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:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

In this episode, we revisit the 10 emotional stages of summer break for teachers, from the pure joy of the first day of freedom and relaxation, to productivity bursts, procrastination, panic, and finally the excitement of a brand-new school year. We also share relatable teacher stories, practical ways to recover from burnout without drifting through summer, and strategies for avoiding back-to-school overwhelm. Make the most of this summer break by recognizing what stage you’re in and how to plan your days moving forward!

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

Resources:

• End of Year Road Map Freebie
• Clear Moving Bags
• Non-clear Moving Bags
• 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 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This Summer
• Episode 128. Back to School Boost: Do These 3 Things Now to Prep for Next School Year
• Episode 67. How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This Summer
• Episode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and Readiness
• Episode 14. Best Summer Ever
• Episode 13. Design Your Summer
• Episode 12. Recovering from the School Year

Mentioned in this episode:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The start of summer feels like it should instantly refresh teachers, but too often we find ourselves wondering how to spend our time. In this episode, we share teacher summer break tips for easing into summer without falling into guilty rest or the productivity trap. We walk through a simple seven-day decompression plan designed to help teachers transition out of school mode, reconnect with fun and creativity, and enjoy the small things that make summer feel restorative.

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

Resources:

• Songs to Walk Away from an Explosion in Slow Motion playlist
• Silicone sink topper
• 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 12. Recovering from the School Year
• Episode 13. Design Your Summer
• Episode 14. Best Summer Ever
• 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:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The end of the school year is the perfect time to notice the recurring problems in your work day, and to plan new systems to make next year easier. We’re sharing the “decide once” strategy that helps reduce the decision fatigue teachers face every day by creating simple systems for predictable classroom problems. From behavior management and unfinished work to grading and email boundaries, we talk about practical ways to stop making the same exhausting decisions over and over so next school year feels less chaotic and more manageable.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers-2/

Resources:

• Fast drying stone sink trays
• Murdoku
• 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 79. Avoid Back to School Decision Fatigue with These 4 Teacher Approved Strategies
• Episode 77. 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your Sanity
• Episode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
• Episode 231. What’s Not Working in Your Classroom? Time to KISS Those Problems Goodbye!

Mentioned in this episode:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

As the school year winds down, it’s important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you’ve built, so you can wrap up the year in a way that feels thoughtful, memorable, and manageable.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/last-week-of-school-activities-elementary/

Resources:

• Summer Review Packets
• DLITE Day Packets
• Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
• Jane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edward
• 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 195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year Closure
• Episode 62. End of Year Awards: 5 Reasons You Should Rethink This Classroom Tradition
• Episode 7. The Secret to End of Year Survival
• Episode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break

Mentioned in this episode:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

May can be a tough stretch for teachers, with high emotions, routine pushback, and packed calendars. In this episode, we share why the mid-May slump feels so challenging and how trying to tighten control can backfire. Instead, we walk through five simple ways to rebalance structure and spark so you can keep students engaged, reduce chaos, and finish the school year feeling more steady and in control. These small shifts can bring fresh energy to your classroom without adding extra stress.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/may-classroom-management/

Resources:

• 3 Wins app
• Foot cream
• 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 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
• Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
• Episode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
• Episode 232. 5 Ways Teachers Can Spark Joy When Classroom Energy Tanks

Mentioned in this episode:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts.

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

Resources:

• Freebie: End of Year Roadmap
• Guided Discovery of School Tools
• First Day Pattern Block Activities
• First Day Lego Activities
• Looking Ahead, Looking Back Bulletin Board
• Teacher goodie bag ideas
• Peanut butter Barebells
• 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

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:

• Episode 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to School
• Episode 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier
• Episode 188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4
• Episode 193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May

Mentioned in this episode:

Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial