How To Feel Comfortable In A New School

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Whether you’re a new teacher or an established educator who is new to a district, it takes time to feel comfortable working in a new school.  Whether your first day is in September, December, or April, adjusting to a new school is challenging.  Whether you are 22 or 46, feeling relaxed in a new school takes effort.  You have to learn the inner workings and the various procedures, the building’s layout (including evacuation routes!), and who’s who, amongst a myriad of other odds and ends. 

 

My previous post, Eight Questions All New Teachers Must Ask, covers the school’s inner workings.  This post will focus on learning the building’s layout and who’s who. 

 

Prior to your first day, it is necessary to visit your new school to set up your classroom and take an inventory of any supplies you may need (that was probably obvious, but it was just a friendly reminder!).  Also, rehearse locking and unlocking your classroom door from the inside and the outside.  Naturally, the handles with push-button locks should not have issues, but the ones requiring a key can be finicky, especially if old.  In the event of a safety drill, or an emergency, you must be certain that you can lock your door with ease. 

 

Additionally, you should practice using the intercom or inter-building telephone that is in your classroom.  Simply let the staff in the main office know that you’d like to test the device, and they will surely be happy to help.  It is important that you know how to properly use the communication system for two reasons: to summon help in an urgent situation and to prevent embarrassment in front of your students. 

 

Sticking with the topic of technology, you may also want to test the electronic devices in your classroom, such as your desktop computer, the Chromebooks, and the Smart board.  Make sure that the devices are functioning properly and that you know how to use them. 

Classroom

After all of the classroom-related tasks are completed, it is time for exploration.    

 

Wander around the building to familiarize yourself with its layout.  Be sure to check out all floors to find where these rooms are located: nurse’s office, library/media center, faculty bathroom, teacher’s lounge, guidance office, art room, music room, computer lab, cafeteria, gym, and auditorium.  Tip: once you find the media center (or wherever the printer and copier are located), make copies of any paperwork you will need for your first week of school – you will be so glad you did!

 

As you continue on your stroll, look for exit signs and posters mounted on the walls with evacuation routes.  Also, take notice of where other grade-level and subject-matter teachers matching your area of expertise have their classrooms.  These soon-to-be coworkers will likely be helpful resources.    

 

Additionally, take the initiative to seek out staff members so that you can introduce yourself.  The staff includes fellow teachers, office personnel, custodians, guidance counselors, case managers, nurse, librarian, etc.  If you have not yet met with the principal and/or assistant principal in-person (which is a possibility during this time of virtual interviews for health and safety reasons), it is vital that you introduce yourself.  A brief introduction and an exchange of pleasantries with those in charge will assure them that hiring you was a wise choice. 

 

Taking the initiative to approach your colleagues shows that you are friendly and excited to join the team.  These people will be likely to assist you when concerns arise because they have a good first impression of you.  Also, you may be lucky enough to have someone offer to take you on a tour of the building and share nuances about the school that you otherwise would not know.  

 

Completing all of these pre-first day activities will certainly fill you with a sense of confidence (and relief) when your first day arrives. 

 

Best of luck on your first day, whenever that day falls in the calendar year! 

 

Please visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store to purchase a variety of resources for all grades and subjects!

 

Peace.  Love.  Reading & Writing.


💗 Miss M


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