Back to school time is almost like a holiday in its own right. Stores start advertising their gear in the middle of summer, reminding us that the lazy days and long nights will soon come to an end. It’s our cue to start preparing for the best school year ever with smart strategies for a successful classroom.

Teachers at all level can find expert tips and advice in this Back to School Guide from the National Education Association (NEA). Topics include:

Classroom Setup

Providing a safe and welcoming learning environment is job one for the new school year. Depending on your grade and subject expertise, you can arrange and decorate your space to engage and inspire your students. It doesn’t have to be expensive and neither do your supplies. Check out this information on no-cost resources for teachers.

Week One Strategies

From “getting to know you” icebreakers to proven lesson plans, many teachers already have a blueprint for how to launch into back-to-school classroom activities. However, if you’re looking for some new ideas, the NEA guide covers everything from seating arrangements to a desk drawer toolkit.

Classroom Management

Policies and procedures help your students know what to expect in your classroom. But that doesn’t prevent things from occasionally getting out of hand. The new school year is a good time to explore best-practices for how to handle difficult scenarios.

Working with Parents

A new school year also means getting to know new faces, both students and parents. The traditional parent-teacher conference is a must, but that’s just the beginning. Discover new ways to involve disengaged parents, as well as set parameters for overzealous parents who have trouble letting go.

Your best school year ever is in the making. Be sure to share your top tips, tricks, and techniques with your colleagues as well.