Helpful Hints…
FIRST-DAY CONSIDERATIONS
Be over-prepared.
Make all students feel welcome in your classroom.
Be sure everyone in your classroom knows the layout of the school and (cafeteria, playground, bathrooms, stairways, doors, etc.)
Be as aware as you can of what is going on in your classroom throughout the day. Don’t let behavior problems begin.
Begin to talk about rules.
Celebrate your successes.
FIRST-WEEK CONSIDERATIONS
Gear plans so that all students will feel successful.
Make time each day to teach and reinforce rules and procedures.
Spend time discussing when to talk and when not to talk.
Go over hallway and assembly expectations.
Be over-prepared.
Write the daily schedule on the board.
Reinforce expectations.
Post basic procedures or expectations.
Celebrate your successes.
FIRST-MONTH CONSIDERATIONS
Celebrate your successes -- feel confident that you are capable and in charge.
Implement your rules, procedures, and management systems during the entire month.
Reinforce expectations.
Respond quickly when expectations are not met.
Be consistent.
Model what you expect from your students.
Grade, record, and return those papers you feel important for feedback as soon as possible.
Teach skills of independence as the need arises, for example, what to do when students need help and the teacher is not available, when to sharpen pencils and renew supplies.
Give concise and accurate directions before starting lessons or assignments.
Provide options for learning, teaching, and student practice.
Enjoy your new career and class.
Take care of yourself.
BEGINNING TEACHER CALENDAR CHECKLIST
(Suggestions)
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
School and Its People
Meet with administrator and mentor teacher to discuss questions.
Meet grade level/department members and key resource people (department chair, mentor teacher, librarian, office manager, aides, secretaries, guidance counselors, custodians, etc.).
Acquire copies of pertinent school materials (faculty handbook, student handbook,
school calendar, student policy materials, school map, bell schedules, etc.).
Acquire copies of necessary forms (referrals, attendance, hall passes, etc.).
Know the physical setup of the school and the location of key facilities (staff rest
rooms, staff phones, AV areas, professional library, copy machines, staff lounge).
Ask about procedures for lunch, coffee, etc.
Obtain a copy of class / teacher schedules, extra duty responsibilities.
Materials
Acquire course guides, curriculum guides, class outlines, goal statements, etc., for
each subject assigned.
Ask department members for details about particular units, texts, etc.
Locate needed textbooks and supplementary materials.
Get the necessary supplies to begin the year (tape, staples, construction paper, etc.).
Planning
Become acquainted with the district and school philosophy and policy about discipline.
Formulate a standard for student behavior in the classroom.
Establish a set of procedures for classroom routines (passing out materials, taking
attendance, collecting assignments, etc.).
Set up the classroom (seating arrangements, supplies area, assignment baskets,
bulletin boards, etc.).
Develop long-range general plans for the first quarter (units, time lines, etc.).
Choose a workable plan book format.
Outline specific first-week lesson plans.
Grades and Records
Become acquainted with school and district philosophy / policies regarding
grading, homework, attendance, etc.
Set up a grade book that includes all necessary areas: daily grades, test grades,
attendance, etc. (use a permanent class list).
Inquire about any other records needed.
Develop a system for keeping track of parent contacts, discipline referrals, etc.
Community Relations
Consider ways to communicate with parents on a regular basis.
Become aware of the many ways parents are involved with the school,
i.e., volunteers, parent club, local school advisory committee.
Professional Growth
Attend new / beginning teacher district meeting.
Know about the professional development opportunities.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
School Schedule
Look into teacher workdays for planning or grading.
Find out about holiday preparations -- decorations, parties, projects, assemblies.
Participate in home / school communications -- open house, parent conferences.
Be aware of additional duties -- holiday programs, student activities.
Student Progress
Check the time lines, format, and procedures for reporting midterm student
progress.
Learn about pupil assessment, records, grades.
Learn about report card procedures.
Learn about student referral procedures.
Professional Development
Look into statewide professional development activities.
Attend district workshops.
Look into membership in professional organizations.
JANUARY
End of Semester
Find out about semester exams.
Record semester grades / report cards
Reflect on the first semester.
Prepare long-range general plans for second semester.
Streamline planning activities and assembling instructional materials.
Make plans for spring break.
FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL
School Schedule
Prepare for patriotic holiday observances.
Take spring vacation.
Standardized Testing
Examine copies of testing materials and teacher editions.
Know the school’s testing schedule and the teacher’s role in administering the tests.
Become aware of the test data and how you will be expected to interpret it.
MAY / JUNE
School Schedule
Learn about school / district policies regarding special end-of-year activities,
assemblies, and parties.
Find out about school schedule for the final weeks of school.
Pupil Assessment
Record procedures for second semester / end-of-year grades and student records.
Review school policy and procedures for student promotion.
Closing School
Prepare room for summer.
Store materials and equipment.
Return textbooks, if required.
Celebrate the successful end of your first year.
Professional Development Pursuits
Take summer workshops, course work, and verify certification requirements.
Prepare material for next year.
Refine instructional plans to be delivered again.