I’ve always loved the cyclical nature of teaching. I like that there’s a clear finish line each year and then a nice break before the start whistle sounds in August. Much of my teacher motivation comes from working hard for periods of time then indulging in well-deserved breaks. In other professions, I imagine it’s taxing working day after day without that satisfying feeling of a collective end date.
But on the other hand, I feel like summer break can sometimes make it more challenging to start anew and get back into the swing of teaching.
Actually, I know this is the case because I’m no longer teaching a traditional school year and have experienced firsthand how tough it is to motivate yourself for each fresh start. Recap: In 2017-2018 I taught virtually while abroad, in 2018-2019 I taught a traditional in person school year, in 2019-2020 I took time off to write a book and work on my resources full time, in 2020-2021 I taught part time through the pandemic chaos of virtual learning, then hybrid, then virtual again, then full time in person. 2021-2022- I’m back to working on my resources and blog full time but will be teaching summer school and/or some maternity leaves for other ELA teachers this year.
Needless to say, finding motivation as a teacher to get back into the swing of things can be a struggle, and this is especially true for the 2021 school year. I think many of us were optimistic that if we could power through a year of pandemic teaching then the worst would be behind us. Sadly, I’m getting a sense that this year will be even more challenging in a lot of ways.
Please know that I’m aware of the concerns and challenges teachers are facing as they head back to school to face the unknown of more laxed safety measures yet even higher demands to recover so-called “learning loss.” My heart is with you, and I’m here to help in any way I can.
Mental Health Resources for Teachers
Alarmingly, when I was brainstorming this post on Instagram, many teachers misunderstood my intent for a lighthearted teacher motivation post about “getting your head in the game” for the new school year. Rather than new year teacher mindset strategies, I was flooded with mental health suggestions. This was a HUGE red flag for what teachers are facing right now.
This post is NOT about teacher mental health, but I feel the need to leave some resources here for those who need extra support right now.
Headspace for Educators – From their website: Helping you be kind to yourself and your health, and guide your students and their parents through this difficult time. Stress less, sleep soundly, and be more resilient. Your Headspace Plus membership will help you learn the life-changing skills of meditation and mindfulness, to use whenever you need it most.
27+ Free Counseling Options for Teachers – This is a link up of free resources and counseling options for educators.
Therapy for Teachers: Let’s Talk About It – This is a great post about considering therapy and some options for receiving it.
That said, here are my tried-and-true tips for motivating myself for the new school year.
Teacher Motivation Tips for the New Year
1.Watch feel-good teacher movies- I love this one because it’s summer-mode friendly but also puts me in a positive headspace for the upcoming school year. Some of my favorite motivational teacher movies are Matilda and Harry Potter, but you can find a much more comprehensive list here: The Top 50 Teacher Movies Of All Time
2. Connect with a teacher friend- Oftentimes we compartmentalize our teacher friends to August – May, but if you get a chance to connect with a teacher friend before school starts, do it! Though we teach in different states, my friend Staci (The Engaging Station to most of you!) came to visit me this summer and it was so fun! In between hiking, shopping, and dining, we unpacked the challenge of last school year talked about things we are excited for this year. She will be teaching a YA course in the fall that she’s really looking forward to, and I have a podcast unit planned for my summer school position.
3. Brainstorm your classroom décor – If aesthetic is important to you, then the look and feel of your classroom can be a source of joy for you and your students! Some enjoy spending time in their classrooms prepping for the new year (you do you!), but others don’t want to spend a day of their precious time off in their room (you do you!). Regardless, if classroom décor is your thing, oftentimes brainstorming for a classroom can build excitement for the school year to come. When I taught remotely in 2017 while traveling and was honestly SO EXCITED to return to my classroom because I found some book wrapping paper that really inspired me HAHA. I know it seems so silly, but truly, once I had a new theme in mind, I was ready to return. My latest classroom theme was “Books are Magic” and took only 30 minutes to prep. You can find the rest of my classroom themes here: Nature, Worldview, Bright Library.
4. Read a motivational book for teachers – I read at least one new PD book each August to motivate myself for the back-to-school season. My favorite feedback on our book Keeping the Wonder: An Educator’s Guide to Magical, Engaging, and Joyful Learning is how much it has motivated educators for the new school year. If you are looking for an inspirational yet practical PD book, check it out!
5. Plan a first day that excites you- I find that if I can muster up the energy to plan out my first day of school then my brain switches from overwhelmed and anxious to prepared and excited! I used to have so much anxiety around the first day of school because I hated introducing myself in a formal way and talking about rules. This traditional form of a first day never felt like me and I would get a shaky voice every single time. Ugh! Then, some years back, I switched it up to first day of school stations, and that rocked my teacher world! Now, I talk very little on the first day and get to give students a glimpse into the activities I like to do in my classroom and how I value student choice, creativity, and movement. You can read more about my first day stations here: First Day of School Activities for High School and Middle School English
I also made some secondary meet-the-teacher templates and secondary syllabus templates that are sure to make you feel polished and professional for your first day! Please note that these are INCLUDED in my ELA FIRST DAY BUNDLE.
Bonus: Automate your self-care routine – August is an important month to set up your self-care routines. It sends a message that no matter how busy you are, taking time to relax and reenergize is a priority. This is the best $7 purchase I’ve ever made in the self-care department (affiliate link). My bathwater now gets deep enough to actually enjoy! I’m also a big fan of the Teacher Care Crate and love the concept of getting a special gift each month to celebrate the work teachers do. She always includes supplies that prompt relaxation and self-care (affiliate link). Lastly, I make sure to plan at least one activity each weekend that helps me keep the wonder for myself. Whether it’s getting out in nature, working on an art project, or researching something I’m interested in, I know taking the time to discover, play and reinvigorate is so important!
Take care of yourself my friends and remember that no amount of self care or teacher motivation tips will help you overcome serious mental health struggles. Please seek out the help you need!
