I have to admit, I'm a real dictator in my classroom. I meet the kids outside of the classroom  to make sure that they have their books, a pen and a dictionary before they come in. If they don't have those things, then they are doing a lot of deep knee bends. I do think it is important to set the stage before class begins. It is also critical that you and your Co-teacher work together to maintain discipline.

As a final comment, make the most of your time here, but remember why you came in the first place.