How to Approach a New Position

How to Approach a New Position: A Guide for Teachers and Support Staff

Starting a new role in education, whether as a teacher or support staff is exciting but it can also come with understandable nerves.

Schools have clear expectations of their staff, and knowing what they want can help you settle in smoothly, build strong relationships, and make the most of your time there. Approaching your new position with a positive and thoughtful attitude will not only benefit the school but also help you feel more confident and valued.

Here’s how to navigate this important transition, with tailored advice for both teachers and support staff.

Before You Start

Taking a little time before your first day to prepare can make a big difference. Review the school’s website, policies, and values to get a sense of how they work. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and key procedures — especially behaviour and safeguarding. If you’re teaching, it’s also helpful to have a few flexible lessons ready and to think about the classroom routines you’d like to establish early on.

1. Be Prepared and Organised

Teachers
Take time to familiarise yourself with the curriculum and the specific needs of your class before your first day. Schools will expect you to deliver engaging lessons that meet the diverse needs of students. Clear planning and good classroom management create the foundation for a successful learning environment.

Support Staff
Understand your role within the classroom and school community. Reviewing lesson plans or resources in advance helps you support students effectively, whether it’s assisting with tasks, managing behaviour, or providing one-to-one help.

2. Demonstrate Professionalism and Strong Communication

Schools appreciate staff who build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.

Teachers
Be approachable and communicate clearly and respectfully with everyone. Being on time and dressing smartly sends a message that you take your role seriously.

Support Staff
Proactively communicate with teachers about how students are doing or flag any concerns early. Being dependable and friendly shows that you are a valued member of the team.

3. Understand Your Role and Be Proactive

Being proactive makes a big difference in a busy classroom environment. Teachers are already juggling a lot, so staff who can anticipate needs and offer help without being asked are especially valued.

Support Staff
Look for moments where your support could make things run more smoothly, whether it’s helping a student who’s struggling, preparing resources for the next task, or quietly supporting transitions. Staying alert to what is happening around you and taking the initiative shows you’re fully engaged and ready to be part of the team.

Teachers
Encourage support staff and cover supervisors to take the initiative when possible. Clear communication about expectations helps everyone work together smoothly.

4. Commit to Ongoing Learning and Development

Both teachers and support staff benefit from continuous professional development.

Try to welcome honest feedback as an opportunity to grow. It can help you progress quicker and enhance the positive impact you have. For more on this, see our blog on the benefits of honest feedback.

Additionally, our eLearning zone provides short, accessible videos covering key topics such as behaviour management, understanding why children misbehave, and effective support strategies – perfect for building your confidence and skills at your own pace.

5. Respect School Policies and Culture

Every school has its own ethos, policies, procedures and expectations.

Take time during induction to understand key policies, from behaviour management to health and safety. Following these helps maintain a safe, respectful environment where everyone can thrive.

6. Build Positive Relationships Quickly

Creating rapport with students and colleagues lays the foundation for a successful placement.

Be friendly, patient, and consistent in your approach. Learning students’ names early helps build trust and connection. Seating plans, name cards, and informal conversations can all support this.

For teachers, establishing clear expectations and routines from day one creates a sense of structure and mutual respect. Support staff should focus on being a calm, encouraging presence for students, especially those with additional needs, and look for quiet moments to build rapport.

Good relationships with students and colleagues not only make your role more rewarding — they’re also key to helping everyone feel comfortable, supported and ready to learn.

7. Stay Organised and Manage Your Time Effectively

Balancing planning, teaching, marking (for teachers), or support duties (for support staff) takes organisation.

Keep track of priorities and deadlines, and don’t hesitate to ask your team for help or guidance when needed.

8. Manage Stress and Seek Support When Needed

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes in a new role. Ask for support from mentors, colleagues, or your consultant – you don’t have to handle it alone.

In the first few weeks, focus on getting the basics right. You don’t need to do everything at once – consistency, kindness and patience will go a long way in helping you settle in.

Remember, schools increasingly recognise the importance of supporting staff’s well-being, so taking advantage of that support is encouraged. You can also read our mindfulness and wellbeing blog for some tips.

9. Understand the Importance of Professional Boundaries

Keep your relationships professional, including online. Avoid connecting with pupils on personal social media and never share sensitive school information publicly. Click here for more information about keeping yourself safe online.

10. Present Yourself as a Committed Member of the School Community

Showing you’re willing to contribute beyond your core duties, for example attending meetings, parents evening, school events, extra curricular activities etc, demonstrates dedication and helps you quickly become part of the school culture.

Putting it all together

Approaching a new teaching or support staff position with preparation, professionalism, and a positive attitude will set you up for success. Be proactive, communicate openly, embrace learning, and remember the school values your contribution to their community. Your role is important – schools value what you bring.

If you’d like more support as you start your new role you can always call the team on 01277 245840, read our blogs or visit our eLearning zone.