This book presents practical strategies to help secondary teachers succeed in their first year of teaching. The 16 chapters include the following: (1) Learning Your Way Around the School (getting oriented, making friends, learning rules and traditions, meeting others); (2) Organizing Your Room (taking inventory and assessing flow, movement, space, equipment, and supplies); (3) Knowing Your Students (collecting information, planning special events, and being aware of student cultures); (4) Dressing for Success (first impressions, spirit days, and images); (5) Beginning and Ending Your Class on the First Day (first contact, movement, setting rules, class syllabus, getting to work, and closure); (6) Managing Paperwork (attendance, grades, and paperwork); (7) Avoiding Boredom--Theirs and Yours (attitudes, values, and student motivation); (8) Eating Lunch (choices and consequences); (9) Connecting with Students (being accessible, listening, reaching out, and intervening); (10) Communicating with Parents (calls home, parent relationships, open house, and ongoing contact); (11) Dealing with Difficult Students (avoiding confrontation, establishing a discipline policy, and taking action); (12) Getting Involved in Activities (as activity advisor, class sponsor, and athletic coach); (13) Networking with Professionals (support system, consultations, research, and team teaching); (14) Using a Substitute (providing information and lesson plans); (15) Taking Care of Yourself To Minimize Stress (evaluation and other sources of stress); and (16) Planning for Your Future (teacher-student relationships, travel, continuing education, professional organizations, and self-reflection). (SM)