What to do on the first day of school? Here are some questions and answers for new teacher orientation.
Starting a teaching job in a new school district can be a pretty scary experience. No amount of college teaching training and theoretical methods can and will prepare you for all that can happen in the new school year ahead. One of the most important issues a new teacher will encounter is that of classroom management. It is best to know in advance all the rudiments of classroom organization. So what are some of the important aspects of this elusive classroom organization topic?
New Teacher Resources and Materials
1. First and foremost, have a notebook where you can simply jot things as they pop up, as they inevitably will. Keep track of new names, phone numbers, upcoming events, worksheets to xerox. An effective alternative is to carry a planner.
2. Have templates ready for your classroom seating plans. You may not use it already in the first days of school, but you can [and should] start using it during the first couple of days. Some classroom planners come already with classroom seating plans.
Other teachers and Important Contacts
Not every discipline problem you will be able to deal with on your own. This is especially true for new teachers teaching in their first year. You will need initially the help of classroom and other homeroom teachers as well as parents.
Classroom organization does not start and end however with resources and materials. Will you have access to a list of homeroom teachers and their respective class lists? On your shelf, you should have a phone book of other teachers as you are striving to getting to know your particular class. Additionally, keep handy a list of the phone numbers of parents. Keep a stock of letter templates up to date on your computer or paper and pen format.
Also you should keep a running list of parents contacts. That way when you speak with them the second time, you have a record of important correspondence. Many classroom planners have special places for documenting and follow-up with regard to parents contact.
And Finally...
- Befriend the school secretary and janitor. You'll be amazed how important these contacts will be.
- Befriend also the computer resources department.
- Always have fillers in your box or work station at school or in your bag.
- Always have small packets of positive reinforcements especially for the more difficult and challenging groups of students.
- Don't befriend your students! Keep the tone for learning serious but plesant. You'll have plenty of time to use your creative talents later. Now is the time to get students quickly in tuned with your classroom management system and an effective work routine.
