241. How to Organize a Classroom Inherited From Another Teacher

Walking into a new classroom only to find it filled with the previous teacher’s leftovers can be overwhelming. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a systematic approach to reclaim and organize your new space, turning what could be a daunting task into a manageable project. Perfect for first-year teachers or those moving to a new classroom, this episode provides practical steps to take control of your teaching environment.

Episode Highlights:

• See the space and evaluate:: Begin by evaluating the space. Understand what you've inherited, how the previous teacher organized it, and what might need to go. This first look will help you plan your cleaning and organizing strategy.
• Ask for clarification: Before throwing anything out, check with administrators or colleagues about what must stay and what can go. Understanding what’s essential and what’s expendable will streamline the entire process.
• Clear the space: Pull everything out of cabinets and drawers to get a full view of what you have. This step not only helps in sorting but also in cleaning and reorganizing the space effectively.
• Categorize the items: Dive into categorizing the items into keep, trash, and donate piles. Further organize the 'keep' items based on their utility and relevance to your teaching needs.
• Disperse the items: Once sorted, strategically place items back into the space. Use bins and labels to create a system that makes sense for your daily teaching activities and maintains organization throughout the year.

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