Dear Teacher: Here’s What You Really Need to Hear Right Now

Dear First Week Teacher,

Whether this is your first year in the classroom or your fifteenth, I want you to take a deep breath with me right now. In through your nose. Out through your mouth.

You’ve made it to the start of a brand-new school year. The classroom is prepped, your lesson plans are outlined, and your teacher bag is probably way too heavy. There’s so much pressure to start strong, set expectations, build relationships, and get kids excited about learning right now.

But before the bells start ringing and the roster names become real students, here’s what I need you to remember:

💛 Every student deserves a fresh start.

You might hear whispers in the teacher’s lounge or see a side-eye when a familiar name pops up on your class list. “Oh, you’ve got him?” “Good luck with her.” It’s easy to take someone else’s experience and run with it.

But here’s the truth: students grow. They change. And even if they had a tough year last year, they may just need a new environment, a different energy, or you — a teacher who sees them through fresh eyes.

Instead of avoiding the “tough kids,” lean in. Pay a little extra attention. Greet them by name. Offer grace first. Sometimes, all they really need is someone who believes in them.

🎨 It’s okay to decorate your high school classroom.

No, your classroom doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest-perfect wonderland — unless that’s your jam. But it is okay to make your space feel warm, safe, and even a little magical. High schoolers might pretend they don’t care, but they notice when you create an environment that feels like you want to be there.

And here’s the kicker: when you’re excited to walk into your room, your students feel it too. So go ahead — hang those fairy lights, slap up some bold bulletin boards, and throw in a few fun touches. This is your space, too.

👗 Dress boldly, teach boldly.

You do not have to wear khaki pants and a polo shirt every day unless that’s what makes you feel confident. If you love a colorful blazer, rock it. If sneakers are your thing, lace them up. If earrings the size of your head bring you joy, wear them proudly.

Your students are watching someone model what it looks like to show up authentically — and that’s powerful.

💬 Social-Emotional Learning comes first — always.

Before the content, before the test prep, before the pacing guide… comes connection.

Your students will remember how you made them feel long before they remember what you taught them in Unit 3. Make time for daily check-ins. Create space for honest conversation. Build trust early, and learning will follow.

And remember: kids who are navigating trauma, anxiety, or daily stressors will need more than just a seat and a syllabus. They need a soft place to land.

📞 Reach out to parents of students with exceptionalities early.

One of the most impactful things I do in the first week is call the parents or guardians of my students who have accommodations. I introduce myself, let them know I see their child, and ask one simple question:

“What has worked well in the past to support them?”

That five-minute phone call sets the tone for partnership. It also helps me support that student more intentionally from day one.

I log every one of those conversations in my documentation binder — alongside their IEP goals, small group notes, and behavior observations — so I have everything in one place when I need it most.

🎲 It’s okay to play before you dive into the content.

Fun isn’t fluff. Laughter builds trust. Games build community. You can lay the foundation for a productive year and start with joy.

Team-building activities, icebreakers, station rotations, and interactive simulations let students ease into your expectations while forming the relationships that will carry them through harder days.

Don’t rush to prove your rigor. You’ll get there. The first week is about setting the tone.

😬 “No Smile Until December” is a lie.

Let me say it louder for the new teachers in the back: you do not need to be a stone-faced disciplinarian to earn respect.

Building relationships doesn’t weaken your authority — it strengthens your impact. You can be both structured and warm. You can smile, joke, laugh, and still run a classroom full of high expectations and mutual respect.

You don’t have to wait until December to show them you care.

✨ You’ve got this.

No matter what pressure you’re feeling — to perform, to have it all figured out, to be Pinterest-perfect — I promise you, your presence, your heart, and your willingness to keep showing up are more than enough.

Every day won’t be perfect. But every day is a chance to show students what it means to care.

You’re already doing amazing.

With love,

Mrs. Richie

High School Teacher. Mom. Chaos Coordinator.

P.S. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed with how to track it all — small groups, SEL check-ins, parent calls, behavior notes — I get it. That’s why I created my own editable High School Documentation Binder. It helps me stay organized without losing my mind, and it’s saved me hours (and stress) throughout the school year.

You can check it out right here. 💛