I finally found my groove.
After two years at the same school, the systems were flowing, the classroom layout made sense, and I could finally pronounce all the staff names without a cheat sheet. I knew where to find the good stapler and which copier was most likely to jam. That sweet spot.
And now? I’m starting over.
A new school. A new city. New hallway, new staffroom, new everything. The good news: I’m staying in the same grade level. The reality: it still feels like beginning all over again.
If you’re reading this and you’re starting at a new school—whether it’s your first year ever or your tenth—you’re not alone. And while it can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to bring everything you’ve learned, polish your practice, and grow in new ways.
Here’s how I’m tackling the transition, and how you can too:
Make Peace With Starting Over (Sort of)
You’re not actually starting from scratch. You’re just starting from experience in a new space. Give yourself permission to feel both excited and a little nervous. That’s normal. Acknowledge it, and then start mapping your way forward.
Start With What You Know
Same grade level? Lean into that. You’ve already got lessons, systems, and a feel for what works. Use your existing knowledge as your anchor. Jot down three routines that worked well in your last classroom (arrival, transitions, independent work, etc.) and make a plan to implement or adapt them right away.
Learn the Lay of the Land
Before you start color-coding your library bins, take time to learn about your new space and team. Ask:
- What’s the schedule like?
- Who do I go to for tech help?
- Are there team planning norms?
- What systems do they already have in place?
If you can, schedule a tour, meet a teammate, or at least poke around online for a staff handbook or school map.
Make a “New School Checklist”
Feeling scattered? Try organizing your thoughts with three simple lists:
- Things I Need to Know (procedures, expectations, curriculum)
- Things I Need to Do (set up my room, meet my team, label supplies)
- Things I Want to Bring With Me (rituals, strategies, classroom culture ideas)
So that’s where I’m at—somewhere between knowing what I’m doing and feeling completely new. I’ve got a box of supplies, a head full of ideas, and a whole lot of unknowns. But I’m reminding myself daily: I’m not starting over, I’m starting from experience.
And if you're starting somewhere new too? I hope you’ll remember the same.
