Jeff Zoul's List: Beginning of the Year

Late August or early September is a make-it-or-break-it time for educators. The non-stop, brutal schedule that is a school year starts with all the finesse of trampling elephants, and doesn't relent for the next nine months (not coincidentally, the same amount of time it takes to gestate a baby). That makes starting the year right important -- and there are few more critical pieces to an educator's success than collaboration.

Good tips for starting the year off right

These authors share the latest thinking and research on learning, achievement, family well-being, parent engagement, special needs children, youth sports, media, technology, discipline, homework, bullying, and much more

good list of questions to ask your students, particularly at the beginning of the school year

Here are some suggestions for how to address your own needs so that you and your students might have the best year ever.

Livebinder full of good resources to start the year

Education World has gathered great resources from our archive that offer advice, tips, and resources all principals should have at their fingertips. Included: Fund-raising ideas, recess success resources, parent involvement strategies, and much more.

Are you a first-year principal? A veteran with many years under your belt? It doesn't matter! All principals will learn a thing or two from this article about making the first day of the new school year a smooth one for kids, parents, teachers, and you! Included: Tips for a great first day!

One of things I ‘ll do that first class is get to know my students better by having them answer nine questions about themselves. I tell them that I would really appreciate it if they could answer some questions about themselves because their answers will help me plan the lessons and the activities we’ll do in class. I really do use their answers. The questions are

Whether you’ve been teaching for years or this is your first year in the classroom, the cornerstone of successful teaching is creating a culture of consistency. Here’s how:

As teachers, we have been spending time this summer recharging and refreshing so we can begin another school year with all pistons firing. As you prepare for the start of school, what are some things we can do that we will be thankful for once the last week of school rolls around? Make the investment in the suggestions below, and see how it pays off come year-end

Here is a list of the the top 10 things every teacher needs to create the conditions that will inspire every student to have their best year ever.

As summer winds down and the start to school begins in a few weeks for many students and schools, starting the year on a successful note is essential for a year full of learning, memories and experiences. There are three ways educators can prepare for a successful year.