No matter how the initial contact between you and the school or college is made, always remember that first impressions matter.
Take the initiative to introduce your self, and be pleasant, courteous and friendly to everyone you come into contact with. It's worth noting that not only may schools and colleges provide references for you in the future, but they also frequently employ students who have completed successful placements with them. It's therefore in your best interests to make a good impression at all times.
What not to wear
The best advice is to dress conservatively on the first day and observe what other colleagues are wearing. Some schools have unwritten rules on hairstyles, make-up, jewellery, the wearing of denim, etc, so it's probably best to ask your mentor in advance if you are unsure about something you wish to wear. Whether or not you agree with the school or college rules on standards of appearance, it could create unnecessary problems for you if you do not conform.
It is essential that you are familiar with the school/college's emergency procedures
Aim to familiarise yourself as much as you can on your first day with the layout of the school or college it's always good to find the staff room, kettle and toilets as soon as possible! You will also need to know the timings and routine of the school or college day, eg lesson times, playground duty, etc. Be sure to find out how and where you can secure your personal belongings. You should be given a locker, lockable drawer or secure area in the staff room.
It is essential that you are familiar with the school/college's emergency procedures (what to do in case of fire and where the fire exits are, the first-aid procedure, etc). You should also establish the protocol for matter s such as reporting sickness and leaving the school or college premises during the working day.
Your first few weeks
- You may like to consider some of the following ideas to help you through your first few weeks.
- Give yourself a few key goals for the first week. For example, you won't learn all the students' names, but you could aim to cement a handful in your mind each day.
- Take time to read through the records your school or college has on each student you teach. Ask relevant pastoral heads if there is anything specific you should know about your students for example, any medical conditions they may have, their previous national curriculum levels reached and any special educational needs (SEN) you should be aware of.
- Make a point of introducing yourself to the non-teaching staff: they will invariably come to your rescue at some stage of the new term!
- Make a note of anything that crops up over the first few days that you need to get clarified. Hopefully your mentor or the headteacher/principal will be available to go through these with you later on. Individual school or college policies should cover most questions so it is worth spending some time each day familiarising yourself with these. Look out in particular for policies on teaching the gifted and talented, discipline, teaching and learning, and assessment.
Download ATL's publication, Induction: making it work for you, full of further advice on how to get the most out of your first year in teaching.
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