You made it!
You have the keys to your classroom, your name is on the door, and you probably already have your caffeine of choice in hand, along with a to-do list stuck to your laptop…WELCOME to the wonderful world of teaching! Before the year kicks off, I would like to share a few things learned over the past “many moons” of teaching in the hopes of helping your first year teaching experience:)
1. You can SMILE from Day 1
You’ve probably heard that classic line: “Don’t smile until Christmas.”
But here’s the truth — you can absolutely smile on day one.
The real secret isn’t in holding back your smile, personality, or connection with students — it’s in setting clear, consistent routines and procedures that your students can count on. When you follow through with kindness and structure, you create a classroom where joy and expectations can coexist harmoniously.
So smile. Laugh. Be yourself….and check out a book such as Harry Wong’s First Days of School to help you think through “all the things” you might want to consider when developing your procedures and routines.
2. Create a classroom you LOVE
You’re going to spend a lot of time in this space. It is like your second home:)
Make it work for you. Add the lamp. Bring the cozy chair. Hang the quote that reminds you why you’re here.
If your environment helps you feel calm, creative, and in control, you’re more likely to lead from that space, too. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Do a quick Google search for “build a classroom you love tips,” and you will find several blog posts to help you get started.
3. If you need something…ASK
Need headphones for a center? or which headphones to put on your Amazon Wishlist?
Wish you had a better tool for keeping up with behavior logs?
Looking for a quick way to get parent signatures back?
Ask.
There might be a drawer in the library, a grant your school doesn’t know about, or a tool your district already pays for. (Seriously — I once found gold tucked inside a teacher portal. I found it by chatting with the software company.)
Your teacher superpower? Curiosity.
And if your school/district doesn’t have it? Keep reading…
4. Start building your PLN…now
You’re not meant to do this alone.
Whether it’s teachers down the hall, Instagram accounts, bloggers, or TikTokers — begin building your Personal Learning Network.
I can trace many of my best ideas back to a teacher leader I met on social media or someone I stumbled upon at a conference. Your people are out there — and they’ll keep you inspired, supported, and growing.
Here are a few to get you started: Cult of Pedagogy (Jennifer Gonzalez), Learning in Hand (Tony Vincent), Shake Up Learning (Kasey Bell), and the Cool Cat Teacher (Vicki Davis).
5. Be proud of who you are…but continue to BLOOM
Yes, you’re a real teacher now with lots of fabulous ideas and knowledge.
And yes, you still have so much to learn.
Hold space for both.
The best teachers I know are always refining, reflecting, and reaching. Be proud of what you bring to the classroom — but stay humble enough to listen, observe, and continue learning.
6. You’re on fire…keep your SPARKLE
Right now, you’re full of ideas.
You want to make everything amazing — the bulletin board, the anchor charts, the playlists, the centers. You’re chasing “all the things” and feeling that first-year buzz.
Hold on to that passion.
Just know it’s okay to pause and breathe, too.
You don’t have to do it all today. You don’t have to do it all this year.
Be intentional with your time… take the walk, go on the trip, visit family, and live life.
Focus on what matters (inside and outside of the classroom). Ask for help. Keep your sparkle.
✨ You’ve got this.
You’re part of something big, and I’m so excited you’re here. I hope you fill your pencil box fills up with ideas, tools, laughter, and growth.
And if you ever need a boost? A resource? A fellow spark-chaser? You know where to find me.
