Let’s be honest…teacher “resolutions” are usually more like wild fantasy novels than achievable goals. “I’ll grade everything the day it’s turned in!” “I’ll never get behind on emails!” “My lab tables will stay spotless all year!” Sure, and maybe unicorns will also deliver our copy paper on time.
Instead of setting myself up for failure, I’ve started making teacher resolutions that are small, doable, and (most importantly) realistic. Here are the ones I’m actually sticking with this year, and maybe they’ll inspire you too.
1. Drink the Coffee While It’s Still Hot
No more reheating the same mug five times. I’m putting my coffee in an insulated travel mug, even when I’m not traveling, because nothing kills my morning vibe faster than cold caffeine.
2. Stop Reinventing the Wheel With Labs
I love a good fresh idea, but let’s face it… some labs are solid gold just as they are. Instead of constantly rewriting, I’m building a “greatest hits” list of labs I know work every time. Students are engaged, concepts stick, and I save my brain for when I actually need creativity.
3. Prep Just One Thing the Day Before
Not my whole lesson. Not every single handout. Just one thing. Maybe it’s setting out lab trays. Maybe it’s queuing up tomorrow’s slides. Future me always thanks present me for this tiny gift of sanity.
4. Lean Into Low-Prep Review Activities
This year, I’m done with complicated review games that take longer to set up than to play. My new motto: if it takes me longer to prepare than it takes students to complete, it’s out. Simple, engaging, low-prep wins the day.
5. Protect My Planning Period
The copy machine crisis? Not my circus. The “quick chat” that eats 25 minutes? Hard pass. My planning period is for planning, not rescuing the world. Guarding it like a dragon guards treasure is the only way I’ll keep my evenings free.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Not every lesson will be Pinterest-perfect (and thank goodness). This year, I’m focusing on the small moments: the student who finally gets density, the lab group that actually cleans up, or the day we all laugh together over a science meme.
These resolutions aren’t flashy, but they’re the kind that actually make teaching feel lighter and more joyful. And who knows… maybe if we all resolve to keep it simple, we’ll survive this year with a little more energy (and maybe even warm coffee).
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