10 Things Every Middle School Inclusion Teacher Should Do Before August

Summer break has a funny way of making us believe we’ll have endless time to organize our classrooms, create the perfect lesson plans, color-code every binder, and finally drink our coffee while it’s still hot.

Then suddenly it’s the last week of July.

If you’re a middle school inclusion teacher, the start of the school year comes fast, and it can feel like you’re trying to jump onto a moving train. The good news? You don’t need to spend your entire summer working to have a successful school year.

Here are 10 things worth doing before August rolls around that will make those first few weeks so much easier.

1. Clean Up Your Digital Files

Your desktop currently has seventeen files named “IEP Notes Final FINAL 2.”

It’s okay. We’ve all been there.

Take 30 minutes to:

• Delete duplicate files.
• Archive last year’s documents.
• Organize folders by subject or student.
• Update templates you’ll use again.

Future You will be incredibly grateful.

2. Review Your Go-To Accommodations

Before the new IEPs start rolling in, refresh yourself on accommodations you use most often.

Think about:

• Extended time
• Chunking assignments
• Graphic organizers
• Guided notes
• Frequent check-ins
• Small group instruction

Having these strategies fresh in your mind makes it much easier to support students from Day One.

3. Stock Up on Your Favorite Supplies

Not every supply has to come from your own wallet—but let’s be honest, there are always a few things worth grabbing while they’re on sale.

Some classroom favorites:

• Flair pens
• Sticky notes
• Dry erase markers
• Highlighters
• Binder clips
• Velcro dots
• Timer
• Laminating sheets (if you have access to a laminator)

Back-to-school sales disappear quickly, so buying now can save money later.

Check out my favorite teacher supplies here:

4. Create a Simple Organization System

Notice I said simple.

You don’t need an Instagram-worthy classroom.

You do need a place for:

• Student work
• Data collection
• Parent communication
• Meeting notes
• Copies
• “I’ll deal with this later” papers

The easier your system is, the more likely you’ll actually use it.

5. Update Your Progress Monitoring Tools

Progress monitoring gets pushed aside surprisingly fast once school gets busy.

Take a little time now to:

• Print data sheets.
• Update digital trackers.
• Organize assessment materials.
• Create folders for each student.

Starting organized makes it much easier to stay consistent throughout the year.

6. Reach Out to Your Co-Teachers Early

One of the best ways to reduce beginning-of-the-year stress is simply introducing yourself before the first teacher workday.

A quick email can open the door to discussing:

• Planning times
• Classroom expectations
• Co-teaching models
• Communication preferences
• Roles and responsibilities

Strong partnerships don’t happen by accident—they start with conversations.

7. Refresh Your Behavior Toolkit

Even if behavior isn’t your primary role, every inclusion teacher benefits from having a few strategies ready.

Review:

• Reinforcement ideas
• De-escalation techniques
• Visual supports
• Break cards
• Check-in/check-out routines

Having a plan before challenging behaviors occur is much easier than creating one in the moment.

8. Pick One New Thing to Try

Notice I said one.

Not seven. Not twelve.

Maybe this year you’ll try:

• A new co-teaching strategy
• Better progress monitoring
• Digital exit tickets
• AI for lesson planning
• A different organizational system

Small improvements add up over time.

9. Set Healthy Boundaries Before School Starts

The school year has a way of expanding to fill every available hour if you let it.

Think about boundaries now.

Maybe you’ll decide:

• No school email after 6 p.m.
• One weekend day completely work-free.
• Leave school within 30 minutes of contract time twice a week.
• Only volunteer for committees you genuinely care about.

Protecting your time doesn’t make you less dedicated.

It makes your career more sustainable.

10. Actually Enjoy the Rest of Your Summer

This one might be the hardest.

You became a teacher, you did not become a machine.

Read a novel. Go to the beach. Sleep in. Watch that TV show everyone keeps talking about.

Spend time with family.

The school year will ask a lot from you soon enough. It’s okay to recharge before it begins.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for August doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your entire summer.

A few intentional hours now can save you countless stressful moments once students arrive. Focus on creating systems, refreshing your favorite tools, and setting yourself up for success—not perfection.

Because the truth is, middle school inclusion teachers are already experts at adapting.

And no matter what surprises the new school year brings (because there will be surprises), you’ll be ready.

What would you add?

What’s one thing you always do before the school year begins? Share your best tip in the comments, I know we’d all love to steal… I mean, borrow your best ideas.

Also, Check Out:

Creating a Positive Vibe in Your Inclusion Class