It can be a daunting task – moving to a new school! New students, new schedule, new buildings… new everything! Whether it is your first year or not, it can take a while to adjust, as I’ve had to do this year. As you get into your groove, (stay positive and know you WILL get into that groove) hopefully these tips can help you start in a fresh new location.
Go Ahead and Contact Your Leader
If you have their email, phone number, or any other professional contact information, it does not hurt to reach out and see when you are able to get into your new space. Mid summer, post ESY, or just a few weeks before school starts – get in and just look at your new space. Even if your first visit is just standing in the middle of the room with your hands on your hips, that’s ok. If you have an idea about what it looks like, what you already have in the room, the size, and general idea of the space, you can then begin to plan and map out your new classroom.
I like to take my space and sketch it out, while also drawing where I would like to place furniture and where I’d like to create areas of the classroom – like where students will work on group work or independent work.
Download a Map and Calendar
I know it may sound silly… but it helped me a TON to get a paper copy of my new school’s layout just for me to familiarize myself with directions. My new school is much bigger than where I was before, so it was easy to get lost. A good old fashioned map helped me visualize areas and directions until I was more familiar with where I was headed. I posted mine on my wall in the classroom, too.
Additionally, a copy of the district‘s calendar is essential. Do you use a digital or paper planner? Go ahead and put any important dates in your planner and prep for staff meetings and holidays.
Prep for the Beginning of the Year
Prepare items, visuals, layout, and curriculum pieces for the beginning of the year, but don’t overwhelm yourself or go crazy. After all, you have to meet your students and learn them first. Prepare for the beginning and have things organized and ready to go just in case, but know that changes will be made once you move further into the year… and that’s OK. Your starting point may not be anything academic, either.
Check out this First 10 Days resource for some inspiration (and taking the “what are we going to do” planning off your shoulders!)
Get to Know Your People
It is important to get to know the people you will be working with and spending many hours with. Get to know your coworkers and the people who do other jobs in your building as well. Find your “go to” veteran teacher who you can ask questions. Introduce yourself to everyone and let them know what you’re doing. You may find partnerships that can be built between departments, and find ways to involve your students in different areas. Befriend your admin, coaches, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, and counselors… they can all offer some helpful resources when needed.
Also take some time to observe how things work around the school between the professionals and the school climate and culture.
Ask for Resources
Moving from one school to another, I was quite surprised at the difference in resources available to me. Ask your admin team or your fellow teachers about the resources available to you. Check out this Teacher Toolkit for inspiration and ideas.
- What curriculum is available for Special Education?
- Can I make any purchase requisitions?
- Where do I go for (this) resource?
- What facilities are available for my students to utilize?
Can you think of anything else you may ask regarding the resources available to you at a new school?
Build Relationships with Your Students
I know it’s been said many many times, (and sometimes at inappropriate times…) but take the time to really get to know your students. Have your classroom expectations and stick to them, but take the time at the beginning of the year to learn your students and build relationships so that you can work together in the classroom. Build those relationships with parents as well, as they can be an extremely valuable asset for their child’s education and the IEP team. Really knowing your students and their families will benefit you in the long run. Use this FREE Preference Assessment to know what reinforcers to try.
In her blog, Lindsay has some Meet the Teacher Night tips and tricks.
Don’t Compare Your Old to the New
At first, I found myself really missing my old classroom and my old students. Obviously, you can’t help missing what you’ve moved on sometimes. However, try not to compare your old situation to the new one. This is a new school! A different situation, with new students, and these students need you now – most likely in different ways than previous students have. Just focus on doing what you can now, where you are. You’ll do great!
Give Yourself Grace
Always remember… this is not an easy job! Just based on the fact that you’re reading this and doing your preparation means that you are doing a fantastic job! You really care (or you wouldn’t be here, let’s be honest!)
Give yourself GRACE. Know that it won’t be perfect, changes will be made, things will go wrong, and not everything will go smoothly. That’s just fine and totally normal! As I said before, you will get into that groove. You’ll figure it all out and look back thinking, “Wow. I really did that.”
Still want some inspiration on Back to School Set Up? Take a look at these resources to help start your year on the right foot! Perfect for those new to special education or those who would like to be more organized this year!
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