A five-year veteran of Major League Lacrosse, Kieran McArdle is a first-year K–5 physical education teacher at PS 48 in upper Manhattan and the embodiment of what the city’s Department of Education hopes to achieve with PE Works.

As a new teacher, your colleagues are valuable sources of support as you navigate lesson planning, classroom management and other responsibilities.

I created my “Zen Zone” for my students to be able to come to when they are frustrated, anxious, angry or sad for whatever reason.

I couldn’t sleep the night before school. As a third-year teacher and a career changer, I sometimes still can’t believe I’m a special education teacher at the same public high school my daughter once attended.

My students are the real champs! C- Cooperative, H- Honest, A- Accountable, M- Motivated, P- Polite!

As the school year begins, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to care for yourself as much as you care for your new students.


Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, my classroom door is decorated with my students' dreams of what and who they want to be someday.

The UFT's Member Assistance Program supports new educators. Find out more about MAP's professional learning for new teachers and the Partners Through Experience program, which pairs a new educator with a veteran educator.

Check our certification page for the latest updates on state certification, guidance and important deadlines you need to know.

The UFT offers many programs and services for teachers to help them hone their skills and meet certification and licensing requirements. The union also offers courses to help teachers prepare for state exams and workshops to fulfill requirements for...