Back-to-School Goals: Setting Intentions in July
July might just seem like a good time to eat watermelon and float in a pool but it’s also a great opportunity for educators to reflect. There’s no pressure from deadlines and teachers have clarity that distance brings. July is a great time to prepare for next year by looking back, looking ahead, and crafting goals that actually stick.
Here’s how to turn lazy summer afternoons into intentional groundwork for a strong school year.
1. Relationship Goals: Who Do I Want to Be for My Students?
Do you want to be the teacher who always notices when someone’s off? The one who makes introverts feel seen and heard? Setting relationship goals that center your role as a mentor and ally helps bring meaning to daily interactions. Choose one strategy such as student check-ins, phone calls home for positive reasons, or identity sharing activities.
2. Teaching Goals: What Do I Want Students to Experience?
Set goals that go beyond content coverage. What kind of learning journey do you want your students to remember? Whether it’s inquiry-driven, collaborative, joyful, or rigorous, write that vision down—and use it as a compass when planning your first units. Design a lesson that really allows your students to experience learning the way you want them to.
3. Set Assessment Goals
Reimagine assessment as a tool for growth, not just grading. If last year felt heavy with point-collecting, shift toward actionable feedback, student self-assessment, and voice in the process. Revise a rubric to include a different form of assessment.
4. Set Boundaries for Your Goals
July is the moment to protect your future peace. Whether it’s saying no to late-night grading or guarding Sunday evenings, define boundaries that honor your humanity before the school year chaos sets in. Create a set schedule for personal time and self-care. Make that time non-negotiable.
5. Professional Growth Goals
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for teachers. These courses can be taken at your own time and at your own pace from the comfort of your home. July is a great time to take some professional development courses. Pick one area to focus on and take a course to grow in that subject.
Why July Matters
Teachers know that goals made under duress often fade fast. But July gives teachers breathing room. It’s a space for vision, not just survival mode. If you make time for reflection now, you’ll enter August with direction—and into the new school year with purpose.