The new school year is just around the corner and preparation is everything. Whether you’re a new EFL teacher or a seasoned pro, this checklist will make sure you start the year organized, confident and ready to teach. Here’s everything you need for a successful new school year.
## CLASSROOM SETUP
## 1. Classroom Decorations ✅
A welcoming, language-rich classroom sets the tone for the whole year. Make sure you have:
- Alphabet poster
- Grammar reference posters
- Vocabulary theme posters
- Motivational quotes
- World map
- Student work display area
## 2. Essential Classroom Supplies ✅
Stock up before term starts so you’re never caught without what you need mid-lesson:
- Whiteboard markers (multi-color set)
- Board eraser
- Colored pens and pencils
- Scissors and glue sticks
- Sticky notes
- Printer paper
- Laminator and pouches
- Stapler and paper clips
- Folders and binders for organization
## 3. Student Materials ✅
Decide what materials your students will need and communicate this before the first lesson:
- Notebooks or exercise books
- Folders or binders
- Pens and pencils
- Their course textbook
## LESSON PLANNING
## 4. Plan Your Syllabus ✅
Before the first lesson, map out your whole course:
- How many lessons per week?
- What textbook or materials will you use?
- What grammar and vocabulary will you cover each month?
- How will you assess students?
Tool to use: Google Docs or Sheets — free and easy to share with colleagues
## 5. Get Your Textbooks Ready ✅
Make sure you have your teaching materials sorted before day one:
- Teacher’s book for your chosen coursebook
- Student books if you’re providing them
- Supplementary grammar reference book
- Picture dictionary for lower levels
## 6. Prepare Your First Week of Lessons ✅
Don’t leave first week planning to the last minute. Prepare:
- A getting to know you activity for lesson one
- An ice breaker game
- A needs analysis activity to understand your students’ goals
- Your classroom rules presentation
## DIGITAL TOOLS SETUP
## 7. Set Up Google Classroom ✅
If you’re not already using Google Classroom, set it up before term starts:
- Create your class
- Set up your first assignment
- Share the class code with students on day one
## 8. Create Your Kahoot Account ✅
Set up Kahoot ready for your first vocabulary or grammar review game:
- Create your account
- Make your first quiz based on your first week’s vocabulary
- Have the game code ready for lesson two
## 9. Set Up Canva for Education ✅
Verify your teacher status on Canva and get access to premium features for free:
- Create your account
- Verify your teacher status
- Browse education templates ready to customize
👉 Get Canva for Education free
## 10. Download Your AI Planning Tools ✅
Save hours of planning time this year with free AI tools:
- Sign up for ChatGPT for lesson plan ideas
- Sign up for Magic School AI for teacher-specific AI tools
- Bookmark both for quick access during planning sessions
## PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
## 11. Update Your Teacher Planner ✅
A good teacher planner keeps you organized all year. Choose between:
- Physical planner (great for those who prefer writing by hand)
- Digital planner (Google Calendar, Notion or a dedicated teacher app)
- A combination of both
## 12. Stock Your Professional Reading List ✅
Start the year with fresh inspiration. These books are worth reading every EFL teacher:
- Teaching by Principles — H. Douglas Brown
- The Practice of English Language Teaching — Jeremy Harmer
- Learning Teaching — Jim Scrivener
## 13. Join EFL Teacher Communities ✅
Connect with other EFL teachers before the year starts for inspiration, support and resource sharing:
- Facebook groups for EFL/ESL teachers
- Reddit r/TEFL community
- British Council TeachingEnglish community
- Local teacher associations
## 14. Set Your Professional Goals ✅
Start the year with clear intentions:
- What teaching skill do you want to develop this year?
- What professional development will you pursue?
- What results do you want your students to achieve?
- How will you measure your own success?
## SELF CARE CHECKLIST
## 15. Prepare for Teacher Fatigue ✅
Teaching is demanding — prepare for it before the year starts:
- Stock healthy snacks for long teaching days
- Set boundaries around working hours
- Plan regular breaks during your week
- Connect with colleagues for mutual support
## Final Thoughts
A well-prepared teacher is a confident teacher. Work through this checklist before your first day and you’ll start the new school year feeling organized, ready and excited to teach.
What’s on your back to school checklist? Share in the comments!