I've been hird as a teacher, but I have no classroom!?

Question

I have been hired as a first grade teacher. I was told upon my hire that my classroom would be in a portable building, which is fine with me. However, school started this past Monday and the room isn't ready yet. In fact, I have been told that it could be as late as December. I have no idea what the heck I am supposed to do in the meantime. I don't really care for the idea of floating. I have already been given so much paperwork, and I have nowhere to keep it. I have one little plastic box, which was filled by Monday. I am a very structured person, and when I have had my classrooms in the past, I like a place for everything and everything in it's place, and it's already driving me nuts. Has anyone ever been in this situation or can anyone give me some advice as to how to cope?

Answer 1

Ask you principal for a file cabinet somewhere to keep paperwork. Also a rolling cart to wheel between classes, if you need to transport materials between classrooms. See if you can minimize your moves--use the library, find out whether other teachers can move around to share the burden, etc. If the principal or other teachers are unwilling to cooperate, write it all down and save it for later. One day they will ask a favor of you.

Answer 2

Being a floater is very difficult; especially for a primary level teacher! I would first talk to the principal and ask for a mobile cart that has a lock on it. If they can't help with you with that, I would talk to each teacher and ask if there is a place for you to keep a class set of your basic things (class folders, plastic container(s) with pencils, markers, etc.). That way you'll only need to carry your basic necessities with you.

One of the best investments you can get would be a cart with wheels (look at Office Depot, Office Max, etc). There just the right size for TE's, your work and (hopefully) it'll help keep you organized. :)