For most people who have trained as a teacher, one of the most exciting things in their career will be the moment they can at long last leave the classroom and head...straight back into a classroom, but this time as the person leading lessons and taking charge. 

The first year can be the trickiest of all to master, however, and for teachers taking on their first class, it can be a matter of survival of the fittest and being strong willed. Here, we take a look at a few of the top tips for surviving your first year as a teacher. 

Set the rules

You probably want your class to like you, especially if you're a brand new teacher, but kids seem to be able to sense weakness, and you don't want them to think you're a pushover. It's always a good idea to start your first lesson by setting out a few ground rules. It lets the class know who's in charge, and establishes you as the authority figure. 

Never stop learning

In your first year in particular, you should remember that you never stop learning. You'll be surrounded by far more experienced teachers with a wealth of knowledge you could never get at university, so never be afraid to ask for help and advice from those who have it in plentiful supply. 

Don't be afraid to fail

There's scarcely a time in life when everything goes right for anyone, and it's no different when you're teaching. In your first year, you may feel a tendency to play it safe, but remember, there's no reason to be afraid of failure, and you should always try things out. If they don't work, call it a lesson learned. 

Know when to turn off

One of the biggest barriers to retention in teaching is stress. People will get themselves so worked up over getting everything done that they work too much and end up falling out of love with teaching. Remember that you need a good work-life balance to enjoy a good life in general, and know when to switch off. Don't overwork yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when your workload gets too heavy. 

Be yourself 

You may know what sort of teacher you want to be, but you should never portray a personality that's not true to yourself. Your class will see right through it, and you'll never feel comfortable in this situation. Try to be yourself and just relax and you'll find lessons flow better and you'll enjoy your job far more than you would otherwise. 

Don't take it personally

Kids say things they don't mean all the time, and if someone in your class says they don't like you, it's important not to take this too seriously. Remember that kids are always trying to push boundaries and test authority with their behaviour, and if they are misbehaving or insulting you, it's rarely, if ever, personal. Just try to stay calm and do your best to resolve situations in a calm manner and you'll find you get the respect of the kids you deal with far easier.