Back to School Tips for Teachers to Start the Year on a Positive Note
Explore our best back-to-school tips for teachers for a successful school year.
Transitioning from a relaxing summer to the demands and routines of back-to-school time can have you feeling the “back-to-school blues.” As summer winds down and a new school year begins, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.
If you’re a classroom teacher, you might be starting a new school year in a toxic environment, facing new challenges or overwhelming expectations, or even dealing with lingering teacher burnout.
If you’re an educator working flexibly in education (or you’re currently pursuing this path), you might be feeling like you need to realign with your purpose, spruce up your routine, improve your productivity, or create a more intentional workspace.
It's important to note that these feelings are natural and common and can be managed with the right approach.
If you’re ready for a successful school year, you need more than a typical back-to-school teacher checklist. The tone you set at the beginning of the school year can shape the months to come. So in this blog post, we'll help you kickstart the year on a positive note with our best tips.
4 Ways to Beat the Back-to-School Blues
Want to transform your back-to-school blues and make the most of your days? Here are four back-to-school tips for teachers to start the year right:
1. Be Intentional About the Tone You're Setting
Starting a new school year prompts a fresh start, so take some time to reflect on the atmosphere you want to create. What feeling do you want to have in your day-to-day?
If you’re a classroom teacher, try focusing on creating a warm, joyful, and engaging atmosphere. Lean into joy and keep in mind the “big picture” as much as possible. By remembering your purpose and your passion as you welcome your students, you’ll show them that this is a safe space for learning and growth and that you’re excited to learn together.
One of the best tips for a good school year is to try to create an atmosphere both you and your students love and are excited about. Maybe you’re incorporating an interactive game, doing a creative collaborative project, sharing personal stories, trying out a fun “brain break,” or writing in gratitude journals. When you’re genuinely excited, your enthusiasm is contagious to your students (and you’ll have a successful school year too!).
If you’re an educator working from home, think about the tone you’re setting for your day and your week. Create a routine to help you maximize both your productivity and your joy. Schedule breaks and moments for you, such as for exercise and relaxation. Reflect on your relationships with clients, colleagues, and/or community, and think about how you can show up with open communication and cultivate more collaboration, joy, and connection.
Regardless of your work environment, the intention and tone you set can make all the difference in your overall well-being and effectiveness.
2. Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
One of the best back-to-school tips for teachers in the classroom and educators in alternative careers, is to set clear, realistic short-term and long-term goals.
These goals can be both personal and professional, such as:
planning engaging team-building and “get to know you” activities for the first days/weeks of school
implementing a community service project for your class
improving your physical and mental well-being through regular meditation, exercise, reading, or hobbies
applying to a new freelance job, side hustle, or full-time role in education
learning or improving a new skill, such as your curriculum development skills or technology skills
planning and taking a long weekend road trip with friends or family
updating your resume
What matters most is that your goals align with your aspirations and contribute to your growth and happiness. Having clear goals provides a sense of direction and purpose and helps you track your progress and celebrate your achievements.
Depending on your goal(s), try using “habit stacking,” a powerful strategy that involves pairing a new habit with an existing one.
For instance, if one of your goals is to improve your well-being, you could incorporate a few minutes of stretching or deep breathing before you open your computer to begin your workday. By linking self-care activities to routines you already have, you'll find it easier to prioritize your well-being!
3. Focus on Things You Can Control
The education world can be unpredictable (and sometimes dysfunctional). If you’re ready for a successful school year, focusing on things within your control can help reduce stress.
As a classroom teacher, lean into what you can control, such as your mindset, before-school routine, teaching strategies, and classroom environment. Think about how you can enhance what’s within your control.
For instance, maybe that’s getting in the right headspace each morning by listening to an uplifting podcast or meditation on the way to work, or it’s organizing your teacher's desk at the end of each day.
Similarly, if you're in a flexible education role, you can control your mindset, communication strategies, daily routine, and workspace. Think about how you can improve these areas.
For instance, create a well-organized workspace in your home that enhances your productivity and uplifts your mood. Try adding personal touches, such as artwork, plants, motivational quotes, or music.
By putting your energy into the areas you can control, you'll feel more empowered and less overwhelmed by external factors.
4. Set Boundaries with Your Time
Setting clear boundaries is one of the most important back-to-school tips for teachers. Whether you're a classroom teacher or an educator working from home, setting boundaries and tuning into your needs is essential to prevent burnout.
Define your work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Turn off work-related notifications and resist the urge to check emails or complete tasks outside of your designated work hours.
Plan enjoyable activities outside of work that recharge you and give you energy. Scheduling time for fun and relaxation will make you healthier and happier (and you’ll be more likely to return to work with renewed enthusiasm!).
By sticking to your boundaries and prioritizing joy, you'll maintain a healthy work-life balance, avoid feeling overwhelmed and be set up for a successful school year. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is beneficial for you and those around you (both at home and at work).
Make This The Best School Year Yet
The Educator Forever team wishes you a joy-filled, successful school year ahead. We’re here to cheer you on, whether you’re looking for back-to-school tips for teachers or looking for a new career.
No matter where you're currently at, the Educator Forever Network is here to support and guide you in finding and landing ideal flexible education opportunities. This could be the year that changes everything for you.
🌟 Currently teaching? Make this school year full of exciting growth and discovery for you, where you gain clarity on what truly ignites your passion as you explore various flexible education roles beyond the classroom. This year could be your turning point, where you expand your impact and income on the side.
(And come spring, when you have to choose between staying as a classroom teacher or embracing an alternative path within education, you'll have confidence in yourself and your decision!)
🌟 Already left classroom teaching? As you look for flexible or full-time job opportunities, you’ll have expert guidance and a strong, supportive community cheering you on. You’ll gain confidence and embrace your expertise, so you can successfully land your ideal position in education.
By joining the Educator Forever Network, you’ll get:
✨ Step-by-step guidance in our signature Beyond the Classroom course
✨ Weekly live group calls for support
✨ Exclusive virtual workshops and community events
✨ Instant access to job leads and expert support via Slack
✨ Extended weekly job opportunities sent directly to you
✨ Our exclusive Master Jobs List, full of awesome information and everything you need to find your dream job opportunities
✨ An incredible, supportive community of like-minded educators
This could be the best decision you make for yourself this school year! Sign up now!