Ep 206: Building Confident Teachers: What Early-Career Educators Need to Stay and Thrive

At the heart of every new teacher's journey is a quiet question: Can I really do this? In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna welcome Dr. Virginia Shank of Liberty University, whose research and mentoring work centers on what helps early-career educators feel capable, confident, and supported. Dr. Shank unpacks the concept of teacher self-efficacy in practical, classroom-level terms -- explaining why it is one of the strongest predictors of new teacher confidence and success. She shares what tends to chip away at a new teacher's belief in themselves, what small wins and experiences can strengthen it, and why that inner confidence is so closely tied to whether teachers stay in the profession. Whether you are a new teacher, a mentor, an instructional coach, or a school leader, this conversation offers research-grounded, experience-backed insight into what early-career educators truly need to grow and thrive. AAEE Job Search Handbook: https://www.aaee.org/job-search-handbook HASHTAGS: #TeacherSelfEfficacy #TeacherConfidence #MentorSupport #SupportNewTeachers #EarlyCareerEducators #Newteachertips #NewTeacherTalk #podcast