Our first list of tips was just the beginning. Here’s another 30 pieces of wisdom from educators who have seen—and survived—it all.
More Teaching Advice from Veteran Teachers
1. Relationships before rigor.
Students work harder when they feel valued.
2. Keep a stash of band-aids.
You’ll be surprised how often they’re needed.
3. Never question why something in a primary classroom is wet.
Trust us on this one.
4. Always plan more than you think you’ll need.
Finishing early without a plan invites chaos.
5. Don’t call students “friends.”
Be friendly, but keep professional boundaries.
6. Stay consistent with rules and boundaries.
It helps students relax and trust you.
7. Use humor to diffuse tension.
Sometimes, a goofy moment can turn a day around.
8. Treat every student like someone’s most important person.
Because they are.
9. Start and end with a smile.
Some students don’t get many of those in their day.
10. Don’t type angry.
Wait before responding to frustrating emails.
11. Keep your own copies of important documentation.
Paper trails save careers.
12. Give specific, positive praise.
It’s more powerful than generic “good jobs.”
13. Find one thing you like about each student.
Even if it’s just their sense of humor—or their earlobes.
14. Take breaks.
Leave the room at lunch. Step outside when you can.
15. Plan your classroom layout to minimize turning your back.
It helps with both safety and management.
16. Make them love your subject.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
17. If they’re all failing, ask yourself what needs adjusting in your teaching.
It’s not always on the students.
18. Keep your “why” in sight.
A note, a photo, or a quote that reminds you why you started.
19. Give homework passes for exceptional work.
It rewards effort and lightens your grading.
20. Avoid bringing work home whenever possible.
Your family needs your time too.
21. Use props, gestures, and movement in lessons.
It helps retention and engagement.
22. Be real and relatable.
Share parts of your life—it builds connection.
23. Let students lead when possible.
It builds confidence and buy-in.
24. Have a bathroom signal.
It saves constant verbal interruptions.
25. Get to know students’ interests outside of school.
It opens doors for connection.
26. Don’t compare yourself to other teachers.
Focus on growth, not perfection.
27. Use proficient students as peer tutors.
It empowers them and helps others.
28. Protect your planning time.
It’s not selfish—it’s necessary.
29. Be open to unconventional solutions.
Not all learning looks the same.
30. Make learning fun.
If they enjoy it, they’ll remember it.
Make Them Your Own
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, but the advice shared here proves that experience is one of our greatest teachers. From protecting your planning time to letting students take the lead, these strategies remind us that good teaching is equal parts preparation, connection, and adaptability. Try one or two new ideas, see what sticks, and don’t be afraid to make them your own. Your students—and your sanity—will thank you for it.
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