Start with Listening: A Simple Practice for Leading New Teachers

By Delanee Williams

At the beginning of a new ministry year, I was excited to welcome new teachers to our team. They had completed the enlistment and screening process, participated in training, received their curriculum, and were ready to step into the classroom.

Within the first few weeks, I noticed something I needed to address with one of the teachers. It wasn’t urgent, but I knew it mattered—for her confidence and overall experience. At the same time, I didn’t want to discourage her, especially since this was her first-year teaching and we were still building a relationship.

As I thought about how to approach the conversation, I realized I didn’t need to start with correction—I needed to start with connection.

So, instead of meeting with just one teacher, I scheduled brief, informal conversations with each of our new teachers. I wanted to hear about their first few weeks and create space for them to share openly. Before we met, I sent four simple questions:

1. What have you enjoyed most about teaching?
2. What challenges have you experienced?
3. What do you wish you had known before you began?
4. How can we support you?

These questions opened the door to honest, meaningful conversations. They helped me better understand what was happening in each classroom while also building trust early in our relationship.

What began as a way to thoughtfully address one situation quickly became one of the most helpful tools in my leadership.

Through these conversations, I discovered needs that helped shape future training. We established open communication from the beginning, and teachers felt more comfortable sharing both the joys and challenges of teaching. Most importantly, they knew they were valued and that their voice mattered.

Another meaningful part of these conversations was the opportunity to remind teachers why they serve.

In the weekly rhythm of preparing, teaching, and managing the classroom, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. These meetings became a natural place to encourage them and remind them that God is using them.

Their time studying Scripture, preparing each week, and building relationships with kids—and even families—is significant. It matters. God is working through their faithfulness to make a difference in the lives of the children they teach.

Sometimes what a teacher needs more than instruction is a reminder of their calling.

As leaders, it can be easy to focus on what needs to be improved. But when we take time to listen first, we gain a better understanding of our volunteers and create space for both encouragement and growth.

Make it a priority to connect with your teachers, especially new ones. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen well. Speak encouragement over the work God has called them to.