The summer months, with their relaxed pace and opportunities for family time, travel, or simple rest, are a welcome reprieve for teachers after a long and stressful school year. However, as the old adage goes, nothing lasts forever. The short seven-week break often feels like a blink of an eye, and before you know it, it’s time to trade beach towels for lesson plans.Yes, teachers can and do get the “Back to School Blues”; it’s not just something that impacts students. However, there are several strategies that can help you transition from the tranquility of summer to the bustling rhythm of the new school year.
Ponder the Possibilities: With every new school year comes a chance to start anew, drawing from your experiences, challenges, and triumphs of past years. The upcoming school year is a blank slate waiting for your creativity. Ponder the endless possibilities and allow yourself to innovate and change things up for the benefit of you and your students.
Make Things Fun: My mom taught 8th grade English for 35 years and every year she and some of her peers would get together after the first day back to school and do something fun. Sometimes it was dinner, other times it was enjoying coffee and conversation once the last student was picked up, and there was even one year when they each drew a name out of a hat and purchased a gift for that person, all to celebrate the start of another school year. Just because transitioning back to school can be stressful doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some joy into it. Organize fun activities or gatherings with your colleagues after the first day back to school, or even consider a friendly gift exchange. Celebrating the start of another school year can foster a positive and cooperative atmosphere.
Ask for Support: As the back-to-school checklist seems to grow each year, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Remember, you’re not in this alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your colleagues or even delegate tasks if possible. You can return the favor later on, fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment.
Mindful Transitioning: Practicing mindfulness can be a grounding exercise during this transition. Dedicate a part of your day to reflect on your summer memories, aspirations for the coming school year, and things you are grateful for. This helps to anchor you in the present and alleviate anxiety about the future.
Acknowledge the Feelings: It’s perfectly normal to feel a sense of apprehension or sadness about the end of summer and the start of school. Sharing these feelings with your colleagues can be cathartic and help to strengthen your support network.
Stay Organized: A well-structured plan can alleviate some of the stress of the transition. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rest and Rejuvenate: Prioritize rest before the school year begins. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. A rested and rejuvenated teacher is better equipped to handle the demands of a new school year.
Stay Positive: Keep your sights set on the positive aspects of going back to school. The thrill of meeting new students, the satisfaction of teaching, and the camaraderie with your colleagues can all serve as motivation to start the year on a positive note.While we can’t add more weeks to the calendar, we can choose how we approach the upcoming school year. By employing these strategies, you can navigate the back-to-school transition with more ease and readiness, ultimately beating the “Back to School Blues.” Remember, the change of seasons and classes is an opportunity for growth and renewed inspiration.
