For those preparing to graduate or in their early years of teaching, this session regards common experiences encountered by US school music educators amidst the start of their careers. Here, it is helpful to know all the ways in which we are not alone and also to contemplate potential (tried and true) avenues for success. While it is common for new music teachers to feel—at times or often—that they are only surviving, more steady ground may be reached through finding and maintaining support, guidance, community, balance, and further professional development. Anecdotal and researched based strategies for not only surviving but thriving will be outlined.