Hello, my name is Jay Rockensock, and this is a quick recording on setting up a new teacher or substitute computer in the district. This setup follows a high standard based on best practices I’ve learned over time. There’s no strict order, but these are the key things I typically do.

First, I move essential controls like AirDrop, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Screen Mirroring to the main menu for easier access. I ensure audio and screen-sharing settings are properly configured so teachers can share audio via Apple TV without video. It’s also important to verify Wi-Fi settings so the staff network is prioritized, preventing automatic connection to student networks. Under sound settings, I adjust it to use the Mac’s internal speakers instead of ceiling speakers to avoid disruptions. Additionally, I enable battery percentage in the Control Center for better battery awareness. To prevent frequent logouts while teachers move around the classroom, I extend the lock screen timeout from 20 to 30 minutes. I also recommend setting up two Touch ID fingerprints in case one hand is occupied, like when eating.

For trackpad settings, I disable 'Swipe between pages' to prevent accidental navigation loss in Chrome and Safari, which can cause form data loss. I also turn off 'Look up & Data Detectors' to avoid unwanted definition pop-ups when selecting text. When configuring printers, I ensure the default printer is set correctly, so teachers don’t have to select it manually each time.

Next, I simplify the Dock by removing unused applications. I add the Downloads folder and set it to ‘Grid View’ with sorting by ‘Date Added’ so new files appear first. I make sure bookmarks in Chrome and Safari are visible and display the full URL for security awareness. In Safari, I customize the toolbar by adding home and print shortcuts for convenience.

Regarding browser preferences, I always ask the teacher which browser they prefer—Chrome or Safari—and set it as the default. Since most educational tools are Chrome-based, I generally set it as the default for better compatibility. I also adjust Hot Corners settings to prevent Quick Notes from triggering accidentally, which can be frustrating when using Smartboards.

For iCloud settings, I disable unnecessary syncing options to prevent slowdowns and ensure Keychain is enabled for password backup under their managed Apple ID. I also determine whether the teacher prefers to sync files to iCloud only or keep local copies on the desktop, as this affects storage and performance.

In Finder, I customize the interface by adding shortcuts for AirDrop, a New Folder button, and the Trash icon. I clean up the Finder sidebar by removing unnecessary categories for a more streamlined look. I also create a shortcut for printing in Chrome or Safari and place it in the Dock for quick access. For teachers unfamiliar with Mac shortcuts, I recommend adding the Screenshot tool to the Dock for easy use.

When a substitute needs access to a teacher’s files, I navigate to Users > Teacher’s Account > Desktop, modify folder permissions to grant ‘Read & Write’ access, copy the necessary files, and then revoke access once the transfer is complete. This ensures security while allowing subs to access essential teaching materials.

That concludes this quick tutorial on setting up a teacher's Mac. Thank you for watching!

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