The Present Teacher Blog

When I became a first-year teacher, I did what so many teachers do.

I started with the fun stuff.

My classroom had a travel theme.

I spent weeks creating decorations.

Bulletin boards.

Labels.

Cu...

Some of my favorite teaching memories didn't happen inside a classroom.

They happened in Cancun.

At a lake cabin in Idaho.

Over coffee with friends.

Curled up on the couch reading an entire book s...

If I asked you to describe yourself as a teacher, how much of your answer would come from last year?

Maybe you'd say you struggled with classroom management.

Maybe you'd remember the observation tha...

With back to school fast approaching, it's easy to feel like you're behind.

You look at your classroom.

You look at your to-do list.

You look at the calendar.

And suddenly it feels like there aren...

The first day of school is right around the corner.

Your classroom is set up. The name tags are in place. The supply bins are color-coded, and everything looks picture perfect.

But there’s a questio...

Will Your First Day of School Be Smooth — or Stressful?

You’ve been dreaming of the moment you finally get the keys to your very own classroom.

You’ve imagined it over and over: Students walk in qui...

How to Design a Distraction-Free Classroom That Actually Works

You’ve taught before—or maybe you’re entering your second or third year—and you’ve realized something big:

While creating a cute, theme...

Are you a first-year teacher wondering how to actually prepare over the summer? You're not alone.

When I was getting ready for my first school year, I spent hours on Pinterest researching classroom t...

When I was a first-year teacher, I was terrified of Back to School Night.

I spent hours wondering:

• What will families think of me?

• What if I forget something important?

• Will I make a g

  ...

I’ll never forget my first day of school as a new teacher.

I had the cutest classroom. My bulletin boards were Pinterest-worthy. I had a stack of activities prepped and printed. I thought I was ready...

When I first started teaching, I spent two months prepping for back to school.

I skipped out on summer fun, stressed over every bulletin board, and focused on all the wrong things. And the worst part...

Are you a new or first-year teacher who just found out you have a Meet the Teacher Night coming up—and your heart is already racing?

You’re probably wondering:

• What am I supposed to say?

• Ho

  ...