Starting out as a new instructor can be thrilling—and a little terrifying. Luckily, we’re not alone. At this year’s Annual Conference on Teaching in Minneapolis, MN, psychology professors shared their best advice for new teachers. Their words were anonymous, but the wisdom shines through.

1. Be kind to yourself.
   Teaching is a skill you build over time. As one professor reminded us, “Don’t expect your first run of a class to go as well as it does when the psych profs you look up to teach it. It took them time and iterations to get there. You will too.” Give yourself grace—you’re learning alongside your students.

2. Grow deliberately.
   It’s tempting to try every new teaching strategy at once, but as one instructor noted, “Start small! Don’t try to cover everything or use every technique you like right away. Start with one thing, get great at it, and build from there.” Reflection and iteration are your friends—keeping a notebook of ideas for future semesters can be a game-changer.

3. Find your people.
   Mentorship matters. One piece of advice was simple: “Find a mentor (or 10!).” Whether in your department or outside it, find colleagues who love teaching and don’t be shy about swapping ideas or asking for feedback. Teaching is more fun and sustainable when you’re part of a community.

4. Teach with confidence and authenticity.
   You know more than you think. Bring your own style to the classroom, stay curious, and remember that “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Focus on what you love to teach, and don’t worry about perfection. Students notice passion more than polish.

Starting your teaching journey is full of surprises, but the takeaway is clear: be patient, start small, seek support, and trust yourself. After all, even the most seasoned psychology professors were once in your shoes.

Here is a list of all of the helpful advice we gained from ACT 2025!

1. Self-Compassion and Patience

• “Don’t expect your first run of a class to go as well as it does when the psych profs you look up to teach it. It took them time and iterations to get there. You will too. Be patient with yourself!”

• “You deserve grace too! Be kind to yourself as you navigate this exciting (stressful) new role.”

• “Be patient with yourself and don’t let fear hold you back. ‘Be scared, and do it anyway.’”

• “Practice kindness with yourself. You are also learning ”

• “When you are new to teaching – you’re learning a set of skills. Like any other learning, it takes practice and reflection and perseverance.”
  
  

2. Continuous Growth and Reflection

• “Start small! Don’t try to cover everything or use every technique you like right away. Start with one thing get great at it and build from there.”

• “Make one change at a time and ask people for their stuff!”

• “Keep a notebook of reflections on things/thoughts to change in future classes. It’s a marathon not a sprint.”

• “Don’t be afraid to fail — that’s how you grow at this!”
  
  

3. Mentorship and Community

• “Find a mentor (or 10!)”

• “Find a person who is passionate about teaching (whether in your department or not), and talk to them frequently!!”

• “Make one change at a time and ask people for their stuff!”
  
  

4. Confidence and Authenticity

• “Don’t worry! You know more than you think you do and you can do that.”
  “You know so much more than you think you do!”

• “Be true to yourself, be compassionate towards your students, TAKE BREAKS!”

• “Be intentional with all that you do!”

• “Don’t be afraid to try something new!”
  
  

5. Focus and Boundaries

• “Don’t cover the whole textbook in class — teach about what you know and love.”

• “Start off strict and get more lenient as the semester goes, especially if you are perceived as ‘young.’”

• “Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much service in your first year, focus on setting systems that can help you with your teaching and other responsibilities.”