Authored by Dr. Leland Jaffe; Associate Dean and Professor; Published on May 20th, 2024
Are you about to start your career in higher education? This blog post was written for you!
Beginning your career as a new faculty member in higher education is both exciting and daunting. As someone who has navigated the challenges and triumphs of academia through my last 10 years as a professor, I’m excited to share valuable insights and advice to help you thrive in your first year as an educator. In this blog post, I’ll offer practical tips, encouragement, and words of wisdom to support you on your path to success in your first faculty position.
1. Build Strong Relationships:
Invest time in building meaningful connections with your colleagues, students, and especially your mentors. Collaborate with fellow faculty members, seek guidance from experienced educators, and engage with your students to foster a sense of community and support. When I first started in my role as a professor, I had little experience in the world of education – as I came from a 100% clinical role in a medical practice. I had no experience building a curriculum, developing syllabi and learning objectives, writing quality assessments, or any of the other many daily tasks of an educator. Seeking advice from mentors, your department chair, or other more experienced professors is a good way to hit the ground running in your first year.
2. Embrace Adaptability:
Be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes and challenges in your role as a professor. Whether it’s adjusting to new teaching methods, navigating departmental policies, or accommodating student needs, flexibility is key to thriving in academia. New assistant professors in grad school likely don’t appreciate the multitude of responsibilities that educators in higher ed fulfill daily (teaching, research, and administrative roles to name a few). To develop adaptability, it’s important to remain open-minded and flexible in your approach to teaching, research, and service.
Embrace new technologies and teaching methods, such as online learning platforms or flipped classrooms, to meet the diverse needs of your students. Be willing to adjust your course content and instructional strategies based on student feedback and changing circumstances. Stay informed about emerging trends and developments in your field, and be prepared to incorporate new knowledge and insights into your teaching and research endeavors. Not everything you do in your first year of teaching is going to be a success and well-received by the students – AND THAT’s OKAY! Take these setbacks as learning opportunities to continue to improve your skill set in this new career.
3. Prioritize Self-Care:
Amidst the demands of academia, don’t forget to prioritize your personal life. Whether it’s exercise, mindfulness practices, or spending time with loved ones, taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success and fulfillment. There will ALWAYS be more work to do, so finding that balance between your personal and professional life is critical. During your first academic year, everything from writing exams to creating new lectures will take a lot of time. First-year teachers spend an exponentially longer amount of time on lesson plans and course development than a more seasoned professor.
Despite these challenges, please remember that all educators have been there before, and it will get easier. As I get older, I find that I’m more efficient at getting more accomplished during the same 24 hours I had in my 20s and 30s. I wake up early to exercise, prioritize family time when I get home from work, and set aside time for personal hobbies. Doing activities that you enjoy regularly is the best way to keep you motivated throughout this difficult first year as an educator.
4. Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Welcome feedback from your students, colleagues/senior faculty, and supervisors as a valuable opportunity for growth. Embrace constructive criticism as a means to refine your teaching methods, improve your research projects, and enhance your overall effectiveness as a professor. I can tell you that my teaching style and skills as an associate professor continue to evolve and improve. In your first year as a new faculty member, student feedback holds immense value in shaping and refining your teaching approach. As you begin on this journey, soliciting feedback from your students provides invaluable insights into their learning experiences, preferences, and areas for improvement.
Actively seeking and listening to student feedback demonstrates your commitment to their success fosters a sense of trust and collaboration in the classroom and will improve student learning. Whether through formal evaluations, anonymous surveys, or informal discussions, student feedback offers valuable perspectives that can inform adjustments to your teaching methods, course materials, and classroom dynamics. Embracing feedback as a tool for growth and enhancement empowers you to continuously evolve as an educator, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment for your students.
5. Set Realistic Expectations As A New Faculty Member :
Set realistic expectations for yourself and your workload, especially during your first semester as a new faculty member. Be mindful of your limitations and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when needed. I can safely say that anyone in their first academic job is going to require mentorship and guidance from more senior colleagues to help them in their new role. Good mentorship can truly alter the trajectory of your career as a professor, so attempt to seek out that guidance! During that first academic year, having many new responsibilities, many for the first time is inevitable. Each day presents fresh opportunities for growth and learning, from crafting lesson plans and delivering lectures to conducting research and engaging with students.
While these experiences may feel daunting at times, they also offer valuable chances to refine skills, expand knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the academic community. Embracing these new challenges with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn is essential for navigating the complexities of academia and laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling career as a faculty member. Further, universities frequently offer faculty development opportunities which I could strongly encourage you to take advantage of. Examples of workshops that I found helpful in my first years of teaching include exam writing, assessment, rubric, and syllabi development workshops.
6. Stay Organized As A New Faculty Member:
Effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in academia. Utilize calendars, to-do lists, and other productivity tools to stay organized and on track with your teaching, research, and service commitments. I relied heavily on my Google calendar during my first year at school, as my schedule was different each day. This is one of the best parts of the role but can be tricky to navigate for new faculty members. On any given day you may be in lectures, have clinical responsibilities, research time, office hours, or other activities that vary daily. I’m a big fan of using the Stickies app on my MacBook as a daily to-do checklist- as this helps me to “triage” the most pressing responsibilities.
7. Foster Inclusivity and Diversity:
Create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. Embrace diversity in your classroom and curriculum, and strive to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into your teaching and research endeavors. As a new faculty member, fostering inclusivity in the classroom is paramount to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
Begin by acknowledging and embracing diversity in your classroom, valuing the unique perspectives and backgrounds that each student brings to the table. Incorporate inclusive teaching practices by using diverse examples, materials, and teaching methods that resonate with a variety of learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Encourage open dialogue and respectful communication, creating opportunities for students to share their experiences and perspectives. Lastly, be proactive in addressing biases and stereotypes, and advocate for equitable opportunities and resources for all students. By prioritizing inclusivity in your teaching approach, you can cultivate a sense of belonging and empower students to thrive academically and personally.
8. Celebrate Milestones and Successes:
Take time to celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s publishing your first research paper, receiving positive student feedback, or completing your first course you coordinate, acknowledge, and celebrate your successes along the way. Celebrating successes not only recognizes your hard work and dedication but also reinforces a sense of achievement and fulfillment. Additionally, celebrating successes can inspire and motivate both yourself and your colleagues, fostering a culture of positivity and collaboration within your academic community. By embracing and celebrating successes, you can cultivate a supportive and rewarding environment that encourages continued growth and excellence in your academic pursuits.
9. Stay Curious and Foster A Lifelong Learning Mentality:
Remain curious and committed to lifelong learning throughout your academic career. Stay informed about developments in your field, seek out opportunities for professional development, and continue to grow and evolve as an educator and scholar. I can tell you that my approach to education is very different today than it was in 2015. I have evolved as an educator, learned new skills, and continue to adapt to the ever-changing learning styles of our students.
10. Remember Your Why:
During your first year as a professor, amidst the myriad of new responsibilities and challenges, it’s crucial to remember your “why” – the motivation behind your decision to pursue a career in academia. Your “why” serves as a compass, guiding you through moments of uncertainty, doubt, and adversity. It reminds you of your passion for teaching, your commitment to research, and your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of your students and the broader community. By staying connected to your purpose and values, you can maintain focus, motivation, and resilience in the face of obstacles.
Your “why” fuels your dedication to excellence, inspires creativity, and sustains your sense of fulfillment and purpose in your role as a professor. Whether it’s a deep-seated passion for your field of study, a desire to inspire future generations, or a quest for knowledge and discovery, keeping your “why” at the forefront of your mind empowers you to navigate the complexities of academia with clarity, passion, and purpose.
11. Know What Track You’re On As A New Faculty Member:
At an academic institution, there are typically several tracks or career pathways that faculty members can pursue. These tracks may vary depending on the institution and discipline, but some common tracks include:
Tenure-track Position: Faculty members on the tenure track are working towards earning tenure, which provides them with job security and academic freedom. They undergo a rigorous review process, including evaluations of their teaching, research, and service activities, before being granted tenure.
Non-tenure-track: Non-tenure-track faculty members may hold various positions, such as adjunct professors, lecturers, or clinical faculty. These positions may be full-time or part-time and typically do not lead to tenure. Non-tenure-track faculty members often focus primarily on teaching responsibilities, although they may also engage in research and service activities.
Research track: Faculty members on the research track prioritize research activities and may have reduced teaching or service obligations compared to those on the tenure track. They are typically expected to secure external funding, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.
Clinical track: Faculty members on the clinical track are often practitioners in their respective fields, such as medicine, nursing, or psychology. They may split their time between clinical practice and teaching, focusing on educating students in applied or clinical settings.
Teaching track: Faculty members on the teaching track are dedicated primarily to excellence in teaching. They may focus on developing innovative teaching methods, curriculum design, and student mentoring, with less emphasis on research or publication requirements.
Advice For A New Faculty Member – Conclusion:
As you embark on your first year in your new position as a faculty member in graduate school, know that you are not alone. Lean on your colleagues, seek guidance from mentors, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and never stop learning and growing in your academic institutions. These 11 tips can go a long way in helping you to gain confidence and thrive as a new educator. Good luck! What are your goals in your second year of teaching?
