The final weeks of summer break are here and we’re all making the most of the remaining sunny, carefree days.
However, if you’re a teacher or school administrator, you know that setting the stage for a successful school year starts well before the students walk through the doors. Whether you’re a new educator or school official, we wanted to share some of our favorite tips to start your year with less stress and your best foot forward.
Over-plan your first few weeks
Veteran teachers will tell you, it's not possible to plan too much for your first few weeks. You will be bombarded with new names, new faces and a whole lot of new information. Having a plan for each day (and each class period) will help you stay organized and on track.
Set up your classroom as soon as possible
Your classroom is your home away from home for the next 180 days (or more). Depending on your school’s protocols, you may only have a few days to set up your classroom or office. Get it set up and decorated as soon as you can. This will help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings and allow you to focus on your lessons.
Pack a personal survival kit
Keep a few essentials in your desk or office so you're prepared for anything. Pack snacks, water, hand sanitizer, tissues, safety pins, sunblock, toiletries and anything else you might need in a pinch.
Proactively build relationships with parents
Parent-teacher communication is key to a successful school year. Attend back-to-school nights, send home a welcome letter the first week of school, introduce yourself at parent-teacher conferences and send home updates on your student's progress. Creating and maintaining strong relationships with parents and guardians will make everyone's life easier (and help your students succeed).