FREE Summer Teacher To-Do List (2026): 37 Things to Do Now So August Doesn't Humble You Later

Stop scrambling in August. Start the school year with confidence.

The first weeks of school have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you're enjoying summer, and the next you're wondering where all the time went.

The Summer Teacher To-Do List is a practical, classroom-tested guide designed to help you make the most of your summer—without spending every day thinking about school. Inside, you'll find 37 simple, high-impact tasks that will help you prepare your classroom, organize your systems, strengthen your relationships, and start the year feeling calm, confident, and ready.

This isn't about working all summer.

It's about doing the right things now so you can spend less time putting out fires later.

Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran educator, this checklist will help you walk into the first day with a plan instead of panic.

What's Inside

37 practical, actionable ideas organized into six easy-to-follow sections:

Get Clear

Build a strong foundation by clarifying your curriculum, responsibilities, lesson plans, school policies, and expectations before the year begins.

Get Set Up

Prepare your classroom, materials, technology, schedules, and systems so everything is ready when students arrive.

Get Connected

Strengthen relationships with colleagues, support staff, families, and the people who will make your year easier.

Get Ready to Teach

Plan your first lessons, emergency procedures, classroom routines, and organizational systems before the rush of August.

Get Human

Protect your energy, build healthy habits, remember your purpose, and prepare yourself—not just your classroom—for a successful school year.

Get Memorable

Create a classroom students will remember by intentionally designing meaningful experiences, strong first impressions, and a culture where every student feels they belong.

Perfect For

• New teachers
• Veteran teachers looking for a reset
• Teachers changing grade levels or schools
• Student teachers
• Anyone who wants to begin the school year with less stress and more confidence

Why You'll Love It

✔️ Simple, practical, and easy to use
✔️ Check-off format to keep you motivated
✔️ Classroom-tested advice from veteran educator CJ Reynolds
✔️ Helps prevent last-minute back-to-school overwhelm
✔️ Focuses on both classroom preparation and personal well-being

Future You Will Thank Present You.