What Now? The First Week of School Didn’t Go Well

So, you’ve just wrapped up your first week of school, and it didn’t exactly go as planned. Whether it’s classroom management challenges, lessons that fell flat, or just an overwhelming sense that things aren’t clicking, you might be feeling a bit discouraged. But don't worry—this happens to many teachers, especially during their first year. The good news is that it’s not too late to turn things around. Here’s how to bounce back and make the rest of the school year a success.

When I taught my first all boys class, I recall not even getting through the procedures in the first lesson. I came home really worried how the year would turn out. After doubling down and getting support, the year not only turned out well, but it was the best learning experience in classroom management I ever had. The next 20 years of students benefited from this rough start. Here you go - what to do next?

1. Reflect on What Went Wrong

The first step in moving forward is understanding what didn’t work. Take some time to reflect on the week. Were your expectations for classroom behaviour clear? Did your lesson plans engage students the way you intended? Were you able to establish routines and procedures? Be honest with yourself about what needs improvement, but also recognize what went well. Think about your students, what they need, how they responded and get thinking how to do things next week.

2. Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to navigate this alone, nor should you. Talk to your mentor, colleagues, or a more experienced teacher who can offer advice and strategies. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need to see things differently. Many schools also offer professional development resources that can help you refine your approach. Helping New Teachers has coaching and mentoring programs and sessions to help too.

3. Adjust Your Plans

Now that you have a clearer idea of what didn’t work, it’s time to make some adjustments. This might mean tweaking your classroom management strategies, revamping your lesson plans to be more engaging, or simply slowing down the pace to ensure your students are absorbing the material. Remember, flexibility is key in teaching. It’s okay to revise your plans as you learn what works best for your students.

4. Focus on Building Relationships

One of the most important aspects of teaching is the relationship you build with your students. If the first week didn’t go well, it might be because you’re still getting to know your students and they’re still getting to know you. Spend time over the next few weeks focused on relationship-building activities. Learn about their interests, create a positive classroom environment, and show them that you’re invested in their success. Make sure to be positive and firm in your expectations with the students. 

5. Stay Positive and Persistent

It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Remember that teaching is a learning process for both you and your students. Not every week will be perfect, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re committed to improving and that you’re persistent in your efforts to create a supportive and effective learning environment.

The first week of school is just the beginning of your journey. Even if it didn’t go as planned, there’s still plenty of time to make this school year a success. Use what you’ve learned, lean on your support network, and keep refining your approach. Your students are counting on you, and with determination and a little patience, you’ll be able to create a classroom environment where everyone can thrive.

Looking for more support? Join our New Teacher Mentorship Program for access to experienced mentors, professional development resources, and a community of educators who are here to help you succeed.