Everything you need to survive and thrive in the first year of teaching, now in an updated fifth edition!

The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide offers updated strategies, tips, and tools new teachers need to face classroom challenges with confidence and thrive in the profession. Complete with downloadable forms, templates, and additional online materials, this must-have book will help you:

• Design and facilitate learning that will engage and inspire students
• Prioritize self-care to maintain a sustainable work-life balance
• Maximize the use of digital tools and teach effectively in an AI-enabled world
• Collaborate with colleagues and expand your professional learning network
• Cultivate positive relationships with students, families, and caregivers
• Support student behavior to prevent and minimize disruptions

This is the ultimate companion for new teachers, empowering them to succeed in the modern classroom and greet each new school day with a smile.

"The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide has always been my 'go-to' book recommendation for new educators. Michelle Cummings has produced an invaluable support for teachers--and their students!"
--LARRY FERLAZZO, author of The ELL Teacher's Toolbox and Education Week teacher advice columnist

"Teachers could have no better guide than Michelle Cummings. For the new teacher looking for a veritable co-pilot, or the experienced teacher looking for a practical reference, this book is an absolute treasure."
--JOE HOLLAND, former CEO, Teachers Pay Teachers

"This book is what every new teacher and their mentors need and what every experienced teacher wishes they had. This book is a treasure chest that will empower teachers to succeed."
--DR. ANGELA FULTON, Regional Superintendent, Broward County Public Schools

Michelle Cummings has extensive experience as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and as former Chief Academic Officer at Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). She graduated from Brown University and earned her Ed.M. at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Michelle can be contacted for workshops and speaking engagements through her website (michelle-cummings.com) where she also shares insights on a wide range of educational topics.

About the Author xxiii

Acknowledgments xxv

Section One: Begin Your Professional Journey 1

Section Two: Develop Professional Productivity Skills 35

Section Three: Collaborate with Colleagues 69

Section Four: Become an Inspiring Classroom Leader 85

Section Five: Start the School Year Strong 125

Section Six: Cultivate Positive Classroom Relationships 161

Section Seven: Equity- Meeting the Needs of All 195

Section Eight: Adapt Instruction Through Differentiation 223

Section Nine: Design and Facilitate Learning 257

Section Ten: Measure Student Progress with Summative Assessments 313

Section Eleven: Classroom Management and Restorative Practices 333

Section Twelve: Prevent and Minimize Disruptive Behavior 353

Section Thirteen: Engage in Responsive Discipline 375

Section Fourteen: How-To Quick Reference Guide to Common Behavior Issues 417

A Final Word 441

Index 453