Shorter days and longer  hours. Bold hopes and more than a few butterflies. If you feel like  you’re being pulled in two directions at once at the start of the school year, relax: You are not alone. Every teacher can relate to the heady mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with the first bell of the year. And if the waters seem a little choppy at first—particularly for those new to the profession—there are tons of resources to help you get your bearings. From the seasoned veteran down the hall to your local AFT affiliate, the answer is only a question away. These supports can help you get the new school year right from the start.

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