New Teacher Onboarding Checklist

Description

New Teacher Onboarding Checklist
A Comprehensive, Equity-Centered Toolkit for a Successful Start

Welcoming new teachers to your school or district is one of the most critical investments in long-term staff retention and student success. The New Teacher Onboarding Checklist is a structured, equity-focused resource designed to streamline the onboarding process while centering support, inclusion, and instructional readiness.

This checklist supports school leaders, induction teams, and mentor teachers in delivering a comprehensive onboarding experience that prioritizes belonging, professionalism, and instructional excellence. Whether used in public, charter, or independent schools, this tool ensures no critical detail is overlooked during a new educator’s first 90 days.

✅ What’s Included in the Checklist

1. Before the First Day
Ensure new staff feel informed and welcomed before setting foot on campus.

• Welcome letter with key contacts and reporting dates
• School calendar and important dates (PD, testing, holidays)
• Staff directory, mentor assignment, and room access
• Technology, email, keys, and handbook access

2. Orientation & First Week
Start strong with clear procedures and inclusive introductions.

• Campus tour and introductions
• Overview of mission, equity vision, and schoolwide routines
• Technology onboarding (LMS, printers, SIS, gradebook)
• Access to curriculum, rosters, and communication protocols

3. Instructional Support
Provide the tools and guidance for early instructional success.

• Planning expectations, pacing guides, and lesson templates
• Support for diverse learners (IEPs, 504s, ELLs)
• Co-planning and mentor check-ins
• Engagement and culturally responsive strategies

4. Equity & Inclusion Focus
Create a foundation of culturally responsive, anti-bias teaching.

• Review of the school’s equity plan and inclusion goals
• Anti-discrimination and bias reporting guidance
• Resource list for inclusive classroom materials and PD
• Prompts for self-reflection and student voice inclusion

5. Ongoing Support (First 90 Days)
Support doesn’t stop after week one.

• Mentor meetings and classroom walkthroughs
• Substitute binder expectations
• Early feedback from students and families
• Goal-setting and professional development options

6. Community & Culture
Help new staff feel like valued members of the team.

• Welcome events and staff socials
• Access to wellness supports and affinity groups
• Recognition and celebration of milestones
• Invitations to school leadership and planning roles

🎯 Ideal For:

• K–12 Principals and Assistant Principals
• School Induction Teams and Coaches
• District HR and New Teacher Programs
• Charter, Public, and Independent Schools

📌 Bonus Features:

• Editable checklist (PDF or Google Doc format)
• Optional survey: “What do you need to feel supported?”
• First-week classroom readiness checklist
• Sample classroom management templates

Set your new educators up for a confident and connected beginning—start with the New Teacher Onboarding Checklist today!