Before the First Day:

Review class list to confirm how many students are expected in the course.

Make note of conflicts after reviewing the school agenda.

Go over school/division policies on electronics.

Designate an area at the front of the class to display assignments and important announcements.

Designate an area in the class for students to submit their completed assignments.

Designate an area in the class to store notes from previous classes, in the event students miss a class and are missing notes.

Experiment with the class technology if applicable (Computer, Document Camera, SmartBoard).

Review safety procedures and protocols for the classroom.

Locate any first aid in the classroom if applicable.

Review a map of the school, and take a walk to familiarize yourself with where everything/everyone is located.

Meet and introduce yourself to colleagues, custodians, librarians, aids, and administration staff.

Take note of prep periods and quiet spaces within your department.

On the First day:

Write your name in big letters on the board.

Introduce yourself to students as they enter the room.

Introduce students to any TA’s in the room, and acknowledge the support staff around the building for the students to be aware of; secretaries, custodians, librarians, etc.

Break the ice with a personal story about your background/teaching/hobbies etc.

Take attendance, and ask students to share a fact about themselves, and ask them to ask you a question also.

Give students a tour of the room and its features; areas for submitted assignments, notes from previous classes, pencil sharpeners, etc.

Go over all safety procedures and fire exits with the class.

Establish ground rules for the room and the course (see classroom management)

Establish classroom policies, such as food in the room/lab, cell/smartphones, music/headphones, etc.

Maintain an open-door policy for the entirety of the day.