Many of you are getting ready to start (or have already started) your first teaching assignment. Welcome to the profession! Now that you’re on your own, you may have lots of questions in your first month or two.
During the last few years, the Ms. Mentor blog addressed questions from both new and experienced teachers, and many other teachers offered their suggestions as comments. Here are a few that may be helpful to you at the beginning of the year:

• Getting (and staying) organized is a challenge for all of us. Here are some suggestions for organizing unit plans, lesson plans, and other resources.

• Before you start your first lab activity, make lab safety your highest priority.

• Classroom seating arrangements can help establish routines for your lab or classroom. Think outside of traditional rows with these ideas.

• “Decorating” the classroom can be a time-consuming task. Displaying science on classroom bulletin boards has ideas for making your classroom an inviting and student-centered place in which to learn and explore science topics.

• You certainly aren’t planning on being sick, but new teachers are not yet immune to classroom germs. Having plans for substitutes can help you rest at home.

• And it’s never too early to think about back-to-school nights or open houses when you get to meet the parents.

Best wishes for a great year!
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kacey3/1263403799/