A new school year is here. The coffee is flowing, the photocopier is already making suspicious noises, and somewhere a teacher is wondering where they put the thing they definitely knew they would need in September.
Welcome back!
Whether you’re a teacher, consultant or administrator, the start of a school year comes with a long list of things to do. New schedules. New systems. New priorities. New passwords. So. Many. Passwords. But before we get too deep into the to-do list, there’s one place worth starting: relationships.
Start by getting to know your students
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Before we worry about everything students need to learn, take some time to learn about them. What are they interested in? What makes them laugh? What are they good at? What makes them curious? Who do they like working with?
You don’t need an elaborate team-building activity. Try asking your students a few simple questions:
- What’s something you’re really good at?
- What’s something you’d like to get better at this year?
- What’s something you wish your teacher knew about you?
- If you could learn about anything, what would it be?
The goal isn’t to collect data for a spreadsheet. It’s to build a classroom where students feel seen, known and safe enough to participate… And remember: relationships aren’t a September activity, they’re built in the small moments all year long.
Give “yet” a little more airtime
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A new year is also a great time to think about how we talk about learning. Instead of “I’m not good at this,” try “I’m not good at this yet.”
Celebrate curiosity, persistence, revision and productive struggle—not just getting the right answer. Try asking:
- “What did you try?”
- “What could you try next?”
- “What did you learn from that mistake?”
The message is simple: learning is something we do, not something we either can or can’t do. And yes, this applies to adults too.
A special welcome to new teachers
If you’re starting your first year in the classroom, welcome to one of the most rewarding—and occasionally chaotic—jobs around. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You won’t. That’s normal. Your first year isn’t about becoming the perfect teacher. It’s about figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and what kind of educator you want to become. Ask questions. Find your people. Borrow ideas.
Try things. Make mistakes. Reflect. Try again.
You’re not expected to know everything… You’re expected to keep learning.
And LEARN is here to help. A few places to start. If you’re looking for a little inspiration before the year gets moving, LEARN has a couple of good places to wander.
LEARN’s website for Educators is a hub for resources, tools and professional learning opportunities for Québec’s English education community.
The Digital Competency in Action (DCA) website is a useful place to explore digital competency, inquiry and ways to bring digital learning into your practice.
Think of them as places to go when you’re looking for an idea, a resource or a place to start.
You don’t have to do it alone
At LEARN, we’re here to support Québec’s English-speaking education community with resources, professional learning and practical ideas embedding Québec’s Education Program (subject-specific), as well as, technology integration, AI, digital competency, STEAM, science, early childhood, play-based learning, outdoor learning and more.
Looking for a resource? Planning professional learning? Trying something new in your classroom? Not sure where to start?
Reach out; we’d love to help!
So, as you head into another school year, don’t worry about having everything figured out on Day One.
Start small.
Learn a few names. Ask a few questions. Listen. Build trust. Try something. Change your mind. Try again. The curriculum will still be there tomorrow.
Welcome back! Let’s make this year a good one.
Featured image: © Shutterstock
