30 Days and Counting: Getting Yourself (and Your Classroom) Ready

Do you hear that? It’s the first day of school. It can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you should be getting done now so you’re not rushed during pre-school week.

1. Organize your summer learning

Did you go to a conference this summer? Read a lot of education books? Do some online learning? Find all of the notes from these experiences and put them in one place that you can refer to during the school year. If that’s online, great. If not, make a folder and bring it with you to the classroom.

2. District office affairs

Do you have any reimbursements that need to be done? Trade days or other professional development days that need to be submitted? Benefits changes? Deal with the district office now before everyone else thinks of it.

3. Read one more book

Pick one more professional development book. You want this to be a good one because it’s the one you will remember the best during the school year.

4. Get your copies done now

For most of us, the forms we hand out during the first week of school don’t really change. Get all of those copies done now so you’re not waiting in line with 20 of your colleagues.

5. Go shopping

Many states have a tax-free holiday for back to school clothes. Use that excuse to update your work wardrobe. It’s better to do it now than during the year, when you realize items don’t work for you anymore while you’re getting ready in the morning.

6. Go shopping (again)

As early as you can, go for your school supply shopping. The goal here is to avoid the crowds (including former students). Or, better yet, shop online!

7. Get back on schedule

That 6:00 am wakeup call on the first day of school will be a rude awakening (pun intended) if you haven’t prepared your body ahead of time. Start on your normal routine at least a week before pre-school week.

What is on your to-do list before school starts?