4 Back to School Teacher Planning Tips That Get Overlooked

As the back-to-school season approaches, teachers everywhere are juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and personal goals. Maybe this is the year you finally pack lunches the night before, or commit to leaving school by 4:30. While you’re setting goals for a smoother school year, don’t overlook these four small but powerful habits that can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and create more balance.

1. Discuss Household Responsibilties Before School Starts

If you live with a spouse, partner, or roommates, it’s easy to fall into a routine with household chores without ever discussing who’s actually responsible for what. Maybe you started mowing the lawn one summer and now it’s assumed to be “your job.” Once the school year begins, these unspoken expectations can quickly lead to frustration or burnout.

Take time before the first day of school to discuss who will handle which household tasks.

For example:

• If you’ve been doing all the cooking, maybe your partner can take over on weekends.

• If they dislike cooking, consider using a meal service or meal plan together.

• Split family duties—perhaps your partner packs the kids’ lunches while you handle breakfast.

  
  

Clarifying these responsibilities early helps avoid resentment and frees up your mental energy for things you actually enjoy. In my home, for instance, I don’t mind vacuuming, while my husband loves to cook—so that’s one example of how we divide things up.

2. Combat Decision Fatigue

Teachers make hundreds of decisions each days. In fact, some studies suggest it’s more decisions than a brain surgeon! To fight decision fatigue, make recurring choices once and repeat them.

A simple example: designate every Friday as “school spirit day.” Wear your school shirt or colors each week. That’s one less decision you need to make.

You can also streamline your planning routine. Maybe you always grade papers on Mondays and enter grades on Tuesdays. Establishing consistent patterns creates momentum and helps you accomplish more in less time.

3. Prepare the Night Before

If you’re not a morning person (like me), prepping the night before is a game-changer. Choose your outfit, including shoes and accessories, and lay them out. This small habit can save you from realizing mid-morning that you forgot you have recess duty and aren’t dressed for the weather.

Pack your lunch, prepare your teacher bag, and set it by the door in the evening. You can even program your coffee maker or set out your favorite mug so everything’s ready to go in the morning. These tiny steps make mornings less stressful and help you start the day feeling calm and organized.

4. Schedule Personal Time as a Calendar Appointment

Teaching can easily consume your entire day and your identity. There’s always another paper to grade, email to answer, or lesson to tweak. But remember: you are more than just a teacher. You’re also a friend, family member, and individual who deserves rest and joy.

If you find yourself canceling plans or skipping workouts, try scheduling personal time as a calendar appointment. When “gym time” or “coffee with a friend” is on your calendar, you’re more likely to honor it. It’s also easier to say, “I have an appointment this afternoon,” than to explain you simply need a break.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Prioritizing your well-being helps you show up as your best self for your students and the people you love.

What strategies help you stay balanced once the school year begins? Share your best teacher organization or time management tips in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!