Let’s be honest, the start of a new school year is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. There’s fresh potential, clean notebooks, and an undeniable sense of optimism…quickly followed by broken smart boards, mystery smells, and last-minute schedule changes that make you question every life decision that brought you to this point.

But whether you're a seasoned teacher or stepping into the classroom for the very first time, one thing is certain: survival is an art form. And sometimes, the best advice isn't about what to do but what not to do.

So, as a veteran teacher who’s experienced her fair share of first-day-flops, I’d like to share some first-day-of-school tips that I learned the hard way to help you hold onto your sanity, humor, and calling as you brave those chaotic first days.

Classroom Setup: Don’t fall for the Pinterest illusion.

You had big dreams of a perfectly organized, color-coordinated classroom. Then reality hits—staff meetings, last-minute schedule changes, and the discovery that your only stapler is broken. This is the moment when you must embrace imperfection. A slightly off-centered poster won’t be remembered, but the way you make your students feel when they walk into your room on day one will. Focus on what matters most.

Supplies: Don’t break the bank.

Need dry-erase markers? Notebooks? Tissues? Will your students eat all of your extra pencils on the first day? Hope you have a side hustle because your school’s supply closet will be as empty as your energy tank by Friday. The solution? Buy bulk, shop clearance, and stockpile! And maybe use toilet paper rolls instead of tissues.

Professional Development: Don’t let it steal your peace.

You planned to use your prep time wisely going into the new school year—until professional development swooped in to steal every last minute. Now you’re sitting through a session on the latest buzzword-heavy teaching strategy while mentally making a list of all the things you actually need to do. Just nod, sip your coffee, and take your frustration-ridden thoughts captive as you patiently sit and wait for it to end. And if all else fails, emergency chocolate is a perfectly acceptable PD survival tool.

Seating Charts: Don’t overthink it.

You meticulously arrange students and label each desk accordingly so students know where to go…only to have three new enrollments the night before school starts. By the second week, you’ll be moving kids around like a game of Tetris as you get to know who excessively chatters and who doesn’t. Focus on keeping your most “spirited” students within your “proximity control zone” and hope for the best.

First-Day Outfit: Don’t choose couture over comfort.

You want to look polished and professional to make a good first impression. But by lunchtime, there will be a mystery stain on your shirt, you’ll be sweating through that cardigan in the August heat, and your fancy new shoes will be killing you…little by little. The winning choice? Comfort over couture. And maybe bring a spare outfit or a healthy amount of stain remover pens.

Classroom Management Plans: Don’t expect perfection.

You have a structured, foolproof, research-based discipline system. Harry Wong would be proud—until you meet your actual students and all your best-laid plans are put to shame. By October, half your procedures may be abandoned, and you’ll likely rely on sheer presence and caffeine. The real secret? Consistency, patience, and the ability to give “the look” without saying a word.

Balance: Don’t be afraid to smile before Christmas.

Someone once said not to smile until Christmas to maintain authority. Meanwhile, you’re doing your best not to grin as a kid lets you know how many days there are until Christmas break…on the first day of school. You can incorporate your personality into your teaching practices and share your joy. You can be both firm and fun at the same time. Just don’t let them think you’re a pushover until at least October.

Sleep: Don’t fear back-to-school nightmares.

You’ll dream that you show up without pants, that one of your classes has 100 students, or that you’re teaching an unfamiliar subject in an abandoned broom closet. These dreams are just your brain’s way of warming you up for the real chaos—except (hopefully) with pants. So instead of spending your last summer nights scrolling to avoid falling asleep, start establishing a healthy sleep schedule a couple of weeks before the first day of school.

Icebreakers: Don’t make it too complicated.

Ah, yes, icebreakers—the age-old tradition of forcing students to have fun while awkwardly introducing themselves. You spend hours picking the perfect activity, only to watch it crash and burn in real time. Find Someone Who…? results in a room full of kids standing motionless, hoping someone will “find” them so they don’t have to initiate conversation. By the end, you’ve learned nothing useful, except that approximately 80% of students own pets and the other 20% refuse to participate. The real trick? Keep it simple, keep it low-pressure, and realize that it often takes time to get to know each other.

Mindset: Don’t ever doubt that God has called you to this classroom.

Amid the stress, lesson plans, and never-ending to-do lists, remember this: God called you to this classroom. He knew exactly what He was doing when He placed these students in your care. Every challenge, every unexpected twist, every missing supply—none of it is a surprise to Him. So take a deep breath. You don’t have to do this alone. Lean on Him, trust that He is in control, and know that He will equip you with everything you need for the first day (and the ones after that). You were made for this, and He’s got you covered.

Morgan Preston is a former middle school language arts and social studies teacher. She is currently Christian Educators’ Director of Marketing and Communications and serves her middle school students and teachers through First Priority.