Rules for Teachers on the First Day of School

Typically, it’s the students who receive the rules on the first day of school. However, there are some rules teachers should follow too. Following these rules on the first day of school and throughout the school year can help ensure success.

1. Be Welcoming-Make students feel comfortable in their new, unfamiliar surroundings. Allow them to take ownership of the setting by referring to it as “our classroom.”

2. Be Specific-If you weigh your grading components differently, break it down on paper. If there are stages to your behavior modification plan, list the steps you will take to correct misbehavior. If you give formal assessments on regular days, create a calendar. These simple steps will keep your students and their parents informed, and serve as evidence should your methods be questioned by an administrator or parent.

3. Be Prepared-Just because it’s the first day of school, it doesn’t mean you should improvise your lesson. Have the entire period planned out with ice breakers, activities, and, yes, even classwork.

4. Be Collegial-Teachers often share the same students. These teachers likely meet as part of a team. If your schedule allows, it would be helpful to make an appearance in your colleague’s classroom during the first few days of school.

5. Be Ready for Anything-A new school year and new students mean a new set of unknowns. Never be surprised when something happens for the first time and always be prepared with a rational response to problems.                                                   Help Teaching