Making the Most of Preservice - Five Actions for New Teachers

In the next few weeks, teachers will be returning to their school buildings for preservice days. This valuable prep time goes by in the blink of an eye, for new teachers in particular. There is so much to do, and for anyone who has never experienced the demands of this job, it can be difficult to know what to prioritize. By narrowing the focus to just five important actions, new teachers will feel more ready to face what lies ahead, provided they also bear in mind that the first year is usually tumultuous to some degree. 

Build Relationships—and Not Just With Students

It’s tempting to focus our energy solely on students—after all, they’re why many of us chose this profession. However, preservice week is about laying the groundwork for every relationship in the building, starting with colleagues. It’s important to get to know grade-level or content-area teams. These individuals will be a key source of insider tips, support, and, inevitably, a few will become the go-to people we turn to in times of stress.

In the weeks that follow, it also helps to try and connect with instructional leaders and school counselors whose expertise will be essential in navigating students’ academic and social-emotional challenges. Finally, cultivate a friendly rapport with custodial and administrative staff: their support can make the difference between a smooth or stressful classroom experience.

Where possible, it’s also helpful to keep an eye out for subtle interpersonal cues during preservice week. Who gathers in the staff lounge for coffee? Who helps others move desks or other furniture? These are the informal influencers of school culture, not to mention potential friends. Being visible, approachable, and respectful during the first days goes a long way toward establishing yourself as a collaborative, positive member of the community.

Know the Environment—Physically and Socially

Classroom teaching is as much about place as it is about pedagogy. Take time to explore the school layout: locate classrooms, common spaces, restrooms, the nurse’s office, and fire exits. Identify where students will travel during the day to anticipate logistical issues. Become familiar with the copier room (and its quirks), supply closets, and tech support resources. Nothing can be more flustering than searching for a working printer moments before first period or on the evening of Back to School Night.

Equally important is understanding a school’s social environment. If time allows, look over the student handbook and code of conduct—what are the procedures for bathroom breaks, lunch, and hallway transitions? What is the protocol for late arrivals, illness, or discipline referrals? Ask veteran teachers for tips about routines that aren’t in writing, like the best times to approach administrators or the process for reserving shared spaces.

Preservice week is certainly the time to set up any classroom space, but before arranging desks or hanging decorations, consider sightlines, traffic flow, and accessibility. Where will students pick up and drop off materials? How will group work and independent study spaces be laid out and managed? Ask for feedback from colleagues familiar with the building’s challenges; sometimes, simple changes—like moving the pencil sharpener—can be transformative.

Be Prepared

While new teachers often receive curriculum guides and even some basic training during the summer months, it takes time to make sense of them in the context of students and school or district expectations. It is usually helpful to begin by reviewing essential content standards. What must students know and be able to do by the end of the year? With differentiation in mind, think about noting where scaffolding and enrichment may be necessary. It is also crucial to consult experienced teachers for actual artifacts: lesson plans, student work samples, formative assessments, and yearly calendars. 

Preservice week may also include professional learning in schoolwide initiatives; engage fully, even if the sessions seem repetitive. Take notes, ask questions about implementation, and gather materials for later use. Explore available technology—be it interactive whiteboards, student tablets, or learning management systems. When teaching with new platforms that feel intimidating, request demonstrations and hands-on time now so the first week with students isn’t a trial-by-fire.

While it seems like a minor step, it is also important to inventory classroom supplies and request any missing items or repairs immediately. From books to pencil erasers, knowing what resources are available and what might still be needed avoids last-minute scrambles and sets a tone of preparedness.

Plan for Routines and Procedures

Preservice week is a perfect moment to envision how the classroom should be structured. Every seasoned teacher knows that routines—how students enter the room, transition between activities, manage materials, and communicate—can make or break the school year. Before the first day, sketch out procedures for attendance, turning in work, sharpening pencils, and asking for help. Think ahead to how to handle disruptions, emergencies, and technology issues.

If all that seems overwhelming, it might feel more doable to focus on a few high-impact routines and get feedback from mentors and teammates to ensure that any procedures align with schoolwide expectations so students aren’t confused by differences between classrooms. Develop a system for communicating routines to students—visual cues, posters, and consistent language are helpful. Plan how to teach, model, and practice routines—don’t assume students will “just know” what to do. Establishing firm, fair, and consistent boundaries from the start is essential for creating a safe, respectful learning environment.

Invest in Self-Care and Sustainability

New teachers are often so focused on learning the ropes that they forget the most crucial classroom resource: themselves. Preservice week is the perfect time to establish self-care habits and boundaries that will last through a challenging year.

Before the year starts, it’s important to figure out what might be helpful in the realm of wellness. Can you commit to a regular exercise routine, daily journaling, or weekly check-ins with a friend? Is it possible to make time for personal breaks during hectic school days? What kinds of snacks or meals would be sustaining and not too difficult to pack so that you’re not running on fumes by late morning? Furthermore, after-hours boundaries are important to establish. While it may be tempting to grade papers late into the night, burnout is a real threat. Everyone needs to give themselves permission to say no to extra commitments.

As a final wellness move, remember that mistakes are learning opportunities. Every teacher, regardless of experience, faces challenges and setbacks. Embrace a growth mindset: seek feedback, reflect on successes and failures, and acknowledge that becoming an expert takes time. The relationships and routines you establish now will help you weather the inevitable storms of the first year.

Preservice week is not just a prologue—it’s an invaluable chapter in everyone’s teaching journey. By prioritizing relationships, understanding the school environment, internalizing the curriculum, planning for routines, and committing to self-care, new teachers can build a foundation for achievement and resilience. 

Written by Miriam Plotinsky, Education World Contributing Writer

Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught and led for more than 20 years. She is the author of several education books (both out and forthcoming) with W.W. Norton, ASCD and Solution Tree. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. She can be reached at www.miriamplotinsky.com.

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