What is one thing you always do during the first week of school that helps set your students up for success?
Dr. Phil Capin: For students in preschool and the elementary grades, I explain why routines matter and explicitly model and have students practice the classroom routines and expectations. Developing strong, consistent routines will enable you and your students to focus on the key academic skills that you intend to teach. Taking a few extra minutes the first week of school to help students become automatic in these routines can make a big difference for the rest of the year. For older students, I would also articulate clear expectations, making clear these routines are not about control as much as they are about setting up systems (e.g., how we start each class, expectations for group work, etc.) so everyone can succeed. However, I would involve older children more in the process and have them practice the routines, but in ways that are respectful of their developmental level.
Stephanie Segretto: As I’m teaching high school virtual classes, I create two videos: a welcome video that lets them get to know me a little bit and get them excited about the new year and a course walkthrough video so they understand how to navigate the course and best practices. I also give them their first course assignment, which is a questionnaire via Google Forms that allows me to get to know their hobbies, music and media preferences, as well as their level of motivation and excitement for the class. I read these very carefully and respond to each student personally, to ensure they know I genuinely care and want to provide them with some concrete feedback to start the year on a solid, positive note. In my responses, I suggest similar musical artists and groups in French based on their current genre preferences with links to the music videos or playlists. I do the same for the service provider for tv and movies they mention (i.e. Netflix, Prime, etc.) with G-PG13 rated shows and movies that I’ve previously vetted. Lastly, I send them a scheduler to set up their first meet-and-greet with me and welcome the caregivers to join. Creating and developing interpersonal relationships has always been important to me and when I was a brick and mortar teacher, I did the questionnaire with them as well.
What advice would you share with new teachers as they begin their first year?
Dr. Phil Capin: I read Harry Wong’s First Days of School before my first year of teaching, and it had a tremendous impact on my teaching. Although there is perhaps less public discussion of classroom management in 2026 than in the past, it remains true that teachers who establish clear expectations and predictable routines, and reinforce these routines with positive feedback, are more likely to develop strong relationships with students and maximize learning. I’d recommend that teachers read Harry Wong’s about classroom management and Anita Archer’s book about explicit instruction.
Stephanie Segretto: Be kind with yourself. No two schools have the same climate, admin or expectations. Admitting you need help with classroom setup, attendance best practices, how to use the copy machine, etc. is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one expects you to know everything right away and in asking for help, you find out that there are some amazing colleagues willing to provide their expertise and likely, friendship. As for students: always be yourself. Let them see you true personality and let your quirks shine (they’ll appreciate you for it). Model the behavior you wish to see and reinforce what is going well to get more of that behavior and reward that behavior with something tangible (K-6 extra recess, a movie day/student choice vote on what to do; 6+ something you know they would appreciate).
K-2 level: have a jar where you put something tangible (i.e. a fishbowl and small, fuzzy, colorful balls) and every time the students follow directions, you notice name and add a ball. “I am so pleased that everyone came to the carpet for Morning Meeting and sat down ready to learn! One more ball towards our Friday Fun Time!”
Grades 3–4: “I noticed that _____ helped put away some of the art supplies from our project without being asked. Thank you, _______, for helping keep our classroom clean. One more ball towards our movie day.”
Grades 5–7: “I’m pleased that this class has been working hard to use their time with their partners productively. That’s 5 more minutes towards our special _____ day.”
Lastly, make sure you set healthy boundaries for yourself: your health (mental and physical) takes precedence and ensures you have the stamina to show up and teach without burning out. Try to walk 30 minutes a day (even if just 15 min morning, 15 min evening), hydrate, prioritize healthy meals, and get adequate sleep. Carve out time for self care, friends and family. The happier and healthier you are, the easier the job. May you have the best year ever!
Featured Educators
Dr. Phil Capin
Assistant Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education | Director of the BRIDGES Lab
Stephanie Segretto
Multilingual and World Language Teacher | Certified Wellness and Nutrition Coach
Kawai Mullen
Principal, Kingdom Christian School | Self-Published Children’s Book Author | Small Business Entrepreneur and Owner of The Sprouting Author
