Shannon Hazel 
New Teacher Confidential [EPUB ebook] 
What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher

LESSON #1: Find Your People: Teacher Friends and Collaboration Partners are Key to Survival

Mentors

Grade Partners

Different Grade Level or Specialist Teachers

Other Education Workers in Your School

Teacher Friends

Community Partners

LESSON #2: Your Classroom Can Run Itself: Utilizing Structure, Routines, and Organization to Create a Productive Learning Environment

The Physical Environment

Classroom Seating and Learning Areas

Classroom Nooks

Classroom Decor and Wall Space

Developing Flow

Classroom Organization, Systems and Routines

Visual Schedule and Timetables

The First Two Weeks

LESSON #3: Kids Don’t Learn from Teachers They Don’t Like: Connecting with Students Is the Best Classroom Management Strategy

Every Child Has a Story

All Behaviour Is a Form of Communication

What Is Teacher-Student Connection and Why Does It Matter?

Connection Before Learning

Connection Before Redirection or Compliance

Connection Before Discipline

What Did You Need as a Child?

The Opportunity to Make a Difference

LESSON #4: Parents Are Essential to Student Success: Stress-Free Parent Communication and Involvement

Establishing Communication Early in the School Year

Communicate Often

Which Format Is Best?

Navigating Difficult Conversations

No Parent Likes Surprises

Not All Parent Communication Needs a Response

The 24-Hour Rule

Asking Questions and Listening to Understand

When to Loop in Your Administrator

Home-School Partnerships

LESSON #5: Never Ask Your Principal If They Have a Minute: Fostering a Professional Relationship with Your Administration

Laying the Foundation

The Role of Administrators

Administrators Are Regular People

Ask For What You Need

Involving Them in Your Classroom

Consult Your Colleagues Often

When and How to Communicate

When the Relationship Breaks Down

Teacher Evaluations

LESSON #6: Yes, it Is Nice to Have the Summers Off: Working in the Public Sector and Navigating Other People’s Opinions

What are Public Servants?

How Does This Affect Me?

Traditional Media

Social Media

Understanding What Is Happening and Correcting Misinformation

The Emotional Impact

Lean on Your Teacher Friends

The Other Noise

LESSON #7: The Only Constant in Education Is Change: Navigating the Swinging Pendulum as a Teacher

Working and Learning Environment

Curriculum, Mandates, and Initiatives

Research, Resources, and Best Practices

Change Fatigue

Navigating Change

LESSON #8: It’s Your Job, Not Your Life: Establishing a Work / Life Balance

In the Beginning

This Is Not Sustainable

Learning to Let Go

Real vs Perceived Expectations

Setting Boundaries Around Your Working Hours

Setting Boundaries Around Communication

Re-Establishing Your Priorities

Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Health

Taking Care of Yourself Makes You a Better Teacher

LESSON #9: Teaching and Learning Are Supposed to Be Fun: Hitting Your Groove and Finding Joy in Education

Cultivating Your Mindset

Teaching Is an Incredible Gift

Enjoy the Little Things Because They Really Are the Big Things

LESSON #10: You’ve Got This: A Letter to New Teachers

Shannon Hazel is a recently-retired public school teacher and the author of the upcoming book New Teacher Confidential: What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher. Over her 25-year career, she was a K-8 teacher, special education specialist and instructional coach for teachers. During that time, she was actively involved in the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and mentored many new teachers. In 2023, Shannon was recognized for her leadership and advocacy work for students by the Council for Exceptional Children. She is the founder of teacher EDU.ca, an online community where teachers learn, connect, collaborate, and grow their capacity as educators. Shannon is the mother of two young adults, a dog parent and a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.