Good Morning Y’all,

I know Summer isn’t even here yet, but I wanted to help you gear up and succeed at utilizing all that Summer can be. And that includes those last few days of Fun in the Sun!
When it comes to teaching, the most stressful time of the year for teachers isn’t May... it’s August.

You’re trying to enjoy the last days of summer, but your brain’s already sprinting:
✔️ Staff meetings
✔️ Seating charts
✔️ What’s my theme?
✔️ Did I even read the new curriculum guide? (Ummmm…no. No I didn’t)

UGH!

OK… here’s a mindset shift that can help us view things a bit differently:
Next year’s success isn’t built in the chaos of pre-service week.
It’s built now… in the slow, quiet days of summer.

As alwyas, if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

Alright y’all! Before we begin, it’s important to understand:
First… I know it’s crazy to start talking about next year when Summer isn’t even here yet… but I’ve found that life works best when we prep.
Second… we don’t need a full-on summer teaching productivity plan. (Heaven forbid! I mean, after all, the beach IS calling!) We just need a few light, meaningful steps that give future us a head start.

Let’s dig in to a few easy peasy strategies that will help us hit the ground running (and be better prepared) when the new school year finally rolls around:

🧠 1. Reflect, Don’t Regret – 3 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you shut the book on last year, take 10 minutes and reflect with purpose:

• What worked really well this year?

• What completely flopped (and what did I learn)?

• What would I like to try differently next year?

This isn’t about overanalyzing or reliving the hard stuff. It’s about extracting the wisdom and letting the rest go.

We’ve grown… more than we probably realize. Let reflection reveal it.

💡 2. Gather a Few Fresh Ideas (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Inspiration doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Find one new idea that gets your wheels turning. Maybe from a podcast, a blog post, a teacher book, or even a social media account that fills your bucket.

Need help? Ask ChatGPT:
“What are some engaging ways to build classroom community in the first week of school for [enter your grade level]?”

Let it feel fun. Light. Inviting. Like walking through a bookstore and picking something just because it sounds cool… not because you “have to.”

🛠️ 3. Build a Better Toolbox (One Drawer at a Time)

Summer is the perfect time to organize just one thing that you always wish was less chaotic.

Tame your Google Drive.

Sort through lesson plans and delete the ones that are outdated.

Label your classroom bins so you’re not hunting for dry erase markers in October.

No pressure to overhaul everything. Just make one corner of your teaching life work better for you.

Remember: Organized teachers aren’t better... they’re just less frantic.

📝 4. Make a “Why I Teach” Reminder (For the Hard Days Ahead)

We all hit moments in the year where we question our calling.

So now, while your heart is full and your mind is clear, write yourself a reminder.

Make a vision board. Write a letter to your future self. Frame a photo of a student who reminded you why you do this.

Put your “why” somewhere you’ll see it when the days get hard and the work feels heavy.

You don’t need another checklist. You need a compass.

🙏 5. Reconnect With Your Calling (Prayer, Meditation, Journaling, Quiet Reflection)

You’ve been moving all year. Teaching, solving, supporting, carrying, leading.

Summer is your invitation to be still.

Carve out moments for silence. Prayer. Meditation. Journaling. Whatever helps you get quiet and be present.

Prepare your heart for what’s ahead. Restore your joy.
Because next year isn’t just another round on the hamster wheel, it’s another opportunity to walk in purpose.

Be still and let your wisdom and experience speak life into that purpose.

📣 Bottom Line, Y’all:

We don’t need to spend our summer buried in binders and planning templates to feel “ready” for next year. But we also don’t have to wait until August to start laying the foundation for success. A little reflection helps us honor the journey we’ve been on: the wins, the lessons, and the growth. A little inspiration stirs our passion again and reminds us why we said yes to the teaching journey in the first place. A little organization gives us peace of mind and helps us breathe easier when the hustle returns. And through it all, a whole lot of grace reminds us that our worth isn’t in our productivity — it’s in our purpose.

Remember, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about planting seeds now, that will grow in the months to come. Maybe that’s a quiet moment of prayer, a vision board filled with dreams, or simply taking care of our health and home so we feel grounded and grateful. Next year’s classroom transformation doesn’t start with posters and plans… it starts with our heart. Take this summer to heal, to dream, to laugh, and to listen. The stillness is where the strength comes from. The quiet is where the clarity shows up.

We’re not just preparing for another school year… we’re preparing to make a difference. And that kind of work starts now, one restful, intentional day at a time.

~Mitch

🎵 May’s Teacher Tunes TuesdayPlaylist: Summer Fun! 🎶 

☀️We've almost made it! 🎉 This playlist is packed with good vibes, sunny feels, and a big splash of motivation to help you power through the final weeks of school. Whether you're grading papers, planning your last lessons, or daydreaming about beach days with family and friends, these tunes will lift your spirits and get you summer-ready. 🌴

🎯Finish strong. Celebrate big. You deserve it!🎯

Share TCN, Earn Some Swag!

Would you like to unlock a fun and fancy membership to Homeroom Swag—our ever-growing inventory of 150+ fun, entertaining, and educational bulletin board letter and number sets?

Here’s how: share your personal subscription link (“Click To Share” button below) with your teacher tribe. When three of your teacher besties subscribe to The Classroom Newsletter, you’ll gain free access to Homeroom Swag’s treasure trove of designs! It’s our way of saying thank you for spreading the love—and for being part of this amazing community of educators. These resources are designed to make your classroom pop with creativity while encouraging student participation and interaction.

NOTE: This offer is for subscribers only. The link is in this issue’s email that was sent directly to subscribers. WANNA JOIN? Simply click on the “Subscribe” button at the top of the page, and BOOM…You’re In!