Back-to-school prep doesn't have to feel like an endless, overwhelming to-do list! In this replay episode, we're sharing the six areas we believe every teacher needs to have ready before the first day of school so you can head back feeling calm and confident instead of overwhelmed. We walk through practical tips for preparing your classroom, supplies, procedures, welcome plans, lessons, and even yourself, so you can focus on what matters most and start the school year with less stress and more confidence.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/are-you-ready-for-the-school-year/

Resources:

• Get your FREE ticket to Teacher Summer Talks!
• Back to School Readiness Plan
• End of Year Bulletin Board Activity
• Procedures & Routines Planning Guide and Checklist
• Classroom Procedures & Routines Editable Slides
• Guided Discovery Back to School Bundle Pack
• Back to School Pattern Block Mats for the First Day of School
• First Day of School Editable Guide
• End of Year Road Map Freebie
• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
• @pieladybooks on Instagram
• Pre-order our book: Structure and Spark
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School
• Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 77, 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your Sanity
• Episode 78, Teacher Approved Tips: The Best First Day Arrival Activity and Pre-Writing Assessments
• Episode 83, Classroom Setup Tips For Success: 8 Guiding Questions for Designing Your Space
• Episode 134, The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer Break
• Episode 137, 3 Helpful Tips for Setting up Your Classroom Library

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

If your back-to-school overwhelm is ramping up, this episode will help calm the stress and tackle those to-do lists. We share a simple framework for prioritizing your endless tasks based on four essential student needs: safety, belonging, competence, and growth. We share why routines and procedures matter so much, how to help students feel welcomed and capable, and why focusing on the right tasks first creates a smoother start to the year. If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions, this episode will help you focus on the right priorities to build a classroom that is safe, connected, and ready for meaningful learning!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-checklist/

Resources:

• Get your FREE ticket to Teacher Summer Talks!
• Procedures and Routines Planning Guide
• Tell Try Tally Talk slides
• Our Perfect Storm
• Suction cup dish brush holder
• Preorder our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 201. 20 Easy Back-To-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do from the Couch
• Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success
• Episode 219. How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year
• Episode 146. Never Pick up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

Summer can cause teachers to either put off school prep and then panic when August arrives, or miss out on a restful summer break because they’re too focused on work. In this episode, we’re revisiting a simple, sustainable approach to back-to-school preparation that helps you feel ready without sacrificing your summer. We walk you through our six-step "Teacher Power Hour" system, showing you how to identify meaningful priorities, focus on high-impact tasks, protect your prep time, and avoid the burnout that comes from panic planning. We offer practical strategies for choosing the right back-to-school tasks, protecting valuable rest, and creating routines that make preparation feel calm, intentional, and manageable.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep/

Resources:

• Grab your FREE ticket to Teacher Summer Talks 2026!
• BTS Success Course
• Editable Classroom Seating Chart Maker Tool
• Tell, Try, Tally, Talk Slides
• Back to School Readiness Checklists
• Zero Days by Ruth Ware
• Podcast: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
• Check out our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 55. Thriving as a Teacher: One Helpful Strategy
• Episode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community At Back to School
• Episode 201. 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch
• Episode 203. 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back to School Season

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

Recovery is about more than just rest, so in this episode we’re making the case for adding a little whimsy to your summer. We share how playfulness can help teachers reconnect with themselves, the science behind why positive emotions matter, and simple ways to create a summer that feels more memorable, meaningful, and fun. Give yourself permission to enjoy things simply because they bring you joy!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-ideas/

Resources:

• Diaper Caddy
• Q-Less game
• Sticker By Number book
• Word Search Mystery
• Plant magnets
• Paint markers
• Preorder our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This Year
• Episode 263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher Summer
• Episode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
• Episode 14. Best Summer Ever

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

Are you enjoying your summer lounge time but feel that itch to get ahead for back-to-school? We’re revisiting 20 simple “TV tasks” that teachers can tackle from the comfort of the couch while still protecting their summer rest and recovery. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries around summer work, creating both a summer no list and a summer yes list, and finding ways to make back-to-school prep feel less overwhelming. While it’s important to remember that rest is productive on its own, these simple tasks will help you enjoy your downtime while making the start of the school just a bit easier!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep-tasks/

Resources:

• Freebie: End of Year Roadmap
• Readiness Checklists
• Wishing Star Printable
• @Teacherpodcastrecs on Instagram
• The Holiday Headstart Podcast
• Seed Probiotic
• Hero Sunscreen
• Check out our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
• Episode 199. Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite summer philosophies: recovery and readiness. To focus on the ‘readiness’ side of things, we share seven simple tasks that take 10 minutes or less but can help you feel more prepared for the new school year without turning your summer into a work project. From choosing your first-day outfit and first read-aloud to updating your emergency kit and collecting community-building activities, these small actions can prevent last-minute stress and help you ease into back-to-school season with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-for-teachers/

Resources:

• How to use Canva email templates
• How to create an email signature in Canva
• Kid friendly pop playlist
• Calming piano playlist
• Hulken bag large
• Hulken bag small
• Clevermade Hulken knock off (read reviews!)
• Preorder our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This Year
• Episode 263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher Summer
• Episode 209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks About
• Episode 27. Your One Word Theme for The Year

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

In this episode, we revisit the six back-to-school pressures we’re saying no to this summer: elaborate classroom themes, laminating everything, chasing every social media trend, overspending on classroom decor, making our rooms look picture-perfect, and comparing ourselves to other teachers online. We share practical reminders for staying grounded during back-to-school season by focusing on meaningful instruction, simple systems, and our own well-being instead of panic-driven prep. We’re here to remind you that your small wins are worth celebrating, and a calm, rested teacher will matter more to your students than a Pinterest-worthy classroom.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress/

Resources:

• First Day of School Lesson Plan and Planning Guide
• Colton Gentry's Third Act, by Jeff Zentner
• Check out our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners
• Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now
• Episode 201. 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

In this special summer reading episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite recent reads that will inspire you to kick back with a good book on your break. From magical realism to historical romance, we discuss the books that have surprised and delighted us this year, and we share recommendations for professional development and classroom inspiration. Plus, we give an exciting update on our upcoming book, Structure and Spark, and why we’re passionate about helping teachers navigate the different seasons of the school year. If you're looking for great book recommendations to add to your summer reading stack, this episode is full of ideas!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/summer-reading-list-for-teachers/

Books Mentioned:

• The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
• Classroom Engagement: The Unwritten Code by Jen Foster
• How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh
• The Together Teacher: Plan Ahead, Get Organized, Save Time by Maia Heyck-Merlin
• The Smallest of Joys by Diane Shiffer
• The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
• One and Only by Maurene Goo
• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser
• The Joyful Classroom by Lynn Bechtel and Kristen Vincent
• Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning by Blake Harvard
• Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
• Preorder our book Structure and Spark

More Resources:

• Kindle / Tablet stand
• Reading Journey app
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 71. The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We Love
• Episode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and Readiness
• Episode 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This Summer
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

In this replay episode, we’re exploring why boundaries are the secret ingredient to a joyful, restorative summer and a smoother transition back to school. We walk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries around time, technology, and task load so summer doesn’t turn into “a quieter form of burnout.” Along the way, we talk about balancing recovery with back-to-school readiness, avoiding comparison traps on social media, creating realistic summer goals, and learning to say no without guilt. Whether you need permission to rest or a plan to head into August feeling more prepared, this episode will help you create a summer that feels both refreshing and intentional.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-boundaries/

Resources:

• Freebie: End of Year Roadmap
• Resource: Back to School Pattern Block Activities
• Resource: Back to School Lego Activities
• Podcast: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
• Pre-order our book: Structure and Spark
• Join the Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 131. To-Do List Magic - How to Prioritize Your Teacher Tasks This Summer
• Episode 134. The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer Break
• Episode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.

In this episode, we explore why crashing on the couch isn’t the same as true recovery and share our four-part framework for summer restoration: relax, refresh, refocus, and recharge. We talk about how to know when you might need each type of recovery, the common traps teachers fall into during summer break, and how to create a more intentional approach to rest so you can head into the next school year feeling like yourself again.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/active-rest-for-teachers/

Resources:

• Cross legged chair
• Storage box
• Preorder our book Structure and Spark
• Join The Teacher Approved Club
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 260. A 7-Day Decompression Plan for the First Week of Summer
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
• Episode 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This Summer
• Episode 12. Recovering from the School Year
• Episode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and Readiness

Mentioned in this episode:

Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October.