Teaching is equal parts art, science, and survival skills. The best tips often come from those who’ve been in the classroom long enough to know what really works.
Here’s the first installment of tried-and-true advice from seasoned educators.
Teaching Advice
1. Build relationships first, content second.
A student who feels safe and valued will try harder, behave better, and stay more engaged.
2. Keep a “Love Me” folder.
Fill it with kind notes, drawings, or positive feedback from students and parents. On tough days, it’s your reminder of why you teach.
3. Greet every student by name.
Make eye contact, use their name, and send them off with a positive word. These small moments matter.
4. Invest in good supplies.
Yes, the quality dry erase markers and sturdy pencils really do make a difference.
5. Make friends with the custodians, secretaries, and librarians.
They are the heartbeat of the school and can make your life infinitely easier.
6. Establish behavior expectations in the first 2–3 weeks.
Be firm early on—once routines are set, the rest of the year runs smoother.
7. Pick your least favorite student and make them your “favorite” for a week.
You might be surprised at what changes.
8. Use parent communication for positives, too.
A quick call or email about good behavior can turn your whole day around.
9. Never underestimate the power of humor.
Make them laugh and you’ll win them over faster than any lecture.
10. Store markers upside down.
They’ll last longer and save you mid-lesson frustration.
11. Whisper instead of yell.
It’s surprisingly more effective at gaining attention.
12. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
If students are asking great questions, follow their lead for a bit—your lesson can wait.
13. Say what you mean, mean what you say.
Consistency builds trust.
14. Have a stash of tissues far away from your desk.
Nobody wants germs right in your workspace.
15. Keep chocolate in your desk drawer.
Sometimes it’s the best coping strategy.
16. Give students a reason to shine.
Find ways for each child to feel successful and valued.
17. Use conversation starters during partner work.
Help students rebuild social skills lost during the pandemic.
18. Keep a towel in your room for spills.
School paper towels are no match for a good cloth towel.
19. Be strict, consistent, and fun.
Students thrive on knowing where the boundaries are.
20. Don’t try to be their best friend.
They need respect, consistency, and guidance more than friendship.
21. Model conflict resolution.
Have students practice it face-to-face so it becomes a life skill.
22. Keep lesson “backups” handy.
A few extra activities will save you during unexpected schedule changes.
23. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong.
It teaches humility and models lifelong learning.
24. Use brain breaks.
Even one minute of stretching or movement can reset focus for all ages.
25. Don’t take behavior personally.
It’s rarely about you—it’s often about something going on in their lives.
26. Give students choices—both options should make you happy.
This gives them autonomy without sacrificing structure.
27. Be approachable.
Make it safe for students to come to you with questions or concerns.
28. Take care of your mental health.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
29. Avoid over-grading.
Not every assignment needs to be marked in detail.
30. Remember—it’s a bad day, not a bad job.
Don’t let one rough class define your whole career.
Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint, and the little things you do every day—whether it’s greeting students by name, keeping a stash of chocolate, or taking that much-needed brain break—add up to make a big difference. These nuggets of wisdom aren’t just “nice to have” tips; they’re survival tools that help you stay grounded, build stronger relationships, and keep your love for the job alive. Take what works for you, adapt it to your style, and watch how even the smallest shifts can transform your classroom.
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