September brings fresh excitement and new opportunities to make a lasting impact on young minds. But before the first bell rings, preparation is key.
Connex Education Partnership understands this journey intimately. Since 1999, we’ve been supporting teachers across the UK, helping schools, nurseries, and education staff find their perfect fit. We recruit for a wide range of roles, from day-to-day supply to permanent positions, including teachers, teaching assistants, ECTs, SEND specialists, early years practitioners, and tutors. Drawing on all of our experience and feedback from education professionals, this blog covers everything from the practical essentials to development tools to help you hit the ground running in September.
1. The Practical Bits
Pens, Planners & Organisation A quality teacher planner is your command centre, and handles everything from lesson planning to note-keeping. Select one that includes CPD sections and weekly summaries, and consider digital versions that sync with calendar apps. Some of our recommendations include TickTick, which syncs with Google and Apple calendars and can be used for free. Planbook is another great option that was designed with educators in mind. They don’t have a free version, but it is reasonably priced. Finally, remember to use sticky notes for prompt reminders and different coloured pens for effective grading.
Tech Essentials Technology is deeply interwoven into every aspect of modern education, with students relying on digital tools for their learning needs and teachers utilising them for classroom practice and professional development. Digital tools and platforms can significantly enhance teaching and student skill development. They offer innovative ways to improve story writing, reading habits, active listening, vocabulary, speaking, and grammar. Furthermore, technology enables creative approaches such as gamifying checking for understanding, using augmented reality, and building comprehensive student portfolios.
First-Day Success Prepare “Meet the Teacher” letters and engaging icebreaker activities like “All About Me” worksheets or classroom bingo. These create a sense of community right away and lay the groundwork for effective behaviour management. Use a free template platform like Canva to create a fun introduction presentation or bingo sheet.
2. The Mindset Tools
Patience is a vital quality for anyone working in a classroom because it fosters a supportive and effective learning environment. Students learn at different paces and often come with diverse needs, backgrounds, and challenges. A patient teacher can respond to misunderstandings, repeated questions, or behavioural issues with calm and understanding rather than frustration. This not only helps build trust and respect but also encourages students to take academic risks, make mistakes, and grow.
Resilience helps you thrive, not just survive. Reconnect with your “why” on challenging days, prioritise self-care without guilt, and embrace a growth mindset where setbacks become learning opportunities. Build support networks and set firm boundaries to prevent work creeping into personal time.
Adaptability has never been more important in the classroom. The diverse needs of learners are more prevalent than ever (with the number of SEN children rising since COVID https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20ygpeq3ro). Being able to adapt your teaching style to individual pupils will help both you and your students succeed. This student-centred approach, known as adaptive teaching, involves continuously monitoring student progress and making real-time adjustments to methods, resources, and activities. Taking the time to understand each pupil’s strengths, weaknesses, and what motivates them will pay off in the long term, fostering deeper understanding and improved retention.
3. The Development Essentials
Continuous Professional Development builds confidence and long-term resilience. Connex Academy provides CPD courses specifically designed to help teachers build confidence in critical areas like safeguarding and behaviour management, ensuring you can hit the ground running.
Stay updated on safeguarding guidance. KCSIE 2025 introduces important changes around online safety, including misinformation and AI product safety expectations. Refresh behaviour management strategies, combining the “warm/strict” approach with restorative practices that address underlying student needs.
You can also speak to us about formal qualifications, and how we can help fund them so you can progress in your career.
4. The Extras
Stock a snack drawer with high-energy bars for those inevitable missed lunch breaks. Create an organised desk as your classroom hub, positioned where all students can see you and approach easily.
Keep your Connex consultant’s number handy. We’re more than job placement contacts; we’re your ongoing career partners, offering continuous support and guidance throughout your professional journey.
5. Still missing the most important piece? The right role.
Let Connex help you find the perfect classroom fit for September. With over two decades of experience, we’ll match you with schools that value your skills and support your growth.
