Whether you’ve been a teacher for years, or this is your very first term back to school since you left as a student, there are a few things to keep in mind during the first couple of weeks of term. Staying organised, not letting yourself get overwhelmed and easing back into the flow of term-time can be a challenge.
 
We have put together a short checklist for this very reason to help any teachers who might be struggling to get back into their routine after the holidays.
 
Planning
Sometimes, there are few things as useful as a good, old-fashioned to-do list. You may want to stick to a notepad or use apps like Todoist or Evernote but, whatever you choose, keeping lists help you to prioritise. They are also essential in the, sometimes inevitable, chaos of a school - when crisis strikes, you want to be able to remember what you were doing and still have left to do.
 
Celebrate the good
You’ll be well-versed in lesson planning and reporting progress by the time you start in September, but often teachers forget to record the victories. Making time to do this amid some of the other more admin-like tasks can be a lifesaver any time you’re having a tough day. Reading about some of the times teaching made you feel brilliant will make the hard times easier.
 
Strike a balance
Between the energy it takes to be around, let alone teach, several classes of rambunctious students and the amount of marking you have to take home with you, making time for yourself can be pushed aside. Having a social life is important for your mental health. Plan things in advance so they are harder to get out of. Maybe commit to a course that takes you out of your house once a week - if you pre-pay, not going becomes a waste of money.
 
Eat well
The worse your eating habits get, the worse you’ll feel. It may be tempting to grab food on the go and feel quicker to nip into Pret than to prepare things at home but it isn’t just unhealthy - it's a waste of money. Batch cooking on a Sunday can be a total lifesaver; it’s healthy, cost-effective and you can show off to all your colleagues about how efficient you are. You can find some good recipes here.
 
Ask for help
Work can be stressful, no matter your profession. Teaching any age group comes with its own unique set of challenges and these can sometimes become too much to cope with alone. Seeking out a mentor in your school can be incredibly helpful but, if you don’t feel comfortable confiding in another member of staff, there are other resources available. The Education Support Partnership is a charity that provides help to all education staff. You can chat online, or on the telephone and ask them for advice on any teaching issues.