It’s another summer of sport, filled with athletes performing to their potential. European soccer teams are in town for their preseason tours, NFL athletes are at training camp, and NBA preseason dates were just released.

As summer winds down and the new school year looms, teachers, like athletes, can benefit from a well-structured preseason routine. Just as athletes prepare their bodies and minds for the demands of their sport, teachers can take proactive steps to ensure they start the year strong, energized, and ready to inspire their students. Here’s how to create your own teacher preseason training program.

Physical Preparation: Self-Care First

1. Prioritize Sleep: Athletes know that quality sleep is crucial for peak performance, and the same goes for teachers. Establish a regular sleep schedule to ensure you’re well-rested. Adequate sleep can boost your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, making those early mornings and long days more manageable. Here are 5 tips for better ‘back-to-school’ sleep.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet: The return to school requires a more focused approach to meal prep. Fueling your body with nutritious foods provides the energy needed to tackle a busy school day. Plan balanced meals and snacks that keep you energized and focused. Think of it as meal prep for your teaching marathon!
3. Exercise Regularly: Staying active isn’t just for athletes. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and maintain physical health. Whether it’s a morning jog, yoga session, or your favorite sport, find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. I’ve started a new Peloton streak, mixing cardio with mobility sessions (why didn’t anyone tell me the importance of stretching when I was younger?) and meditation. I’ve blogged before about ways in which using the Peloton platform makes me a better teacher.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques into your day. These practices can help manage stress and improve mental clarity, allowing you to stay calm and focused, even during the hectic back-to-school period. My 90-minute (!) commute home is a perfect opportunity for me to reflect on the day, and look ahead to those lessons yet to come.

Mental Preparation: Professional Development

1. Read Around the Subject: Just as athletes study game strategies, teachers should stay informed about the latest developments in their subject area. Dive into relevant books, articles, and research to bring fresh ideas and insights into your classroom. Half of my summer reading has been subject related.
2. Syllabus and Lesson Planning: Preseason is the perfect time to map out your curriculum and design engaging lessons. Outline units, create lesson plans, and prepare materials in advance. This proactive planning can make the transition into the new school year much smoother. I subscribe to newsletters from Christopher Pepper and Jeff Bartlett to help me continually improve my lesson planning.
3. Stay Updated with Standards and Directives: Keeping up with new state or government standards and directives is essential. Review new curriculum guidelines or attend professional development workshops to ensure your teaching practices are current and compliant. I need to check out ways in which to incorporate the new National Health education standards from SHAPE America into my teaching. Thankfully there is a great webinar and new printed resources to help with my preseason schedule.
4. Collaborate with Colleagues: Just as athletes train with teammates, teachers can benefit from collaborating with their peers. Share resources, discuss strategies, and participate in professional learning communities. This collaboration can enhance your teaching practices and provide a supportive network. Perhaps you attended one of the many summer professional development opportunities.
5. Reflect and Set Goals: Take some time to reflect on the previous school year. Identify areas for improvement and set specific, achievable goals for the upcoming year. This reflection and goal-setting can provide direction and motivation as you prepare for a fresh start. Check out my blog post containing 10 prompts to help look ahead to next year.

Call to Action

As you gear up for the new school year, remember that effective preparation isn’t just about lesson plans and classroom setup. It’s about taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Prioritize self-care, stay informed and connected, and set yourself up for success. By investing in your own well-being and professional growth, you’ll be better equipped to serve your students and create a positive, impactful learning environment.

So, fellow teachers, let’s embrace this preseason with the same dedication and enthusiasm as athletes. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new school year—healthy, prepared, and ready to make a difference!

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