ESL WAVE · Teacher Toolkit
First Job Checklist
Tick off the first two sections before your students arrive, and the first-month items as you settle in.
Before day one
- Confirm your start date, address and who will meet you
- Ask about the dress code and what to bring on your first day
- Request the textbooks or curriculum for your classes
First week
- Confirm your contract, pay date and hours
- Meet your co-teachers and support staff
- Find the printer, projector and materials room
- Learn your daily schedule and duties
- Ask how to report sick days and absences
First month
- Set up a class routine and seating plan
- Save a bank of warmers and early finisher tasks
- Learn students’ names and a few facts about each
- Ask for feedback from a more experienced teacher
- Check your first payslip for tax, insurance and pension
- Keep a simple lesson log for each class
From the ESL WAVE Teacher Toolkit — free resources for English teachers across Asia. Adapt freely for your own use.