Tips for a Successful Start to the School Year
Back-to-school ads have a similar theme: children sadly returning to school while their parents celebrate. One retailer even uses a popular holiday song to call back-to-school time “the most wonderful time of the year” for parents. With some planning and preparation, it can be a wonderful time for students and teachers too.
The team at Opportunity Education, along with teachers from our Quest Forward High Schools, shared their tips for getting the school year off to a great start. Here are some of our favorites:
Blanca Ojeda, QFHS Spanish Teacher: Everyone is overwhelmed at first. It will pass. Find ways to incorporate self-care into your day to help you relax and decompress.
Shannon Carey, Opportunity Education: Take advantage of easy-to-use resources. Our 2024 Teacher Toolkit includes links to free resources that promote active learning and student-driven learning, as well as professional development resources that help your team promote engagement, sharpen their lesson planning skills, and create effective feedback loops.
Chris Heiman, QFHS Science Teacher: There are always hiccups during the school year, especially in the first few weeks. Focusing on the things that YOU can control makes it easier to manage these situations.
Jess Haughton, Opportunity Education: Set aside time to reflect on your experiences with students. What strategies worked well? How did your students respond? Regular reflection can guide you in refining your classroom routines, improving materials and strengthening your teaching practice. (Download our reflection frameworks for effective feedback or active learning.)
Gabrielle Zeger, QFHS English and Art Teacher: Manage your expectations of yourself and your students. Everyone is starting a brand new year. I like to create a nightly routine to set myself up for a great next school day.
Avery Troester, QFHS Social Studies Teacher: Don’t be afraid to bring something new to your classroom! (Try some of our active learning and engagement resources for some new ideas.)
Matt Moore, QFHS Humanities Teacher: Be especially welcoming to new students in your school as well as freshmen. Students have a better attitude towards learning when they feel secure.
Elizabeth Lehnertz, Opportunity Education: Early in my career, I started each school year with an ambitious list of ideas — many fizzled out by early October because it was too much! Identify one thing you can commit to, such as building student relationships or incorporating student feedback, and focus on that.
You know yourself and your teaching style better than anyone. As you return to school, incorporate the resources and programs that work best for you and your students. And don’t be afraid to try something new!