How can schools get it right for returning teachers at the start of the year before the kids come back?

July 30, 2026

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With all of the preparation required by teachers to confidently and effectively welcome students back to their classrooms, every year I feel tension around time constraint. In my experience, there is often a disconnect, divide, or even chasm between what school leaders think teachers need before the year begins and what teachers feel teachers need before kids return. (I want to acknowlege that leaders can be admin or teachers.)

It always comes down to time. Teachers need time to plan and prepare. Leaders want teachers in professional development sessions and trainings. Both of these perspectives are relevant, in my experience. As a teacher, I need time. As a teacher, I may also need training and further development.

How can schools get this right? What does the best version of a that contracted time before students return look like?

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