It’s back-to-school season — which means planners are getting opened, bulletin boards are going up, and Target’s dollar section is getting absolutely wrecked.
But underneath the fresh notebooks and pre-sharpened pencils, every teacher you know is thinking at least five of the following seven thoughts. And if you’ve ever taught, married a teacher, or just seen one in late August… you know it’s true.
1. ✏️ “What even is a ‘soft start’ and how do I survive one?”
If your school says teachers need to “ease back in gently,” but also throws a full staff meeting, a classroom refresh, and 3 hours of training at you in the same week… welcome back!
Soft start = code for “you’ll still be eating lunch standing up.”
2. ☕ “How many mugs is too many mugs?”
It’s a trick question.
There is no such thing as too many mugs.
There is such a thing as needing stronger coffee by week two.
3. 📋 “Am I allowed to just wear graphic tees forever?”
Because honestly, jeans + a tee that says “Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice” is both a look and a warning. Teachers dress for comfort, classroom chaos, and copy machine temperatures that range from frostbite to sauna.
4. 😴 “Why am I this tired already?”
You haven’t even passed out the first newsletter, and your body already wants a nap, a heating pad, and 3 days in a cabin with no Wi-Fi. Summer break is not a full recovery — and we should talk about that more.
5. 🍎 “I forgot how LOUD a classroom is.”
One child clearing their throat? Fine.
Twenty-five children unzipping pencil pouches in unison?
That’s a percussion section and a headache.
6. 🛒 “Should I have gotten more plastic bins?”
Absolutely yes. You need 4 more and you’ll label none of them.
Welcome to the club.
7. 💪 “I’m doing too much. I’m doing amazing. I’m doing both.”
You’re stressed and smiling. Overloaded and on top of it. Somehow holding it all together with a glue stick, a binder clip, and 3 hours of sleep. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.
👏 Bottom Line:
Whether you’re teaching, parenting, supporting from the sidelines — or just trying to get your life together before the first tardy bell — you’re doing great.
Back-to-school isn’t just a schedule shift. It’s a full emotional reset. And you deserve to feel seen, supported, and slightly over-caffeinated.
PS: If your “first day” outfit involves a graphic tee and dry shampoo… we’re the same.