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Tips for New Teachers

You did it! Yay! You landed your first teaching job! Way to go. You’re going to be great. No really, don’t panic! You’ve got this! But just in case you’re nervous here are some tips for new teachers! This post includes affiliate links. This means if you click a link I get a very small amount. This goes to keep this blog running and towards giveaways!

Get Organized

1. Get organized! If this isn’t your strong suit it’s ok but you really need to get organized! Everything should have a place and you should have a place for everything. See what your classroom has FIRST don’t go spend a bunch of money yet. Use what you can and slowly build your collection of baskets and bins and totes! Also within file cabinets use folders to organize games and units. I love these rainbow folders from amazon! I’m a sucker for color-coding!

Lightahead LA-7550 Clear document folder with snap button,Premium Quality Poly Envelope, US LETTER / A4 size, Set of 12 in 6 assorted Colors, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Maroon

Label Everything

2. Label all the things. It doesn’t do much good to organize everything if you don’t know what’s in all the bins and drawers and file cabinets! Label, label, label. It doesn’t have to be fancy just label it! Organizing and labeling will be an ongoing process but always keep it in mind.

Routines and Procedures

3. Determine your routines and procedures. You should have a procedure for pretty much everything in your room. How to come in the room, how to put their things away in the morning, what to do in the morning, how to take lunch count, how to take attendance, how to line up, how to sit on the carpet, how to turn in work, how to ask to go to the restroom, nurse, library etc.

Build Relationships

4. Build relationships. This might be the single most important thing you can do. It doesn’t mean to be their friend. But show your student that you are a caring adult in their life and truly care about them and get to know them. My favorite way to do this is morning greetings.

If you want to grab this for your classroom click HERE.

Choose Parent Communication Tool

5. Choose a parent communication tool (your school may already use one) I recommend Seesaw – see my Getting Started with Seesaw post. This is much more than just a parent communication tool but it is that.

Have a Plan

6. Have a plan! Many schools require your lesson plans to be turned in but even if they don’t…make lesson plans! I’m not saying Madeline Hunter full plans but detailed plans with page numbers and instructions. Also if you’re on a team don’t just use their plans even if they provide them for you. Plan with them or read their plans and write yours from theirs. The best way to learn your curriculum is by planning it out. How do you know where you’re trying to get your students if you aren’t planning it out?

Make To-Do Lists

7. Make to-do lists. Make lists for each day if needed or weekly and laminate that sucker and use a dry erase marker each week. (because more than likely it’s going to be nearly the same thing each week).I hope this gave you some tips for new teachers whether you are a new teacher or a teacher mentor. Share with your new teacher friends.

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Hello!

I’m Tess.the owner of The Krafty Teacher!

I love creating K-2 literacy resources for busy teachers that are low-prep and engaging so that all students can learn to read.