You must be flexible and prepared to handle incidents when they arise in order to be a successful teacher. If you can’t handle interruptions in your daily routine you may have trouble surviving as a teacher. — Kelly McMahon

Before Your First Day:

• Check your administrative manuals.
• Get to know the school site. Introduce yourself to the support staff.
• Plan your work carefully. There is no substitute for good planning.
• Create a temporary seating assignment.
• Prepare a welcoming, student-centered, engaging classroom environment.
• Recognize that you will not know everything; ask questions of your colleagues.

Your First Day…

• Introduce yourself and give students a short biographical sketch.
• Establish a method for learning students’ names.
• Share your expectations (PBIS Matrix) with your class.
• Review, or develop with students, your rules for behavior with the rewards and consequences.
• Rules should be written and posted in the classroom.
• Display the American Flag.
• Establish routines: Clarify your homework and makeup work policies with students.

That first morning:

• Arrive early. Allow yourself time to greet colleagues, a get any last minute questions answered, review lesson plans, get ready to greet the classroom.

In the first few weeks:

• Know where students’ files are housed so that you can consult them when needed.
• Familiarize yourself with the timelines for students’ progress reports and grading deadlines.
• Read over district/school policies and ask questions if something is not clear.
• Become familiar with the procedure for special education referrals.
• Make sure you have a substitute folder available.
• Broaden your horizons…get to know people outside your immediate environment.
• Find out the dates and the procedures for parent-teacher conferences.
• Meet with your mentor regarding evaluation procedures.
• Establish a method of communicating with parents on a regular basis.
• Talk with your mentor about getting your licensure Professional Development Plan (PDP) process started.
• Find out the process for requesting/purchasing materials.
• Prepare a powerpoint presentation for Back To School Night.
• Be good to yourself. Make sure you are eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Take some time to reflect on your first month as a teacher.