Organizing Tips for Back to School

Back to school is an exciting time for students and teachers, but sometimes getting settled can be a bit overwhelming. Use the resources in this section to get yourself organized and frustration-free!

• Ten Guiding Principles for the Beginning of the Year
• FAQs for the First Days of School
• Top 10 Classroom Organization Tips
• The Ultimate Organized Classroom
• Controlling Disorganization
• More

Back to School resources

Feel like there is so much to do and not enough time to get it done? Use the tools in this section to help make this year your absolute best. From sample organization tips, professional development enrichment activities, or just general advise from other professionals in your field, the possibilities are endless!

• Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran Teachers
• Advice from Veteran Teachers
• Professional Portfolios for Teachers
• Structure of learner-centered classrooms
• More New Teacher Resources

Classroom Arrangement

The physical set up is one of the most important components of your teaching. For one, it is to keep you organized and your classroom environment conducive; for another, students need the best possible environment to thrive in. Use the tips outlined in this section to personalize your classroom.

• Creating an Effective Physical Classroom Environment
• Environmental Interventions
• Classroom Arrangement Checklist
• Room Arrangement
• Seating Arrangements
• Desk Barriers
• Personal Space
• Bulletin Boards
• Top 20 Bulletin Boards

Organizing Classroom Centers

Classroom centers are great engaging spaces for students to pursue higher level inquiry skills and their interests. Use the resources in this section to build comprehensive centers that will be loved by your students throughout the school year.

• The Basics of Centers
• Literacy Centers
• Learning Centers
• Friendship Listening Center

Organizing Lesson Plans

Lesson plans don't have to be as frustrating and time consuming as they are made out to be sometimes. Use these tips and strategies from different professional teachers to improve your lesson planning skills and organization.

• Weekly Plans
• Weekly Lesson Plan Form
• Lesson Planning Advice from Veteran Teachers

Organizing Paperwork

Paperwork is probably the least exciting aspect of teaching, but it is vitally important, so learning to organize it is an essential skill to have as a teacher. Use these tips and strategies to help find ways to make this aspect of your teaching a smooth one!

• Strategies for Effective Document Management
• Portfolios

Time Management Tips

Time in the classroom is an important but sometimes fleeting entity. We are always looking for a little bit more time while we are teaching and to complete all the tasks we need to for the day. Use these grade leveled tips to help make your day more time efficient with your students.

• Too Many Tasks, Not Enough Day
• Classroom Timesaver: ID Numbers
• Class Meetings
• Time Management Tips for Students (Grades K-2)
• Time Management Tips for Students (Grades 3-5)
• Time Management Tips for Students (Grade 6)

Charts & Forms

Use these printable resoruces for various components of your classroom and teacher responsibilites such as a home checklist, gradebooks, and much more!

• Homework Checklist
• Blank Monthly Calendars
• Class List/Grades
• More Classroom Forms

Additional Resources

As teachers, we can never have enough resources on hand. Be sure to look through this section to see if there is anything here that you may need for a rainy day!

• Graphic Organizers
• Customizable Graphic Organizers
• Substitute Teacher Resources
• Popular Classroom Management Resources
• The Art of Teaching
• Open House Resources
• Personalizing the Secondary Classroom