Starting your teaching career? You're not alone.

Finishing your teacher training is exciting, but it can also feel like stepping into the unknown. Many Early Career Teachers (ECTs) expect to move straight into a permanent teaching role, only to find the job market doesn't always work that way.

That's exactly what happened to Tamzin and Alex.

After graduating, Tamzin wasn't sure where she wanted to settle long-term. By the time she started applying for teaching jobs, it was already November, making it more difficult to find a permanent role. Instead of rushing into the first opportunity, she chose to try supply teaching with Smile Education, giving her the chance to experience different schools before committing to one.

Alex's journey looked slightly different. Having trained during the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptability quickly became one of his greatest strengths. After qualifying, he worked across schools in Birmingham and the Black Country before moving into a permanent role. He later returned to agency work, valuing the variety, professional growth and opportunities it offered before recently securing another full-time position.

Although their journeys were different, both teachers shared one message: Your first teaching role doesn't have to be your forever school.

Here are the biggest lessons they learned along the way.

1. Don't rush into the first teaching job you're offered

When you're eager to start your career, it's tempting to accept the first permanent role that comes your way.

But both Tamzin and Alex agree that finding the right school is far more important than finding the first school.

Tamzin believes working in a school that shares your values makes a huge difference - not just to your own wellbeing, but to the impact you have on pupils.

Top tip: Take time to explore different schools and cultures before committing to a permanent position if you have the opportunity.

2. Consider supply teaching as a way to build confidence

Many ECTs think supply teaching is only for experienced teachers.

In reality, both Tamzin and Alex found it accelerated their development.

Tamzin says working across different schools helped her develop her own "teacher persona". She observed different behaviour management techniques, classroom routines and teaching styles, giving her ideas she still uses today.

Alex found that every school taught him something different about teaching, leadership and building relationships.

Top tip: Every classroom is a learning opportunity. Variety early in your career can help you grow more quickly than staying in one environment.

3. Build relationships from the moment you walk through the door

Whether you're working in one school or ten, relationships matter.

Tamzin encourages ECTs to introduce themselves to everyone, from reception staff and teaching assistants to senior leaders.

Alex agrees, adding that building rapport quickly is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a supply teacher.

Those relationships don't just make your day easier; they can also open doors to future opportunities.

Top tip: Be approachable, positive and professional. People remember teachers who make a good first impression.

4. Don't be afraid to be confident

Every teacher remembers their first class.

Tamzin admits she was nervous walking into her first supply placement, but quickly realised that pupils respond to confidence.

She encourages new teachers to "own" their presence in the classroom, particularly when setting expectations and managing behaviour.

That confidence comes with experience, but sometimes you have to back yourself before you fully believe it.

Top tip: You don't need to know everything on day one. Confidence grows through experience.

5. Stay organised, but be prepared to adapt

Teaching rarely goes exactly to plan.

Alex believes organisation is one of the most important habits an ECT can develop, but equally important is being flexible enough to respond when plans change.

His experience training during COVID and working across different schools taught him that adaptability is one of the biggest strengths a teacher can have.

Top tip: Have a plan but don't panic if you need to change it.

6. Don't overlook the benefits of working with a teaching agency

Before trying supply teaching, Tamzin worried about inconsistent work and a lack of support.

Her experience turned out to be very different.

She found regular communication, schools she genuinely enjoyed working in and flexibility when she needed time for appointments or personal commitments.

Alex also credits Smile Education with helping him find meaningful opportunities that matched the type of teacher he wanted to become.

The right education recruitment agency should do much more than find you work. They should understand your goals, support your development and help you find schools where you'll thrive.

Top tip: When choosing a teaching agency, look for one that listens, communicates well and gets to know you - not just your CV.

7. Build your network early

Some of the best career opportunities come through the people you meet.

Alex encourages ECTs to introduce themselves, ask questions and stay connected with colleagues throughout their career.

Every school placement is a chance to build your professional reputation.

Top tip: Teaching is a people profession. Your relationships can be just as valuable as your experience.

8. Remember: everyone starts somewhere

Perhaps the most reassuring advice came from Tamzin.

She reminds new teachers that nobody walks into their first classroom knowing everything.

Every lesson, every placement and every challenge helps you become the teacher you're aiming to be.

Making mistakes isn't a sign you're failing.

It's part of learning.

Top tip: Give yourself permission to grow. Confidence, experience and resilience all come with time.

Looking for ECT jobs?

Whether you're searching for your first classroom, exploring supply teaching or looking for a permanent role, Smile Education supports Early Career Teachers throughout every stage of their journey.

We take the time to understand your goals, introduce you to schools that fit your values and provide honest advice to help you build a teaching career you'll love.

If you're ready to explore ECT jobs, register with Smile Education today and discover where your teaching journey could take you.