Back-to-School Tips for K-12 Educators
Welcome to the 2019-20 School Year!
Whether you’re preparing for students to return or already a few weeks into instruction, this is an exciting and busy time. At Catapult Learning, we support over 300,000 students through 500 district partners nationwide each year. Here are some back-to-school tips from our educators:
Welcome Educators, Students, and Visitors
Set the tone for an open, friendly, and accepting school culture early in the year:
- Greet teachers, staff, students, and parents each morning as they enter the school.
- Stand in the halls during transitions and engage with students during lunch breaks.
- Learn student names and make yourself a familiar, approachable presence in the school community.
Build Rapport and Trust
Establish strong relationships with teachers and students by:
- Visiting classrooms regularly during instruction or independent work time.
- Talking to students about their learning goals, strengths, and challenges.
- Following up on your conversations to show genuine interest and support.
- Offering hands-on help to teachers when needed to build trust and demonstrate appreciation.
Make Time to Debrief with School Leadership
Collaborate with leadership teams to address challenges and celebrate successes:
- Hold regular meetings to discuss challenges, share ideas, and track progress on solutions.
- Gather feedback and adjust strategies as needed.
- Celebrate successes within the team to foster a positive, solution-oriented culture.
Attend Faculty Meetings and Engage with Teachers
Position yourself as a supportive resource by:
- Attending faculty meetings and engaging with teachers, principals, and staff.
- Expressing appreciation for their role as the frontline to students and connection to parents.
- Demonstrating your availability to help and support their efforts.
Summary
Establish your presence and supportive intentions early in the school year. Position yourself as a partner to educators and create an environment for academic and professional growth. Wishing you a fantastic school year ahead!
