10 First-Semester Teaching Tips Every New Instructor Needs
10 First-Semester Teaching Tips for New Instructors
New to teaching? Here are 10 first-semester teaching tips every new instructor should know.
1. Keep a “Course Journal”
Each week, jot a few quick notes about what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d change next time. You’ll thank yourself when you teach the same course again. This is exactly how I’ve refined and improved my courses over time.
💡 Tip: I use a single sheet in my binder each week. It takes 2 minutes and saves hours later.
2. Stay One to Two Weeks Ahead (No More)
Don’t try to stay months ahead, you’ll burn out fast. Plan your lessons about a week (or two) at a time, post assignments four weeks in advance, and adjust as you go.
💡 Tip: Flexibility is your best friend. What works in week two may shift by week six.
3. Reuse and Refine Everything
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Save your slides, quizzes, and activities. Make small tweaks rather than starting over each semester.
💡 Tip: Create a folder called “Next Semester Updates” where you drop notes or small edits to revisit later.
4. Communicate Boundaries Early
Set realistic expectations around response times, grading turnaround, and office hours, and stick to them. Students appreciate clarity more than constant availability.
💬 Example: “Emails are typically replied to within 24 hours on weekdays.”
💡 Tip: The clearer your boundaries, the less you’ll feel like you’re working 24/7.
5. Simplify Your Grading
Grading can easily eat up your time; it’s often the most draining part of teaching. You don’t need 12 small assignments to prove students are learning. A few well-designed tasks will show you more about their understanding and save you hours.
💡 Tip: Use clickable rubrics, auto-graded quizzes, or batch-grading techniques to cut grading time in half.
6. Build Routines for Class Days
Have a predictable flow for each class. It helps both you and your students feel grounded.
💬 Example:
- 5 minutes: Announcements or warm-up
- 25 minutes: Main concept
- 15 minutes: Application activity or discussion
- 5 minutes: Wrap-up, questions, preview next class
💡 Tip: Repetition creates stability and confidence, for both you and your students.
7. Expect Tech Glitches (and Have a Backup Plan)
Technology will fail when you least expect it. Always have a simple backup plan ready, such as a short discussion, reflection, or mini-activity that doesn’t need Wi-Fi.
💡 Tip: I keep a “Plan B” folder with ready-to-go activities and add to it regularly when I come across new ideas.
8. Learn Student Names (Even Just a Few)
You don’t have to memorize everyone right away, but try to learn a few names each week. Students feel seen, and it helps you build classroom connection quickly.
💡 Tip: Use name cards (fold a piece of paper a couple of times to make a table tent), quick attendance quizzes, or short “get to know you” forms to make this easier.
9. Take Care of Your Voice (and Yourself)
New instructors often underestimate how exhausting teaching can be, both mentally and physically. Drink water, use a microphone if you need one, and give yourself permission to rest.
💡 Tip: Schedule recovery time after long teaching days. It’s part of the job, not a luxury.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Your first semester will include some awkward silences, grading marathons, and “I’ll fix that next time” moments. That’s normal. Celebrate every small success, because each week, you are becoming a stronger, better instructor.
💡 Tip: Keep a short list of “wins” from each week, such as student thank-you emails, great discussions, or smooth class sessions. It’s a powerful confidence booster when imposter thoughts creep in.
Quick Recap
Here’s your short list of first-semester teaching habits:
✅ Keep a course journal
✅ Plan one week ahead
✅ Reuse and refine materials
✅ Set boundaries early
✅ Simplify your grading
✅ Build class-day routines
✅ Expect tech issues (and have a backup plan)
✅ Learn a few names each week
✅ Take care of your voice and energy
✅ Celebrate small wins
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