First-Year Teacher Must-Haves for Your New Classroom

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At the beginning of every school year, new teachers like you are preparing to put their knowledge and skills to the test in their very first classroom. No matter where you are in your life and career, this transition means you’re headed into an exciting—and potentially nerve-wracking—challenge. Every new teacher feels some butterflies as things get real, and there’s no other job that brings together so many unknowns at once. You’ve done your homework and feel prepared, but there’s a lot you’re going to have to learn on the fly. Setting yourself and your students up for success is all about preparation and equipping yourself with the right tools for the job. With these key first-year teacher must-haves, you’ll be able to hit the ground running and get an excellent start to your career.

Classroom Management Plan

Without a doubt, the most critical of all first-year teacher must-haves is an effective classroom management strategy. Classroom management plans set the tone for the entire year, and while expectations and consequences are a big part of staying in control, a great plan will deliver so much more.

Effective classroom management plans establish standards for safety, respect, and inclusion for every student who walks in your door. They ensure that everyone has an equal chance to be successful regardless of their background or individual challenges. They should also create accountability that helps develop a positive culture and fosters a healthy teacher-student partnership in the pursuit of measurable learning outcomes.

Classroom management plans need to be established right at the start, so you’ll want to prioritize your strategy and get it solidified well in advance. You’ll also need to be prepared to adapt as you go along, and it’s often worth engaging your students in the process so they experience some ownership of their standards of conduct.

Remember: it’s hard to recover from a lack of structure, but at the same time, there’s nothing helpful about overwhelming your class with rules for the sake of rules. Your classroom management plan should reflect practical standards that address the challenges your students need to navigate and create a better learning environment that supports everyone’s success—including yours!

Essential Supplies

As a new teacher, you may find that your school provides some basic supplies, but not everything you need. Schools have tight budgets, and there will probably be some classroom essentials you have to bring in on your own. Pens, pencils, staplers, and other common supplies will most likely be available, but there are a few extras that will go a long way toward creating a safe, clean, and inclusive space for learning.

Antibacterial Wipes, Tissues, and Hand sanitizer

The fact is, kids come with germs, and keeping your classroom sanitary and clean will make everyone’s life a lot easier—and healthier!

A Timer

No matter the age group, time management is huge when you’ve got a lot of material to cover. Using a timer can help keep you on task and support classroom transitions to other topics, and chances are you won’t even need to buy one. A timer on your computer will get the job done, and if you have a projector, it’s easy to include your students in the pacing of activities.

Storage Bins and Shelves

Many teachers have to provide shelves and storage for their classrooms. While it may cost a bit upfront, investing in a classroom that’s easy to navigate and keep organized will head off an uncountable number of problems before they develop. And keep those receipts! You may be able to write off expenses on your taxes.

Conversation and Imagination Starters

Depending on the age of the students, there are many objects like conversation cubes that can help your kids bridge gaps and overcome insecurities. Also, a few good books and constructive toys can be very helpful for students who might need a little break now and again.

Peer Support Network

A network of friends and colleagues is one of the most important first-year teacher must-haves. You’re all going to be learning together, so make time to keep in touch no matter how crazy your life seems to get. Also, there are a lot of veteran teachers out there with insider knowledge that can completely revolutionize your classroom game. Lean into their experience.

Your network of peers can help you manage the personal side of teaching as well (as your students will learn, you’re human too!) These lifelong connections can validate your experiences and challenges, be a sounding board for new ideas, or simply serve as an outlet when you need to get something off your mind.

Self-Care Plan

With any high-stress job, taking care of yourself is critical. You’re going to give a lot to your students and colleagues, but if you don’t set aside some time to recuperate and recover, you’re likely to burn out and drop out before your every career gets going.

Self-care plans can manifest itself in ways as unique as you are. Hobbies, exercise, weekends at the spa, and time with friends and family are all a great start. These can help you reenergize from a long week, priming the pump for Monday. But let’s not forget about mitigating the stress to begin with. Things like setting boundaries and clarifying expectations in the name of self-preservation are also important. And If you need a break (you will!), something as simple as a quick walk around the building can be all it takes to create some space and lower the temperature of anxiety and stress.

Professional Development Resources

As a first-year teacher fresh out of school, professional development may not be on your radar—but it should be. You’re on the teaching side of things now, but learning is a lifelong activity that will affect every aspect of your personal and professional success.

Ideally, you’ll want to surround yourself with resources that are easy to access so you’ll be ready to take on any challenge that develops in your classroom. Also, you’ll have certification obligations that require you to keep up with the latest research and standards. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available, and the very best options offer online learning that you can do at your own pace any time you need to brush up.

We left it until last, but it’s one of the first-year teacher must-haves that should be at the top of your list.

Are You Ready for Your First Year in the Classroom?

For first-year teachers getting ready to walk into their first classroom, you’ll need all the prep tips and guidance you can get. Starting on the right foot can inspire confidence and positivity in a new role translating to successful student learning experiences.