Educator Tips to Prepare for Back to School

Preparation for back to school is key for educators to start the year off successfully. We asked educators across the US to share their own tips and experiences to help start the year on the right track. From practical tips to set up your classroom to inspiration on how to get and stay motivated, these ideas will help you set a path for an engaging school year.

How do you prepare for going Back to School?

Back to School preparation for me always starts with fully resting and recharging during summer break! Releasing any stressors or pressure from the previous school year is critical before welcoming in the new year. I love approaching the blank slate each August, dreaming about what the year will bring, and getting all of my back-to-school supplies ready. I still get the same excitement of returning to school as I did when I was growing up.
- Jill Johnson, STEM Resource, Andover ES, FL

I like to take the time to reflect on the previous year and identify areas that worked well and areas that I would like to improve or change. That helps me organize things for the new school year. Having folders with all the necessary materials and sheets you will need for each topic or subject area is also very helpful. This ensures that teachers are not scrambling to find resources because lessons are planned in advance.
- Jennie Costa, Teacher, Planada Elementary School, CA

To get myself back into the school mindset I try to make sure I am getting up at normal school time even if I do not have any plans for the day, so my body gets used to being up early. As far as physically getting ready, I try to get into my room about a week before the school year begins to get my lab all set up. I make sure the furniture in the room and computers are all up and running, making sure to handle all known tech issues before the year starts. As far as making sure the LEGO^® Education SPIKE^™ Prime kits are ready for the students, I always organize them into stacks for each period and make sure all obstacle courses are out and accessible.
- Ryan Riess, Technology and Engineering Teacher, William Annin Middle School, NJ

Update, update! Always check for software updates and charge batteries for LEGO Education sets.
- Shelley Kappeler, STEM Coordinator, Westgate Elementary, FL

I spend a lot of time looking for and creating engaging, hands-on lessons to meet the needs of all my students.
- Nichole Gard, Gifted and Talented Teacher/Science Fair Co-Sponsor, Palmyra R-1 School District, MO

I am taking professional development sessions during summer to refresh our school’s computer science and robotics curriculum. I am excited to teach my students the new resources that I am learning to continue to support their coding and robotics learning.
- Javier Aguilar, Technology Applications / Computer Science teacher & Robotics coach, East Fort Worth Montessori Academy, TX

I am lucky enough to be able to attend conferences and virtual professional development to improve my knowledge base and connect with broader learning communities to see what I may have missed. But I'm trying more to take time for my own well-being too.
- Sean Arnold, Director of School Pathways, NYC Public Schools, NY

Takeaways

Prepare for the new school year by focusing on professional development, setting up your classroom and planning engaging hands-on lessons for your students. Updating your skills and knowledge, organizing your room and materials, as well as reflecting on last year to plan this year’s lessons and activities, will help you feel confident to start the new school year.

What’s the one tip you would give another educator (or administrator) to prepare for Back to School?

Take time to rest and ease into the school schedule. Admins, prioritize time for teachers to set up classrooms and collaborate before students arrive. It makes all the difference!
- Jen Gilbert, Educator, Lincolnwood Elementary School, IL

Don't be afraid to ask! If you are unsure of something, it's ok to ask, whether it's a colleague, administration, or an online community dedicated to teaching.
- Nichole Gard, Gifted and Talented Teacher/Science Fair Co-Sponsor, Palmyra R-1 School District, MO

Focus on getting to know your staff and students first, then academics will fall into place naturally.
- Daniel Quinn, Technology Leader, British International School of Chicago, South Loop, IL

Include some gamification in your classes by introducing a fun learning challenge or competition —students need to have a break during the day. For example, I split up students to compete by listening and building a “word” that I say and repeat to them. I set up a limited time of two minutes to complete this task and it creates a great fun and learning gamification experience that ALL of our students have really liked.
- Javier Aguilar, Technology Applications / Computer Science teacher & Robotics coach, East Fort Worth Montessori Academy, TX

I would encourage educators to plan STEM activities which encourage students to get to know each other, learn classroom rules/routines, and foster a community of learners.
- Karla Alfaro, Teacher, Coldwater Canyon Elementary School, CA

One tip I would give another educator is that while you can do all of the planning in the world, nothing is going to go as planned and that is ok! Just try to make sure you are set up for at least the first day and then you can adjust from there!
- Ryan Riess, Technology and Engineering Teacher, William Annin Middle School, NJ

Takeaways

Adding gamification and STEAM activities into your classroom can help establish a classroom of engaged students. While planning is important, leaning on your colleagues and community for questions and support can help you stay on track as things shift and change throughout the school year.

What is one thing you do to stay motivated and excited as you return to the classroom?

One thing I do to stay motivated and excited as I return to the classroom is to incorporate playful learning into all aspects of my teaching. By blending play with academics, I create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that keeps both my students and myself enthusiastic and eager to explore new concepts each year. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning.
- Jen Gilbert, Educator, Lincolnwood Elementary School, IL

We tell our students that LEGO Education is about learning through play, and I try to remember that myself as a teacher. I make sure I make time to play and build creatively over the summer to help spark excitement as the new school year approaches.
- Shelley Kappeler, STEM Coordinator, Westgate Elementary, FL

The one thing I do to stay motivated and excited is to never stop learning. I am always looking for and trying out new approaches and activities to share with my students.
- Nichole Gard, Gifted and Talented Teacher/Science Fair Co-Sponsor, Palmyra R-1 School District, MO

I try to find as many new project ideas as possible. Or I try to find things in the real world that interest me and see how I can incorporate them into my classes. There is nothing that is as exciting or motivating as trying a new project or process to keep things from getting stale!
- Ryan Riess, Technology and Engineering Teacher, William Annin Middle School, NJ

One thing that I have incorporated every year is to set a goal or goals of what I want to accomplish that year. That could mean implementing a new way to teach math, incorporating more center activities, or implementing project-based learning tasks. These goals give me a sense of direction and focus for the year.
- Jennie Costa, Teacher, Planada Elementary School, CA

Prioritize self-care and mindfulness to start the school year strong. Taking care of your mental and physical health ensures you have the energy and resilience needed for the demands of teaching. Establish a self-care routine, practice mindfulness or meditation, and balance work with personal time. This approach will help you maintain a positive mindset and sustain your enthusiasm throughout the school year. A healthy and happy educator fosters a thriving and inspiring classroom environment.
- Linda Bustamante Padron, Title I Facilitator & Interventionist, Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School, TN

Takeaways

Learning through play is a powerful approach to keep your students – and yourself – engaged and motivated. Integrating hands-on learning into your classroom can ensure strong learning outcomes throughout the year. Focusing on prioritizing well-being and maintaining a learner mindset for yourself can keep you on track and help you achieve your goals all year long.