Calling all Teachers: How to Get Off to a Great Start this Year

Teachers: Start the Year Off  Right and Here is How

Whether you are a new teacher or a returning teacher, this article will help you have your best year ever. Why? Because communicating early with parents is key.

Getting Started:

Behavior Contracts: FREE

• Have a plan to connect with parents EARLY. You can do this with a blog, a website, an email or a newsletter.  It's always helpful to include a picture of yourself and a little bit about you, not too much, just a little.
• In your early communication, include the school hours and a warm welcome.
• Let parents know what the students will be learning about the first month.
• Let them know what the best method to contact you is.
• KEY - outline your expectations for your students while they are at school and in your classroom.
• Provide a list of any helpful supplies that their children will need.
• Give an outline of your homework expectations.
• Give a list or calendar of important dates. 

I had many thank you's from parents who commended me on my early approach to communicate with them. It eased the first day jitters and left a positive feeling with my parents. It gives you and builds a great reputation and is well worth the effort.

Remember, like it or not, parents always talk about teachers. Having a great reputation goes a long way to adding success to your year. 

Ready to move on to classroom management? Here is a checklist to make sure you're ready to go. You also might want to have a few of these behavior contracts for those 'just in case' times.

Enjoy your holidays and if you're already back to school, be sure to let me know what you'd like to see to help you reach your educational goals.