Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right now to ease into back-to-school mode—no stress, no student names required. We break down four categories of “painless prep” to help you build momentum, set up smart systems, and feel more confident heading into the new year. And if you’re ready to go deeper, our BTS Success course will walk you through setting up a classroom that basically runs itself—all without sacrificing your summer.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-prep-without-a-class-list/

Resources:

• Back to School Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and Checklist
• December Teacher Survival Kit
• BTS Success Course
• @Thesourdoughmama on Instagram
• Air fryer paper liners
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers
• 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
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready

Mentioned in this episode:

The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july

Ready to break free from the pressure of the never-ending summer to-do list? This can't-miss classic episode is one of our most requested for a reason. Whether you're soaking up the sun or sneaking in some planning time, we're talking about how to strike the perfect balance between productivity and rest. You'll walk away with practical tips for summer planning that honors your boundaries and sets you up for a smoother back-to-school transition. Let’s make sure your future teacher self feels prepared—not frazzled.

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

Resources:

• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Back to School Audio Course waitlist
• End-of-Year Road Map
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved

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 14, Best Summer Ever
• Episode 13, Design Your Summer

Mentioned in this episode:

The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july

Feeling that familiar tug of guilt during summer break? In this episode, we’re sharing a simple, six-step system for back to school teacher prep that helps you feel calm, confident, and well-rested, without letting work take over your summer. Learn how to use just one hour a week to tackle high-impact tasks, stay focused on what matters most, and actually enjoy your break!

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

Resources:

• 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
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

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:

The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july