Starting the School Year on the Right Foot (Even When You're Feeling Burned Out)

Yes, it is summer and the last thing we want to think about is the school year starting up again. But... I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook about how run down teachers are feeling and how they don't know how they will get through another year. From years in the classroom and coaching, I know the start of a new school year can be a stress-filled rollercoaster. You're expected to feel refreshed and energized, but sometimes, the truth is... you're still tired. Maybe this past year left you drained. Maybe the new initiatives and mandates keep piling up, and the weight of expectations feels heavier than ever.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be perfect to have a strong start. You do, however, need to be proactive and try to change your mindset. If you start the year unorganized and miserable, that isn't going to change. If you change your thinking patterns and do everything in your power to make it a great start... you might be pleasantly surprised. Here are some tips to start strong:

1. Be Prepared

I know summer isn't the time to planning but we all do it. Personally, I feel a lot better when I am prepared vs. feeling like I am always trying to catch up. Before school even lets out, I make a list. I categorize it into sections like Classroom decor, Organization, Management, Morning Meeting, Back to School, and September at a glance. And I'll be the first to admit that I will put up my new bulletin board paper and borders AND organize my closets and drawers before I leave for the summer. Then, when I am home and have some time, I do a little bit each week. Making time for this made a big difference and I usually feel pretty good when the first day rolls around.

1.5 Create Focused Goals

Forget the pressure to do everything right away. Instead, choose one or two areas to focus on for the first month or so of school. Maybe it's building relationships with your students, maybe it's setting clear routines. Small wins early in the year set the tone and build confidence, for both you and your students. Trying to do too many things can backfire. Re-evaluate in October to see if you want to stick with the same goals or add a new one.

2. Control What You Can

You can’t change district mandates, curriculum overhauls, or the length of the staff meetings. But you can control your classroom climate, your energy boundaries, and how you start each day. Give yourself permission to say no to what doesn't serve you and do the best you can for your students. Practice letting some things go without allowing them to stress you out.

3. Build a Support Circle

Whether it's a group text with coworkers, a weekly coffee chat, or a virtual teacher community, find people who get it. The right support can turn a hard day into a manageable one, and a tough week into a shared story you laugh about later. Instead of just venting, have your group help you with solutions or brainstorm ideas. Just want to vent anyway? Then do it, but laugh about it at the end and then let it go, especially if there is nothing you can do about it.

4. Flip the Script

Negative self-talk sneaks in fast. When you catch yourself thinking, “This year is going to be awful,” pause. Try: “This year is going to be different, and I’ll take it one step at a time.” It sounds small, but reframing your mindset makes a powerful difference. You make a choice every morning about your mindset for the day.

5. Celebrate the Moments That Matter

The student who says “thank you.” The parent who noticed your effort. The lesson that finally clicks. Keep a sticky note, journal, or digital list of the good stuff. When the hard days come, and they will, you’ll have something real to look back on.

Teaching is still rewarding! Embrace the positive as much as you can and you can start to love your job again!