The joys and pains of starting a teaching career often go undiscussed. This field guide dives deep into the personal side of teaching, offering crucial advice, empathy, and new-teacher support. The author details six phases every new or first-year teacher goes through (anticipation, survival, disillusionment, rejuvenation, reflection, and second anticipation) and outlines targeted classroom strategies, teaching tips, and self-care practices for each. Transcend the emotional, mental, and physical problems teachers face in the First Things First Chapter 1: The Anticipation Phase Chapter 2: The Survival Phase Chapter 3: The Disillusionment Phase Chapter 4: The Rejuvenation Phase Chapter 5: The Reflection Phase Chapter 6: The Second Anticipation Phase Appendix End-of-the-Year Activities Appendix Mementos The Year in Retrospect References and Resources Index