Classes are starting soon at schools across Connecticut. NEA has compiled a list of articles and resources to help you—whether you’re a new or veteran educator—get ready for the fall semester.
Classroom Setup
Creative Classrooms on a Budget
Take a walk through the elementary, middle, and high school classrooms of three DIY divas for ideas on how to create your own inspiring, efficient, and thrifty space.
Three Tips for a Welcoming Classroom
Is making connections with students on your daily to do list? The most powerful thing we do each day in the classroom is not on a checklist, and it can’t be measured or analyzed.
Classroom Setups
Mastering the art of arrangement can make all the difference in your classroom.
Assessing Your Space
What to consider when planning your classroom setup.
Using a Theme
An elementary school teacher shares advice for decorating a classroom around a theme.
Stocking the Classroom—For Free
Savvy educators’ tips on scoring no-cost classroom resources.
Prepping for the First Week
Create A+ Days That Last all Year! A Back-to-School Guide
Here are some great tips for conducting class, managing your classroom, and making fresh-faced students feel comfortable. Make it an epic year!
8 Ways to Make Students Feel Welcome on the First Day of School
First impressions matter. Here are some suggestions on how to make your classroom safe and welcoming on the first day of school.
How Do You Kick Off a New School Year?
Educators share their strategies to break the ice and get students ready for a new year of learning.
Classroom Survival Kit
NEA members recommend must-have items for the classroom.
Ten Must-Haves for New Teachers
Kick the year off right with the right stuff.
33 Ways to Start the First Year Off Right
A little planning before school begins can pay big dividends throughout the school year.
Stay Positive and Pace Yourself: A Survival Guide for First-Year Teachers
A second-year teacher pays it forward with advice and tips to help new educators.
Classroom Management
Back to School Means Back to Work
This tip can help you set an important classroom precedent right off the bat.
Educator’s Survival Guide
The go-to source for safely surviving common classroom conundrums
Setting Up Rules and Routines
Ways to keep things running smoothly so you have more time to teach.
Discipline Tips from Drama Teachers
Your classroom is your stage. Use it to command attention and respect from students.
Strategies for Better Bus Behavior
How one savvy driver turns her troublemakers into helpers.
Management Tips for New Teachers
Learn how to bring order to the classroom, establish a positive climate, and reach your students.
Getting to Know Each Other
Aids and activities to help teachers and students learn about each other in the busy first days of school.
Why Middle School Students Can’t Stop Talking
And how you can accommodate them to keep things running.
Classroom Disruptors
What to do about out-of-control kids? Your colleagues share their strategies.
Breaking Up Fights
Basic techniques for school personnel.
Social Skills Kids Need to Succeed
Why we should teach manners and etiquette in school.
Working with Parents
Parents’ Handbook
Getting to know your students is just part of the back-to-school agenda. This tip can help you start the year off right with PARENTS, too!
Dealing With Helicopter Parents
If parents hover too close for your comfort, Mr. Greenfield has some critical advice to help everyone have a smooth flight.
10 Ideas for Engaging Parents
Educators share their best ideas for communicating and partnering with parents.
Meet the Parents
Forge a strong partnership with parents by meeting them on their own turf.
Using Technology to Connect With Parents
From a new app to good old-fashioned email, here’s how some expert teachers are partnering with parents.
Welcoming EL Parents into the Classroom
Having trouble engaging your EL parents? Just follow along for our teacher-tested strategies.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Preparing for and conducting successful conferences.
The Overzealous Parent
Strategies for working with helicopter parents.
Bringing Parents in the Picture
Building partnerships that last beyond back-to-school night.
Dealing with Irate Parents
What to do when Mom and Dad are furious over Ashley’s failing grade? Advice from your colleagues.
Year-Long Support
In First Year of Teaching, Acting More, Reacting Less, Can Reduce Anxiety
If this school year is your first as a new educator, and you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Exhaustion and stress will be a struggle, but there are steps you can take to survive your rookie year.
Six Ways to Avoid Social Media Landmines
Students, their families, and social media: what is appropriate? How do we professionally communicate without torturing ourselves over every Tweet, update, or Instagram pic? Easy! Try these six tips to share sensibly online.
STRESS!
Part of your job is to stay healthy and sane. For the sake of your health and your students’ performance, here are some steps to reduce stress
Works4Me
Practical classroom tips written by teachers, for teachers. Browse online, search for a specific topic, or sign-up for a weekly email and have the best tips delivered to your inbox.
NEA EDCommunities
ED Communitiesis a place where teachers, parents, school support professionals, and community members share ideas and resources to improve student success. The Professional Practice Communities is the perfect way to connect with colleagues on topics that range from math, science, and gifted to 21st Century skills, Common Core, Bullying, and Education Support Professionals. Join one of the established groups or start your own. It is free and open to all!
Keeping a Sense of Humor
FA Beginner’s Guide To Teaching
The three-minute lunch and 9 other tips you didn’t learn in college.
Um, You, Over There … is that Megan or Margaret?
A veteran educator struggles to remember students’ names.
