Now that you're getting into the groove, October is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and refine. Below are three areas we encourage you to focus on this month — they’re small shifts that can lead to big impact, especially in the early part of the school year.
Focus Area 1: Strengthen Your Culture
✔️ Revisit classroom norms: Reframe routines with students. Try co-creating or revisiting classroom agreements to build ownership.
✔️ Connection check-ins: Do a few 1:1 student check-ins. A quick “How are you doing this year so far?” can go a long way.
✔️ Celebrate small wins: Start a “What’s Working Wall” in your classroom or staff lounge. Post sticky notes of things worth celebrating.
Focus Area 2: Instruction & Academic Pacing
📓 Formative feedback is your friend: Use quick exit tickets, polls, or journal prompts to assess understanding.
🔁 Bridge any gaps: September is a key time to spiral in previous grade-level concepts that students may need as scaffolds.
📅 Reflect on pacing: Are you rushing through units? Stuck too long? Make micro-adjustments now for better flow later.
Focus Area 3: You Matter Too
💛 Avoid the burnout build-up: Build 10 minutes into your day for something joyful or grounding—music, journaling, a walk.
🤝 Lean on your people: Schedule a coffee or quick vent session with a fellow teacher. It helps. You’re not alone.
📓 Reflection prompt of the month: What’s one moment from this month that reminded you why you teach? Write it down.
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