The holidays have been good to you, right? Slow mornings, no looming deadlines, fresh air, and sunshine. But the new school year is sneaking up fast. The good news? It doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. A few small steps now can help you slip back into teacher mode without breaking a sweat. And trust us, there’s a way to make this school year even easier (hello, MarkSmart!).
Let’s chat about getting back into the groove.
Ease Back Into a Routine
First thing’s first – your sleep schedule. If you’ve been staying up late and sleeping in (who wouldn’t?), now’s the time to ease back into waking up earlier. Don’t go cold turkey. Try setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier each day until you’re back on track.
And mornings? They’re your secret weapon for starting the day right. Think about what makes you feel good. It could be a quiet coffee, a quick walk, or just five minutes to breathe before the day kicks off. It’s all in the little things.
If you’re feeling super organised, you could even grab a planner and map out the first couple of weeks. Jot down the big stuff so you’re not scrambling when school starts.
Revisit Your Goals and Vision
Think about last year. What worked? What didn’t? Be honest with yourself. Maybe your lessons were great, but you struggled to keep your desk clear of that ‘organised chaos’ (no judgment).
Pick a couple of things to focus on this year. And keep it simple! Don’t try to fix everything at once. Maybe it’s allocating 30 minutes after school to sit with a cup of tea and decompress, or setting a firm rule to find a more efficient way to mark in 2025.
Now, close your eyes and picture your first week back. What does it look like? How do you want it to feel? If you can picture it, you’re halfway there.
Light Professional Development
The words ‘professional development’ don’t exactly scream holiday fun. We get it. But hear us out. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Read a quick article about a teaching hack or scroll through a few posts in a teacher group online. You might find something that sparks an idea.
You could also dig out your old PD notes. There’s likely to be at least one nugget in there that’s worth revisiting. And if you’ve been curious about trying something new this year, whether it’s a teaching tool or a new strategy, now’s the time to give it a go!
Reconnect With Your Teaching Community
Teaching is a bit like a team sport. Sure, you’ve got your classroom, but the people around you make a big difference. Send a text to a work friend and grab a coffee. It doesn’t have to be formal. It can just be a casual catch-up to share ideas or laugh about last year’s ‘can you believe that happened?’ moments.
You could also jump into a teacher forum or Facebook group. You’d be surprised how much inspiration you can pick up from other teachers sharing their wins (and fails). And don’t forget your family or non-teacher friends. They’re great for grounding you when the start of another school year starts to feel overwhelming.
Prioritise Self-Care and Relaxation
Before you go full steam ahead, let’s talk about looking after yourself. There’s still time for you to recharge. Do the things that make you happy. Go for a swim, binge-watch your favourite show, or get stuck into a hobby you haven’t touched in months.
Plan something fun for your last weekend off. Even if it’s just a quiet day at home with a good book or your favourite snacks, make it count. And while you’re at it, put together a little self-care kit for the term ahead. Think playlists, a stash of emergency chocolate, or a journal to clear your head after a long day.
Back to School with MarkSmart
As the holidays wind down, taking these simple steps can set you up for a smooth and successful return to school. Easing back into routines, reflecting on your goals, and reconnecting with colleagues are all great ways to feel ready and energised for the year ahead. And while you’re preparing yourself, don’t forget to think about the tools that can make your teaching life easier.
That’s where MarkSmart comes in. Designed by teachers for teachers, MarkSmart is a code-based marking system that transforms the way you provide feedback.
With MarkSmart, you can save hours each week that you’d otherwise spend marking, giving you more time to focus on what really matters: your students and yourself. It’s not just another tool to add to the mix. It’s a complete replacement for traditional marking methods.
Want to see how it works? Book a free walkthrough at your school and discover why so many teachers are calling it their must-have tool for 2025. With a little preparation and the right support, this could be your best school year yet!