Once you have a job, how do you get off to a great start? In this episode, I discuss a to do list for starting your new gig with a bang.
Once You Have the Job: a To-Do List
- Summer letter of contact (introduce yourself, fire-up the kids, etc.)
- Meet with supervising music teacher/principal
- Insurance and permission forms for students
- Handbook (trips, grading, parties, calendars, etc.)
- Scale sheets/Fundamental sheet music
- Teaching schedule (who meets when, team-teaching, etc.)
- Recruiting dates confirmed
- Supplies
- Necessary work orders (blanks and turn in dates if available)
- Budget information (keep detailed, organized records)
- Decorations in room
- Chairs and stands
- Beginner appointments set-up (if instrument assignment is applicable)
- Asessments
- Student assignments to correct classes/rosters
- Calendar approval
- Goals set for each grade level
- Select music for grades
- Warm-ups/daily drill & method books
- Instrument storage (if applicable)
- School instrument assignments
- Instrument back from summer repair (if applicable)
- Inventory checked
- Contacts with private lesson staff (if available)
- Student officer meeting
- Develop a seating chart (especially helpful for learning student names quickly)
- Jazz band, Drumline, Twirlers, Flags, Show Choir, any other ensemble with special needs
- Office in order
- Phone numbers/Email addresses
- Uniforms (Band shirts, concert uniform, marching uniform, $$, type, etc.)
- Know your IEPs
- Travel for Conventions (if applicable)
- Grading policies
- Attendance policies
- Meet with music store rep/owner (if there is one nearby)
- Fundraising