Although getting your first job is extremely exciting, it can be overwhelming. Here are some pointers to give you a head start on things to think about and prepare with regard to your new position.
If possible, go into your classroom or teaching area at least a week or two before the first day of school. Familiarize yourself with your room and observe the space in which you will work. Decide if you want to move things around or keep them where they are-you may not have much of a choice. Organize things so you will be comfortable in your teaching area. After all, you will be there many hours.
Cleaning. Bring cleaning supplies or get them from the janitor's room. Custodial staff probably won't dust for you, but they will clean the floor, the chalkboard, and remove the trash. Go through closets and cabinets and determine what you want to keep. You may have to store what you won't use; ask if there is any additional storage space or if some items can be thrown away. If you see something and you're not sure whether to keep or toss it, ask a colleague or a member of the office staff.
Books. Go through the books to see what you might use as a resource. You may not find anything useful, or you may find a textbook series you would like to use as part of the curriculum. The most frequently used books should be the most accessible.
Instruments. Find a convenient storage area for general music instruments you might use in classes. Take inventory. If you are also a band or orchestra director, this will be a bigger job. Clean the instruments, especially mouthpieces, using disinfecting solution or soap and hot water.
Chairs and Stands. Make sure you have at least enough to match your enrollment, plus a few extra. Determine ahead of time how you want your ensemble set up, so you can do it quickly the day before school begins, and enlist the help of some students. You should, however, go through the titles so you know what is there.
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