The beginning of a new school year is both exciting and challenging. There is a lot to look forward to and a lot to get ready for! In my 17 years working in education, I’ve learned some things and created some classroom templates that help me get started. Today I’m sharing those resources with you.

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13 back-to-school resources for teachers

1. Google Classroom Checklist for teachers​ – It’s time to set up your courses for the new year, and this checklist will ensure everything is ready for your first day, saving you precious time and reducing stress!

2. ​Student skills checklist​ – If you plan on using technology in your classroom this year, there are some essential skills that you need to help your students master. My essential skills checklist is a list of basic skills for elementary, middle school, and high school students. I’ve also included links to some resources and lessons to help you introduce these skills.

3. ​Classroom resource template​ – Make a list of links that your students will need to access…things like your gradebook, textbook, citation tools, etc. Rather than posting your classroom links one at a time in Google Classroom, put them in this document and post it to all of your courses. Need to change a link? Just update this document!

4. ​Chrome Extensions for Students​ ​– there are five extensions that I think all students can benefit from using. Ask your IT department to add these resources to your list of approved student tools.

5. ​Chrome Extensions for teachers​ – teachers need tools too! Here’s my list of essential Chrome extensions. Add them to your browser to improve your efficiency and organization!

Resources for School Administrators

1. Google Classroom Requirements​ – Teachers appreciate when administrators clarify their expectations for things like Google Classroom. This document outlines the teacher expectations for elementary and MS/HS courses.

2. ​Student Chromebook Agreement​ – Before you hand your students a brand new Chromebook they should understand their responsibilities. This agreement outlines basic expectations for students who are being assigned a new device.

3. ​AI and Plagiarism Policy​ – There’s no question that cheating is one way that students can use AI. This collection of policies will provide inspiration as you develop your guidelines for acceptable use of AI on school assignments.

Teacher Templates

1. ​Classroom resource template​ – Rather than posting important links one at a time in Google Classroom, put them in this document and post it to all of your courses. Need to change a link? Just update this document!

2. ​Free time activities template​ – don’t let students randomly wander the internet! This list of educational resources is a great sponge to soak up extra class time. Add your grade-level appropriate activities!

3. ​Parent contact log​ – this Google form will help you track your communication with parents throughout the year, something that my HS principal encouraged me to do when I first started teaching.

Lessons for the first week of school

1. ​Peer editing practice​ – If you plan on having your students write and edit using Google Docs you might want to consider incorporating this peer editing lesson. It’s a fun way to show students how to add comments and suggestions to a document, something they will need to know for future writing assignments.

2. ​Google Classroom Quiz​ – for a lot of teachers, Google Classroom is the central hub for lessons, announcements, and due-dates. It is critical that your students have a functional understanding of how to review upcoming assignments, turn in their homework, and participate in a class discussion. My Google Classroom quiz is a formative assessment that both teaches AND assesses students knowledge of Google Classroom. Assign this quiz early in the year to avoid confusion and frustration later on!

3. ​Selfie Cards​ – this quick activity accomplishes two goals: getting to know your students AND assessing their ability to use Google Slides. I recommend that you assign this activity with little to no instructions; see if your students understand how to open and edit a Google Slide presentation. If you notice them struggling, provide the instruction they need to insert a photo, add text, etc.

Affordable PD for your entire district

If you enjoy resources like this, you are invited to join me for “​Wednesday Webinars with John​” starting in October. My weekly webinar program is an affordable and flexible way to stay on top of the latest trends in technology and earn continuing education credit!

• ​Register as an individual teacher​ ($99/person)
• ​Register your district​ (discounted rate)
• ​Download the Webinar schedule​ and topics for the year

Stay informed!

Staying up to date on the latest changes to Google Workspace and your favorite edTech tools is challenging…let me help! My free monthly email newsletter will help you stay on top of the latest tools, trends, and resources. Impress your teacher friends and stay on the cutting edge of technology!