Know What is Required

As we approach the end of the school year, there are many things that will be required to wrap up the year. As I hear the newer teachers ask questions about what all they need to do, it gets me to thinking about my first year as a teacher. There were so many logistics that I had no idea needed to be completed, both at the start of the year and at the end of the year. If I hadn’t had an amazing mentor, thanks Teresa, I would have been so very lost. So, for all of you who are first year teachers, for those who are in a new school/district, and for any who will be heading to a new school/district, I say, “Know what is required.”

Let’s look at the beginning of the year to start with. Does your school or district require a specific number of hours in building before school starts? Make sure you are meeting the requirements that your district has for the start of the year classes and meetings. Also, how many professional development hours does your school or district require? This may not be the same as your licensing requirements, and there may be different dates of completion. Make sure you ask about these. Some schools and districts have a specific procedure for receiving credit for continuing education hours, like another degree or college credit. Check what, if any, these requirements are.

During the school year, there are also going to be things that you may not be aware of coming into the district. Does your school or district have evening events that you will be required to attend, like Open House, Learning Night, Fun Night, etc.? How does your school/district handle parent/teacher conferences? Will you need to help staff sporting events? These are all things you need to be aware of as you plan your year. It is far better to be aware of any commitments you will have before you have to cancel other plans.

At the end of the year, there are so many things to take into consideration. Check with your custodian on how they want your room prepared for summer cleaning. Make sure you know whether you will be allowed access to your room during the summer, or whether you will need to take all personal items with you at the end of the year. Check with your secretary on any procedures they need you to complete for them, such as ordering supplies, or paperwork for the student’s files. Ask other teachers what a typical end of the year looks like so that you are prepared ahead of time for any tasks you must complete.

Each school and district has their own way of doing things when it comes to procedures and required tasks. The most important thing you can do is ask questions. Make sure you know what will be required of you each step of the way. I know the last couple of years have been different with our unique world situation. (Thanks to a disease which does not need to be named. ) Even through these challenging years, the best tool you have is questions. Ask questions and seek answers. That way, you know what you need to be doing to make your year great.