New Teachers Welcome to the Classroom!

Tools for Teaching

• DESK ARRANGEMENTS- There is no right or wrong way to arrange desks. It all depends on the number of students you have, their needs, and their teaching styles. Choose a plan that makes sense to you. Makesure you can see all your students and all the students can see the front of the room. Also, its important you are able to move freely among the classroom.
• CLASS RULES- Makesure you give each student a copy of class rules and go through them in class. They should include restroom policies, library procedures, equipment use, lunch/snack rules, bus rules, playground rules, as well as any other rules you
• DECORATIONS- You don't need anyone to tell you how to decorate a classroom; but know the importance of color. Orange and Yellow intend to excite students. Whereas, blues, greens, and pastels are calming. Aim for seasonal decorations. Examples include: winter and snowflakes, holidays, and events. Include student work as part of your decorations. Maps or educational posters also do well within the classroom. Elementary classrooms may want to include a birthday board or a student recognition board.
• PREPARING FOR A SUBSTITUTE- Keep a folder marked: Lesson Plans for Substitute. Within the folder you should have a supplementary of lessons and activities for the students to complete. General information the sub will need may include a seating chart and classroom roster, classroom rules, fire drill procedures, map of the school, an explanation of your discipline system, class schedule, a list of students with special needs or attention, feedback form, and your phone number.
• PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES- Prepare notes that include both the students' strengths and weaknesses. Point out as many positives followed by areas of improvement. Have the students' portfolio ready so you can show the parents examples of their work. Detail the areas which may need improvements. If the child's work is on display in the classroom, be sure to point it out. Makesure you listen but remember you're in control of the conference. Most conferences last anywhere from 15-30 minutes
• REPORT CARDS- If a student is having an academic problem, don't wait until the release of report cards to address the situation. Contact the parents as soon as possible giving them a chance to help. If your school provides a space for teacher comments on the report card document, try to personalize it rather than writing needs improvement. For example, be specific: Only turned in two out of five homework assignments.

Helpful Websites

National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
Education Week on the Web
American Federation of Teachers
National Education Assosciation
National PTA
Assosciation of Teacher Educators

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