“We shape our dwellings and afterwards our dwellings shape us.” Winston Churchill

1. “We shape our dwellings and afterwards our dwellings shape us.” Winston Churchill

2. Before the Students Arrive • Attend all meetings and take notes • Read the Faculty & Student Handbooks • Know who you can turn to for help • Complete all required forms (emergency info, sub info) • Ask for copies of the District calendar, school calendar and bell schedule • Obtain copies of the forms you may need ex. referrals, passes to nurse, library, office

3. Learn how to schedule time in the library, computer lab • Learn how to obtain supplies from the school/dept, media services • Make sure all equipment in the classroom is working properly • Check the number of desks & books against the number of students in each class

4. Find out what time the school opens and closes • Find out how the Guidance and Assistant Principal’s Offices divide responsibilities and the alphabet • Inquire about any students who may have 504 Accommodation Plans or IEP’s • Make a “To Do” list • Have all duplicating for the first 2 weeks done

5. NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! • Keep an ongoing list of questions • You can get answers from : • Experienced teachers • Faculty Handbook • Department Chairperson • Your district support person

6. Organization • Create Routines & Procedures • Beginning and ending class • Tardies, absences, make-up work • Handing in work • Formats for written work • Asking questions • Going to the nurse, office & restroom (passes) • Materials needed for class each day • Homework- Schoolnotes.com • Whiteboard- date, agenda, standards covered, homework, warm-up

7. Class discussions • Coming to attention & dismissal • Grading

8. Organizing the Environment Your desk is your personal space and is off limits to the students The location of your desk is very important • in the back of the room • near the door Supplies needed: calendar, pens/pencils, paper, stapler, tape, paperclips, trays for papers, stickers, stamps, markers, overhead timer Scissors, glue, whiteout, push pins etc. need to be inside a drawer Lock your personal belongings in your desk

9. Student Work Area There should be an area set up for student use that is away from your area. Bins can contain materials used by students. Trays/ folders can be set up to contain student work, missing work, homework, extra handouts etc.

10. The Classroom • Bulletin boards should contain important information about the school activities, bell schedule, calendar, grades, daily bulletin, emergency information, student work

11. Desks: • Start with rows • Seat alphabetically- easier to learn names • Keep desks away from attractive graffiti spots • Avoid putting desks near distractions like the pencil sharpener • Be aware of teaching to the “T” and gender equality

12. Relationships • Parents: -Inform about the good as well as the bad -Keep a phone log -Have a copy of phone numbers at home • Students: -You are a role model, boundaries are important -Be very selective with what information you share -Attend after school events involving your students

13. Faculty/ Staff: -Eat lunch with other teachers -Listen & observe- who are the leaders -Ask for help when needed -Don’t engage in negative talk or gossip -Before agreeing to additional duties, say you need to think about it -Attend the social functions - parties & dances -Support the PTSA

14. The First Day • Take charge of your class- be confident and self -assured • Welcome the students- stand at the door and greet them • Review the syllabus, have parents read and sign • Begin to teach the class routines • Play a “Get to Know You” activity • Engage the students’ minds- have a quick writing assignment

15. Homework • Accept the fact that you will feel nervous & excited • Dress professionally • Pack a lunch and eat it! Don’t forget breakfast • Make sure your classroom is ready • Pack your book bag the night before • Look over your class list and practice pronouncing the names • Arrive early so you won’t feel stressed

16. Good Luck !