• Hints and tips
• Top tip of the week
• Starting out
• In the classroom
• Around the school
  • Getting to know your surroundings
  • In the staffroom
  • Becoming a whole school teacher
  • Working with colleagues
  • Being a reflective teacher
  • Covering classes
• Behaviour management
• Time management
• Dealing with parents
• Job hunting
• End of term
• Share your hints and tips
• Peer to peer

In the staffroom

It is difficult to generalise about schools and how they operate as there are different social practices in individual staffrooms and schools.

Here are a few points that may help you avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

• Observe established social practices,such as arrangements for buying tea/coffee.
• Try to mix with all staff, both on a personal and professional level.
• Try to attend out of school events, especially with other probationary teachers.
• Avoid open discussion of pupils and their family backgrounds. If there are concerns regarding pupils, speak to their guidance teachers or to the head of department.