Must-Have Back to School Checklist for Teachers

Must-Have Back to School Checklist for Teachers

School Checklists
100 Items
Comprehensive back-to-school preparation checklist for teachers covering classroom setup, organization, lesson planning, and student engagement.

Complete Teacher Back-to-School Guide

This comprehensive back-to-school checklist provides teachers with a systematic approach to preparing for the new academic year. The preparation process covers classroom setup and environment design, administrative and organizational systems, supplies and materials management, routines and classroom management strategies, lesson planning and curriculum preparation, parent and family communication, technology and digital tools integration, assessment and progress monitoring, first week launch activities, and teacher well-being and professional preparedness. Use this checklist to create an organized, engaging classroom environment, establish effective teaching systems, build positive relationships with students and families, and ensure a successful start to the academic year.

1. Classroom Setup & Environment

1Arrange desks/tables and seating layout for flow, visibility, group work, and transitions.
2Set up teacher station (desk, supplies, tech) so it's functional and accessible.
3Arrange "learning zones" (reading corner, small-group area, independent work area).
4Label furniture, shelves, bins, cubbies, and supply containers.
5Post the daily schedule, classroom rules, routines, and class expectations visibly.
6Create bulletin boards / display walls for student work, calendars, anchor charts.
7Organize classroom library: categorize, label, and make easily accessible books.
8Ensure lighting, ventilation, temperature, and seating comfort are appropriate.
9Test and arrange power outlets, extension cords, charging stations, and tech access.
10Leave "flex space" for extra activities or to rearrange as you get to know your students.

2. Admin & Organizational Systems

1Prepare your class roster, seating charts, and student information sheets.
2Create and file a substitute teacher folder with lesson plans, class routines, and emergency info.
3Set up a filing system (digital and/or paper) for assessments, student work, and records.
4Decide on a grade book or digital grade-tracking system and configure it.
5Prepare master copies of recurring forms (permission slips, absence notes, etc.).
6Create a long-term calendar (holidays, assessments, school events) and share it.
7Maintain a contacts list (administration, custodians, tech support, nurses).
8Gather and review school policies, handbooks, and procedural guides.
9Backup your digital files (lesson plans, grade sheets, resources) to cloud or external drive.
10Plan how to communicate late work, make-up work, missing assignments, etc.

3. Supplies & Materials

1Inventory existing classroom supplies (pens, pencils, markers, paper, glue, scissors).
2Order or restock consumables (tissues, hand sanitizer, wipes, staples).
3Prepare name tags, desk plates, and student labels.
4Organize manipulatives, math kits, science supplies, and art materials.
5Prepare student supply kits (what students must bring vs what you'll provide).
6Pre-cut, punch, laminate, or prepare materials that will need prep in the first weeks.
7Label and organize storage bins, trays, and containers.
8Gather extra materials for students who forget or lose theirs.
9Place "emergency supply kits" in each area (scissors, markers, paper, etc.).
10Inventory technology supplies (chargers, cables, adapters, batteries) and extras.

4. Routines, Procedures & Classroom Management

1Define and post class rules, consequences, and reward systems.
2Plan routines for entering/exiting, transitions, lining up, bathroom breaks, etc.
3Create systems for students to submit classwork, homework, and return materials.
4Plan how to handle missing assignments, late work, and make-up work.
5Develop routines for independent work, group work, partner work, and centers.
6Teach procedures for use of supplies, materials, classroom tech, and movement.
7Plan how to manage classroom jobs or responsibilities (rotating roles).
8Plan signals for attention (e.g. call & response, hand signals, timers).
9Prepare a plan for managing behavior issues or disruptions.
10Design rehearsal opportunities in first week to practice these routines.

5. Lesson Planning & Curriculum Prep

1Review curriculum maps, pacing guides, and scope & sequence documents.
2Map out first quarter / first month's units and essential standards.
3Create or gather first-week lesson plans (icebreakers, introductions, diagnostic tasks).
4Develop a "getting to know you / baseline assessment" plan for students.
5Identify key resources, textbooks, and digital tools you will use.
6Prepare differentiated extension or remediation materials.
7Plan formative assessments and check-ins to monitor student understanding.
8Align lessons with standards, objectives, and assessments.
9Prepare backup / early finisher activities.
10Gather or create anchor charts, visuals, and reference materials.

6. Parent & Family Communication

1Write a welcome letter or email to families introducing yourself and the class.
2Prepare a syllabus or class overview for the year (expectations, policies, grading).
3Set up communication channels (email, class app, website, newsletter).
4Plan a Meet-the-Teacher night or virtual parent meeting.
5Prepare permission slips, emergency contact forms, and student info forms.
6Create a system to log parent communication (calls, emails, conferences).
7Send home class rules, procedures, and expectations to parents.
8Share important dates and calendar with families.
9Provide guidance to families on how they can support learning at home.
10Formulate a plan for handling parent concerns or conflicts professionally.

7. Technology & Digital Tools

1Test all classroom computers, tablets, projectors, interactive whiteboards, etc.
2Log in to learning management systems (LMS) or classroom platforms and set them up.
3Upload or link required digital curriculum, apps, or online resources.
4Create student accounts or access for needed software/tools.
5Back up digital materials and set up file organization online.
6Prepare tutorials or instructions for students showing how to use tech tools.
7Check WiFi connectivity, bandwidth, and network reliability in the class.
8Secure proper adapters, cables, and chargers.
9Plan how tech will be integrated into lessons—tools, expectations, rules of use.
10Establish protocols for tech trouble, missing devices, or device misuse.

8. Assessment & Progress Monitoring

1Select or adapt pre-assessments or baseline tests for each subject area.
2Create or prepare rubrics and scoring guides.
3Plan schedule for formative assessments and benchmarks.
4Design tracking sheets, data walls, or dashboards for student progress.
5Prepare tools for self-assessment, reflection, or student goal-setting.
6Make grouping plans for instruction based on assessment data.
7Decide how to collect, analyze, and act on assessment data.
8Plan parent/ conference reporting structure for assessments.
9Reserve time weekly to review data, reflect on instruction, and adjust.
10Create systems to document growth over time (portfolios, journals, samples).

9. First Week / Launch Activities

1Icebreaker games and "get-to-know-you" activities for students.
2Classroom norms discussion and co-creating expectations with students.
3Tour the classroom and explain zones, routines, and materials.
4Practice classroom procedures (entering, transitions, lining up).
5Introduce and practice technology, supply access, and classroom systems.
6Conduct baseline or diagnostic tasks for curricular areas.
7Model and allow practice of independent work routines.
8Start building class culture via community-building or team tasks.
9Introduce upcoming content and link to students' prior knowledge.
10Gather initial feedback or reflections from students about first days.

10. Teacher Well-being & Professional Preparedness

1Build a realistic schedule including planning time, breaks, and self-care.
2Set boundaries for work hours, communication, and personal time.
3Prepare and stock your own teacher toolkit (snacks, water, first-aid).
4Identify a mentor, support colleague, or professional learning community.
5Reflect on goals for the year—professional growth, instructional goals, etc.
6Schedule check-ins or "reset moments" to monitor stress and workload.
7Plan routines to organize your planning, grading, and admin tasks.
8Prepare strategies to manage overwhelm (brain breaks, mindfulness, etc.).
9Keep motivational or inspirational reminders (quotes, pictures, student notes).
10Anticipate challenges (behavior, workload, tech issues) and pre-plan responses.
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