A teacher’s first year in the classroom is often the hardest, and many new educators face a steep learning curve. In the latest episode of CEA’s podcast, Ledyard teachers Nikki Engel and Kate Cummings share what they learned during their first year teaching with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey.
From how starting off year two compares with year one to some of the best and worst advice they’ve received as new teachers, Cummings, a second-grade teacher at Gales Ferry School, and Engel, a third-grade teacher at Juliet W. Long School, talk about how their teaching journeys have gone so far.
Their candid conversation offers a glimpse into the real-life challenges and triumphs of early-career educators—from managing classroom expectations to finding a support system among colleagues. Whether you’re a new teacher yourself or someone looking to support your early-career colleagues, this episode offers takeaways about growth and the power of community in education.
Listen to the full episode below or wherever you get your podcasts.
