Summer vacation is coming to an end, and some schools have already had their first day of classes. This time of year is certainly an emotional roller coaster, and preparation is the best way to set yourself up for success in the classroom. This is your chance to not only ensure a great first day back but also set the tone for the entire school year.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to prepare to produce your best work. Here are a few tips to encourage success throughout the year.

Set goals for yourself

Write down a list of goals you want to accomplish before the first week of school, during the first week, and for the entire school year. Give yourself the satisfaction of checking things off your list after they're completed. Think about how we set new year's resolutions — the feeling, the excitement. You're practically doing the exact same thing. Resolutions, or in this case, goals, can be set at any given time of the year. What's on your list?

Create lesson plans

You'll want to create lesson plans not only for the first week but also for the second week. According to a survey by Zapier, 37% of workers dread finding a routine when returning from vacation. It takes time to fully adjust, and you're prone to falling behind. Look back at the previous year's lesson plans and see what can be improved. If this is your first year as a teacher, or maybe you're teaching a new subject, there are many resources that can help guide you through this task.

Decorate your classroom

Décor does make a difference in classroom success. This is your workspace for the next nine months, and you will want to make sure it's appealing to you and your students. Think about your favorite teachers when you were a student. What did their classroom look and feel like to you? What made it so special that you still remember the details years later?

If you don't have the budget to fully go all out, there are many creative ideas and resources available that will make your classroom a success. Get your creative juices flowing and get inspired!

Your introduction

Mental health plays an important role in education, so you'll want to ensure you introduce yourself in a way that will allow your students to feel comfortable and at ease.

First impressions do matter the first week back, and the key is to establish a good, mutually trusting relationship with students. It's time to also think about the fun icebreaker you'll incorporate to get to know each other. Remember that building relationships with your students, especially early in the school year, is paramount.

Set classroom expectations

After you've gotten to know your students, you'll need to establish clear expectations and procedures. Part of your role as a teacher is to allow your students to feel supported in their educational journey, so let them know what they'll need to do to ensure school success.

Have these expectations and procedures displayed on a poster for students to see throughout the year. Don't forget to also let students know what they can expect from you. You'll need to lead by example and be sure to always communicate.

Rely on your peers

Don't be afraid to ask your peers what they're doing to prepare for these first few days back. They might let you in on a new strategy or remind you of something you may have missed.

This is also your chance to build a lasting relationship that will be mutually beneficial in the long run. You're creating a support system for the year. You're bound to come across a challenge at some point and having a fellow teacher friend is always good. Teachers need each other if they expect any kind of success in the classroom. Show your support and appreciation to your colleagues.