As another school year kicks off, I’ve been thinking about the things I wish I had known when I started teaching. Over the past ten years in public schools, I’ve made just about every mistake you can make, and have had a lot of success too.
Here are a few back-to-school do's and don'ts I’ve learned.
✅ DO: Take your time setting up your classroom.
Make it feel special, because it is. The details matter. From lighting and posters to where your desk sits, this is your space and your students’ space. The vibe you create sets the tone for everything.
🚫 DON’T: Ask last year’s teachers who the “bad kids” are.
Please don’t. Summer is long. Kids grow. They deserve a fresh start. You have a chance to be fair. Don’t ruin that.
✅ DO: Stock your teacher survival drawer.
Snacks. Candy. Gum. Whatever legally helps you through the rough days, because they’ll come. No one and nothing is going to save you... so be kind to yourself.
🚫 DON’T: Plan your whole semester or quarter in advance.
I get the temptation. But planning every detail sets up an unrealistic version of how you think your students will learn. Be flexible. Wait to meet them before you decide what they’re capable of. They will surprise you—in both directions of your expectations.
✅ DO: Just talk to your students.
The first week? Keep it low pressure. Be human. Ask questions. Listen. The time you spend simply connecting will pay off all year long. Relationships lead to routines and rigor.
🚫 DON’T: Prioritize content over connections.
Most kids don’t care what you're teaching, and they don’t need to. There’s this place called YouTube where you can go and “learn” anything you want. Students will not care about what you are teaching until they know that you care about them.
✅ DO: Have a positive attitude about your school’s changes.
Even if you don’t love the initiative, try to lean into it. Leadership is hard. And if the changes do help, students win. That’s worth showing up with a little grace.
🚫 DON’T: Try to follow everything with perfect fidelity.
This is a human job. Teaching is part science, part art, and definitely part performance. Don’t burn yourself out trying to check every box for anyone who is not doing your job. You know your kids. Trust your judgment. Be open to feedback. But most importantly, just do your best—that will never go unnoticed or unappreciated by your students.
✅ DO: Smile and have fun.
Joy is contagious. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to care and be real.
🚫 DON’T: Stress over what’s out of your control.
There’s more on your plate than ever. Let go of the noise. Focus on what you can do today, with the students in front of you. You are important, and your impact will reach further than you can imagine.
Good luck this year, my fellow teacher friends!!!
What would you add to the list?
I’d love to hear your own do’s and don’ts for back-to-school.