First Year Guide | The Faculty Lounge

Part 1

Before the First Day

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Review your contract

Meet with your Department Chair and Principal

Connect with your mentor

Review curriculum, standards, and course materials

Visit and set up your classroom

Develop a classroom management system

Log in and practice all required technology

Review your roster and note students with ed plans

Complete HR paperwork, orientation, and access setup

Part 2

The First Week

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Explain the goals and why the course matters

Show your genuine passion for the subject

Learn student names

Establish classroom management from Day 1

Establish and begin practicing routines

Have students do something real right away

Send a welcome email to families

Set a deliberate, positive tone from the start

Part 3

Important Dates

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New teacher orientation

PD days before school starts

First day of school, planned with intention

Back-to-School Night

Field trips, know your school's process

Progress report deadlines on your calendar

Report card & comment cycle

Parent-teacher conferences

Standardized testing and proctoring

Final exam format (if you give finals)

End-of-year tasks & reflections

Part 4

Classroom Management

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Know your goals: what does a well-run class look like?

Establish clear, explicit routines for every transition

Set consequences that are fair and consistent

Teach routines like you teach content

Build relationships: show students you care

Praise behavior you want to see more

Address problems firmly, consistently, and calmly

Know when to review or reset

Part 5

Lesson Plans & Teaching

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Map out a course calendar, unit by unit

Plan backwards from what students should be able to do

Write lesson plans with clear, specific objectives

Differentiate for different learners

Understand the IEPs and 504s in your classes

Teach concepts using clear descriptions, examples, and demos

Give students chances to practice applying what they've learned

Give feedback, and teach students to assess their own progress

Part 6

Assessment & Grading

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Grade less, but grade what matters

Grade work quickly so students can make improvements

Set a grade-entry schedule and keep it

Use rubrics for anything subjective

Know your school's grading policy

Give feedback students can actually act on

Part 7

Working with People

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Build relationships with colleagues early

Make one positive parent phone call per week

Prepare thoroughly for observations and evaluations

Know how to navigate a difficult student conversation

Find a mentor teacher on staff

Be a visible, positive presence with your admin

Part 8

Taking Care of Yourself

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Rest. You'll be a better teacher if you're rested

Find your people on staff

Leave school at school, at least sometimes

Notice and record small wins

Know the signs of burnout before they find you

Be comfortable asking for help

Rest and maintain your own life outside of school

Part 9

End of Year & Looking Ahead

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Write your reflections before summer

Collect student feedback

Save and organize your materials

Leave your room the way you'd want to find it

Complete all required paperwork early

Write a "letter to next year's me"