome. I entered the classroom with a mix of nerves and optimism, ready to take on the world—and then, of course, was promptly knocked down by a mountain of paperwork and the reality of twenty-five curious minds all needing my attention at once. But alongside the panic, there was something undeniably powerful about being new: fresh ideas, a passion to try new things, and a belief that I could change the world (or at least a few students’ lives) one lesson at a time.
For ECTs, that fire is real. They haven’t yet been weighed down by the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality or the exhausting grind of daily routines. They bring in creative ideas, innovative methods, and that raw enthusiasm that often fades a little bit over time (if we’re honest). And that’s something we need to protect.
Their fresh eyes bring fresh thinking. Maybe they ask, “What if we flipped this lesson on its head?” or “Why don’t we try something totally different this time?” It might make seasoned teachers roll their eyes a little, but let’s face it—sometimes, those are the exact questions we need to hear to spark real change in our classrooms. If we can channel that energy and give them the right support, we might just see some revolutionary teaching ideas in the making.
The Risk of Drowning in the Chaos
But—and it’s a big but—teaching can also be brutal. The sheer volume of work and responsibility that comes with being a new teacher is enough to make anyone question their life choices. And when the inevitable chaos of the classroom hits, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions.
I know that all too well. There was that one week early in my career when I found myself spending every evening until midnight planning lessons, marking, and wondering why nobody ever told me that teaching involved so much… well, everything. The long hours and the constant juggle between managing a class and getting through your to-do list can easily overwhelm anyone, especially a fresh face in the profession.
That’s where the risk of burnout creeps in. And for ECTs, it can feel like the perfect storm: new job, high expectations, and the constant pressure to prove yourself. If we’re not careful, it’s easy to see that spark fizzle out before it ever really takes off.
Supporting ECTs: Ensuring They Thrive, Not Just Survive
So, how do we help ECTs not only survive but thrive in this demanding profession? How do we ensure they don’t burn out before their second year? Here are a few things I’ve learned from my own journey and from supporting others along the way:
1. Mentorship: A Lifeline, Not Just a Paperwork Check
One of the most valuable things an ECT can have is a mentor who’s genuinely there to guide them—not just to tick boxes or sign off on some forms. A mentor should be someone who can offer practical advice, listen when things get tough, and maybe even share a few laughs about how completely mad the job can be at times. It’s a relationship built on trust, and it’s crucial to make sure that the ECT feels supported on both the good days and the challenging ones.
2. Balance is Everything
It’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking yourself when you’re new—lesson plans that look like they belong in a professional development book, hours spent designing the perfect display, and all that marking. But part of supporting ECTs is teaching them how to balance their passion with practical expectations. A good mantra for new teachers? “Done is better than perfect.” Let’s help them focus on what truly matters: building relationships with students, maintaining a sense of joy in the classroom, and staying sane in the process.
3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
No teacher should feel like they’re going it alone, especially in those early years. Teaching is inherently collaborative, and it’s important to foster a team spirit. Share resources, swap strategies, and support each other. Whether it’s tackling a tough class together or simply venting about the latest crisis, being part of a team can help ECTs feel less isolated and more empowered. Let’s show them that we’re all in this together.
4. Manageable Workload: Help Them Pace Themselves
One of the biggest challenges ECTs face is the overwhelming workload that can pile up, especially when everyone seems to assume they have endless time and energy. Schools need to ensure that ECTs aren’t overloaded with responsibilities beyond their teaching—like running every club, organizing trips, or doing everything under the sun. They should be given the space to develop their teaching without drowning in extra tasks.
Conclusion: Let’s Celebrate, Not Overwhelm, Our ECTs
As a teacher who’s been through the early years of the profession, I know how challenging and rewarding it can be. ECTs bring a new perspective, new ideas, and a level of enthusiasm that we should nurture, not extinguish. They are the future of education, and it’s in all of our best interests to ensure they succeed.
So, the next time you see an ECT nervously clutching their coffee (or is it tea?) in the staffroom, remember: they are an invaluable part of the team. Let’s do everything we can to support them—not just survive the chaos, but to thrive in it. Because when they succeed, we all succeed—and maybe, just maybe, we’ll even get to enjoy that Friday night glass of wine a little earlier.
