Vania Hasegawa Jul 28, 20234 min read

Back-to-School Checklist For Teachers

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Find some helpful hints for getting ready for back to school

Hello, teacher!

As the new academic year approaches, we would like to assist you in remembering the essential tasks that need to be completed before the big day. In addition to the tasks of familiarising oneself with the curriculum and creating learning objectives and resources, there are additional considerations that can simplify both the teacher's and students’ lives.

Set up your classroom

Arrange the classroom to create an optimal learning environment. Organise your desks, bulletin boards, and displays in a manner that is captivating and pertinent to your teaching subjects.

And have you considered, how the student’s sit affects how they feel? We like the horseshoe for a new class. No one is seated in the back; everyone can see each other, and if they switch seats every day for the first week, you can create an environment in which everyone has met and can see each other's faces. It might not be ideal all year, but you can always change it up.

Establish classroom rules and expectations

It is important to establish a set of clear and consistent classroom rules and expectations. It is beneficial to share these guidelines with your students at the beginning of the school year and ensure that they are consistently enforced throughout the year.

Better yet, involve the children in the creation of the rules. You may create a café dialogue or a classroom talk. This should be done early in the year while the pupils are still on their best behaviour. Direct the rules by asking the questions you want them to debate: "Name three rules that would be great for promoting a good class culture."

Plan icebreaker activities

It is recommended to organise icebreaker activities and team-building exercises to facilitate a comfortable and welcoming environment for students in the classroom. Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment is essential. You can have some ideas by reading our article.

Review safety procedures

It is important to become familiar with the school's safety protocols and emergency procedures. Make sure you are prepared to handle unexpected situations such as a fire, medical emergency, or any other potential emergency by knowing how to respond.

Attend staff meetings and professional development sessions

Make sure to attend any staff meetings or professional development opportunities that are provided by the school. Attending these sessions can offer you valuable insights and resources to improve your teaching practice.

Establish communication channels

Set up a communication system to keep parents informed about their child's progress and any important announcements. This can include email, a class website, or a communication app. Remember to review both internal and external rules, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) may appear distant and boring, but it is particularly important.

Prepare for technology integration

It is recommended that you become familiar with any technology tools or platforms that will be utilised in the classroom, such as learning management systems (e.g., itslearning) or educational apps. Make sure that you possess the required training and resources to seamlessly incorporate technology into your teaching.
And hey! Maybe investigate AI (Artificial Intelligence) like Bing or Chat GPT. The students will use. You should know a little bit about how it works.

Collaborate with colleagues

Consider contacting fellow teachers in your department or grade level to discuss aligning your curriculum, exchanging resources, and working together on planning lessons.
This can be a real timesaver, and getting more eyes on the assignments might just lift them to new heights.

Have the right login information for your class

Remember to double-check that you have the correct login and password for our computer and learning system. This may seem obvious, but we do not want to waste time looking for it. Then you will have enough time to seek assistance if necessary.

Reflect on previous experiences and take care of yourself

Take some time to reflect on your previous teaching experiences and identify areas for improvement. Consider what worked well and what challenges you faced and develop strategies to address them.
If you are having a rough day, keep some chocolate and tea on hand. You understand what we mean. And you are allowed to do a halfway job now and then; just do not make it a rule.

Send a welcome message to all the students before the first class

This welcoming letter should contain the first class's date, time, and location. Include course materials and textbooks. Give some history on yourself and your teaching approach.

And do not be afraid to be friendly or a little more personal. Share little details about yourself and your personality. They are eager to meet you and discovering that you care enough about them to tell them a little bit about yourself is an outstanding way to create an impact.

You can find some examples in our latest article.

Familiarize yourself with the essential tools available in itslearning

Doing this, you can take advantage of what the platform has to offer, and you will not only enhance your teaching methods but also provide the students with some great learning experience, engaging your class like never before.

An extra tip: Dress nicely for the first day. Use that beautiful blouse or that nice shirt. And tell them you dressed up for them. They will love you for it because it makes them feel important.

This checklist is a general guide, and you can modify it based on your specific teaching context and school requirements.

Best of luck with the new school year!

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