Congrats! You got a job! Now what? Get keys to your classroom as quickly as possible. Work around the summer-cleaning schedule in your building and spend as much time as you can becoming comfortable in your new space and getting to know the lay-of-the-land!
When I first started teaching, my wonderful new band colleague shared an article with me by C.J. Maltas called "The ghosts of music teachers past" from Teaching Music. No, this was not about having a haunted classroom. Instead, it talked about how your predecessor can really shape your start in your new position. If you are following a beloved teacher who was there for decades, you will have a certain set of challenges. If you are following a teacher who burned bridges, was uninspired, or left for awkward reasons you will face an entirely different set of challenges. Or maybe you are the 6th choir teacher in 3 years. All of these scenarios should shape, change, and inform how you approach your position. Consider how the context of this job opening will have especially made your students feel, and plan thoughtfully for how to address and manage this as your school year approaches. Info to get from your predecessor (if you can - if you can't ask your new colleagues):
Take all of this information with a grain of salt - keep an open mind and realize you may not agree with your predecessor's ideas. People to reach out to and meet if possible:
Things to do in your classroom:
Source: Maltas, C. J. (2007). Professional notes: The ghosts of music teachers past. Teaching Music, 14(5), 28-31.
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