Book excerpt: ‘Don’t smile until Christmas.’ ‘Never be afraid to ask for help.’ ‘Always accept a cup of tea when it’s offered to you.’ There’s no shortage of tips, tricks and friendly advice for newly qualified teachers. But how can you separate the wheat from the chaff as you navigate your way through the first year on the job? Where do you go for sound, professional advice that is evidence-based and not just a short-term quick-fix that will later prove problematic? NQT: The Beginning Teacher′s Guide to Outstanding Practice is your go-to companion throughout your NQT year. Written by teachers and teacher training experts, it guides you through your first year in teaching by extending your training and supporting you to keep learning. It covers areas NQTs say they need more support on including assessment, classroom behaviour and work-life balance and every chapter is linked to the Teachers′ Standards and explores what they mean for you in the classroom.