So, you’ve landed your first teaching job—congratulations! Whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning from another career, stepping into the classroom for the first time is a huge milestone. You’re likely feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little panic. That’s completely normal. Every teacher remembers the anticipation (and anxiety!) of that first year.

As someone who has been through the highs and lows of a first year in the classroom, I want to share some advice to help you feel more prepared and a little more confident as you head into the school year.

1. Start with Relationships, Not Routines

It’s tempting to focus all your energy on lesson planning, classroom procedures, and getting your bulletin boards Instagram-ready. But here’s the truth: the most important thing you’ll do in the first few weeks is build relationships—with your students, their families, your colleagues, and your support staff.

When students feel safe, valued, and respected, they are far more likely to engage in learning. Spend time getting to know their interests, learning styles, and backgrounds. Greet them by name, listen when they talk, and let them see that you’re a real person who genuinely cares.

Relationships will carry you through tough days and help you build a positive classroom culture that lasts all year.

2. Plan the First Week in Detail—Then Be Flexible

You don’t need to have the entire year planned out before the first day (and honestly, that’s impossible). Instead, focus on planning the first week really well. Think about:

• How you’ll greet students on day one
• What kind of classroom expectations and procedures you’ll teach
• How you’ll give students time to learn about you and each other
• What activities will help build routines and trust

Then, be ready to adjust. Something will go off track—an assembly you weren’t told about, a technology issue, a fire drill during your math block. The best teachers roll with it, adapt, and come back stronger the next day.

3. Set Up Your Classroom for Function, Not Pinterest

Having a cozy, welcoming space matters—but don’t fall into the trap of thinking your room needs to look like a professionally curated Pinterest board on day one. Function over fashion, always.

Start with the basics:

• Desks or tables arranged for collaboration or control (depending on your teaching style)
• Clear, labeled storage for student supplies
• A space to gather as a class (especially in elementary)
• A consistent spot for turning in work, posting schedules, or sharing morning messages

Add decor slowly, and include students in the process. They’ll appreciate contributing to the space, and you’ll have less pressure to do it all alone.

4. Practice Procedures Like You’re Teaching Content

Procedures are what keep your classroom running smoothly. But they aren’t magically understood just because you say them once. Teach them. Practice them. Reinforce them. Repeat.

Whether it’s how to line up, sharpen pencils, ask to go to the bathroom, or transition between subjects—model the procedure, have students practice it, and give feedback.

It might feel repetitive at first, but strong procedures save you so much time and stress down the line. Think of it as investing early so your classroom can run on autopilot later.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

One of the biggest mistakes new teachers make is trying to do it all alone. You are not expected to know everything. Lean on your grade-level teammates, your special education colleagues, your school’s instructional coach, and your custodian (seriously—they’re lifesavers).

Ask questions. Observe others. Find a mentor or buddy teacher. Most teachers are more than happy to share resources and wisdom. You don’t have to prove yourself by suffering in silence.

6. Take Care of You

Teaching is incredibly rewarding—but also emotionally and physically draining. If you aren’t careful, burnout can sneak up fast. Set boundaries from the start. Leave school at a reasonable hour when you can. Make time for things that bring you joy outside of school.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

That moment a student finally remembers to raise their hand. When a shy kid shares in class. When your lesson actually goes the way you planned. Celebrate those moments, because they matter.

Your first year will be full of learning curves, but it will also be full of magic. Don’t let the challenges overshadow the progress you and your students are making.

Being a new teacher is hard—but it’s also one of the most powerful and important things you can do. You’re shaping lives, creating safe spaces, and helping kids see their own potential.

You won’t be perfect—and you don’t have to be. What your students need most is a caring adult who shows up, tries their best, and keeps learning right alongside them.

You’ve got this. And you’re not alone. Make sure to grab the freebie below to help you get started this fall.

Chat soon-

PS: Make sure you grab your freebie 

Good Morning, today I'm linking up with Stephanie at "Forever in 5th Grade," to bring you a glimpse into my end of summer planning for my Special Education Resource Room. This year I'll be working with 2nd and 3rd grades. Many of these guys were with me last year. Most of my thinking has been around how I want to strength or change systems I had in place last year like communicating with parents and making it authentic for students.
I was cornered about Spring Break by my wonderful 1st grade team. They wanted dibs on having me at their Summer PD, co-planning, co-teaching--well co--anything!! How could I say no! This is new territory for them as the school is becoming a EL school and they wanted to create a team to move and grow students.  I should mention I love running with them as well. We did the Colfax Relay in May. Yes, all 26 miles.




I send home a monthly newsletter. This idea will help with two things--increase parent communication and two help students to write to an authentic audience.  I'm looking forward to see what they do. They will also be contributing authors on the classroom website. I'm hoping since we use Google Sites this idea will not be all drama and something everyone will see of high value. My team has been talking about creating 1 site and working with grade levels to have a column on their newsletters as well.





One thing that I added to my Data binders was a way for my students' for reflect on and take control of their learning and a perfect way to use it as a Formative Assessment. Last year to used Robert Marzano's Checking for Understanding. This is one of three versions I have in my Teachers pay Teacher store. Even though I'm keeping the same students just a grade older than last year--this version was perfect for them as first and second graders. This is perfect for students to self-assess and reflect on their learning, you can target specific skills they say they are missing or confused or speed up you instruction because they've got it. You can buy it from my store-click on the picture.

Today, I'm linking up with Ashley from Ashley's Brainy Centers for a Back to School Giveaway.

My top 10 must dos for each back-to-school tips I do to emphasize communication, organization, and a focus on student success.

1. Organize all that paperwork
Special educators handle lots of paperwork and documentation throughout the year. Try to set up two separate folders or binders for each child on your case load: one for keeping track of student work and assessment data and the other for keeping track of all other special education documentation.

2. Start a communication log
Keeping track of all phone calls, e-mails, notes home, meetings, and conferences is important. Create a "communication log" for yourself in a notebook that is easily accessible. Be sure to note the dates, times, and nature of the communications you have.

3. Review your students' IEPs
The IEP is the cornerstone of every child's educational program, so it's important that you have a clear understanding of each IEP you're responsible for. Make sure all IEPs are in compliance (e.g., all signatures are there and dates are aligned). Note any upcoming IEP meetings, reevaluations, or other key dates, and mark your calendar now. Most importantly, get a feel for where your students are and what they need by carefully reviewing the present levels of performance, services, and modifications in the IEP.

4. Establish a daily schedule for you and your students
Whether you're a resource teacher or self-contained teacher, it's important to establish your daily schedule. Be sure to consider the service hours required for each of your students, any related services, and co-teaching. Check your schedule against the IEPs to make sure that all services are met. And keep in mind that this schedule will most likely change during the year!

5. Call your students' families
Take the time to introduce yourself with a brief phone call before school starts. You'll be working with these students and their families for at least the next school year, and a simple "hello" from their future teacher can ease some of the back-to-school jitters!

6. Touch base with related service providers
It's important to contact the related service providers — occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language therapists, or counselors — in your school as soon as possible to establish a schedule of times for your students who need these services. The earlier you touch base, the more likely you'll be able to find times that work for everyone.

7. Meet with your general education co-teachers
Communicating with your general education co-teachers will be important throughout the year, so get a head start on establishing this important relationship now! Share all of the information you can about schedules, students, and IEP services so that you're ready to start the year.

8. Keep everyone informed
All additional school staff such as assistants and specialists who will be working with your students need to be aware of their needs and their IEPs before school starts. Organize a way to keep track of who has read through the IEPs, and be sure to update your colleagues if the IEPs change during the school year.

9. Plan your B.O.Y. assessments
As soon as school starts, teachers start conducting their beginning of the year (B.O.Y.) assessments. Assessment data is used to update IEPs — and to shape your instruction — so it's important to keep track of which students need which assessments. Get started by making a checklist of student names, required assessments, and a space for scores. This will help you stay organized and keep track of data once testing begins.

10. Start and stay positive
As a special educator, you'll have lots of responsibilities this year, and it may seem overwhelming at times. If your focus is on the needs of your students and their success, you'll stay motivated and find ways to make everything happen. Being positive, flexible, and organized from the start will help you and your students have a successful year.

Ashley from Ashley's Brainy Centers  Back to School Giveaway is live for 24 hours--be sure to get in on the fun and get a $5.00 Teacher pay Teacher Store credit from me and others.

Until next time--