First Day of School Checklist for Teachers: 43 Must-Do Tasks

Seeking information about how to start the school year for teachers? If so, you’ve landed in the right place.

This first day of school checklist for teachers, which includes procedures and routines, is just what you need to begin the school year well.

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this checklist offers guidance that will make organizing and managing your days smoother.

So use this first day of school checklist for teachers as a guide to prepare well.

Note: Towards the end of this post, you’ll be able to download a PDF copy of this back to school checklist.

First Day of School Checklist for Teachers

Utilize the following information as a first year teacher classroom checklist or as a general first day of school checklist for teachers.

Routines and Procedures

This first day of school procedures checklist includes all the essential routines and tasks to complete during your first day.

If you only have time to focus on one area of this first day of school checklist for teachers, make it this one.

• Write your name clearly on the board. 

• Greet students at the door or morning waiting area.

• Introduce the classroom library along with the process for borrowing books.

• Explain classroom student jobs, and have students apply for a position. 

• Take attendance.

• Perform lunch count. 

• Ask students how they go home at the end of the day, and make note. 

• Review rules, routines, and procedures. 

• Place schedule for the day in a visible location.

• Practice fire drill and emergency procedures.

• Discuss homework expectations.

• Before students arrive in the morning, place morning work packets along with a pencil on each desk. 

• Practice transitioning from one activity/classroom to the next. 

Classroom Organization

• Schedule time for learners to create name desk plates. 

• Take note of how students interact with one another based on the present seating arrangements. Later in the week, make adjustments.

• Help students label and store classroom supplies. 

• Place needed photocopies in a designated spot so that you can easily reach for them during the day.

• Keep a stash of sharpened pencils and paper handy for those who don’t have all of their supplies on the first day. 

Parent Communication

• Send a friendly note or email to parents introducing yourself along with a brief overview of what guardians can expect this school year.

• Email parents a Google Document requesting volunteers for special activities held throughout the school year. Make the process simple by already having the events listed. Guardians sign their respective name next to the event in which they’re interested. 

• Remind students/parents (via note and/or email) to complete and return all required school forms by specified due date. 

Daily Activities

• Do a first day of school scavenger hunt to familiarize students with or review essential areas of the school. 

• Complete a variety of back-to-school activities in order to break the ice. 

• Begin calendar math. 

• Guide students in creating SMART goals.

• Keep a copy of your lesson plan nearby so that you can refer to it during the day as needed. 

• Distribute textbooks.

• Share a couple of back-to-school read alouds.

• Start writer’s workshop with first day of school writing prompts.

• Note students’ birthdays. 

• End the day with a “Park Your Questions/Comments Here” exit slip to collect thoughts about the day. 

After School Tasks

• Adjust seating arrangements as needed.

• Begin completing yearly scope and sequence. 

• Plan for the following week using a simple lesson plan template. 

• Jot down questions that popped up during the day that require further research. 

• Check in with grade-level colleagues to discuss how their day went. Take note of ideas you could implement in your classroom.

• Brainstorm 1 or 2 professional SMART goals.

• Be sure you have students’ family contact information. 

• Verify which students receive special education services.

• Check if any students require ESL/bilingual services.

• Maintain a list of student food allergies and medical conditions as this information is necessary to know when organizing classroom parties and field trips. 

• Log into your email to check for any important notes.

• Start recording anecdotal notes regarding student academics and behavior. 

• Relax at home, and do your best to take your mind off of work.

Q & A: First Day of School Checklist for Teachers

Final Thoughts

This first day of school checklist for teachers aims to reduce the headache that accompanies getting ready for back to school. 

So plan to use it as you plan your successful first day of school.

If you found this first day of school checklist for teachers helpful, see more great resources on our back to school resources page.