Why Teachers Need a Reset

Teaching is one of the few professions where you get multiple “new starts” on the calendar throughout the year. Whether it’s the start of a new quarter, semester, or just the week after break, there’s always a moment to pause and ask questions like “What do I want to change?”

This week, I’m sharing a series of Instagram posts all about classroom resets—what they really mean, why they matter, and how to do them without creating more work or pressure. Here’s a full breakdown of the week, plus links to the free resources I mention in each post.

Day-by-Day Reset Plan (With Free Downloads)

Sunday: It’s Reset Season!

We kick things off with a reminder that resets aren’t failures—they’re just pivots. New energy, new clarity, new intention. That’s significant: New Intention.

• Post Theme: Reset is about recommitting, not starting over.
• No downloads here—just a mindset shift.

Monday: Bell Ringer Reset

Prompt your students with: “What’s one thing you’d like to do differently this quarter?” Use it as a journal, a discussion, or Socratic seminar opener. Make it a mini-theme for them as you work through whatever it is your currently working on.

• Post Theme: Reflection builds self-awareness and culture.
• No download needed.

Tuesday: Student Check-In Form

Anonymous feedback can transform your classroom. It can be as simple as a 3-question Google Form at the start of a new term.

• Post Theme: Student voice is part of the reset. When they’re part of the solution, they are more invigorated to make it happen.
• 👉 Make a Copy of the Reset Check-In Form Template – Google Forms

Wednesday: Midweek Mini Reset

Feeling the midweek slump? Try a two-minute tidy, a shift in lighting, or a silent reset moment with students.

• Post Theme: You don’t need big changes to feel real relief.
• 👉 Download the Mini Reset Routine Card – PDF

Thursday: Then vs. Now Reflection

Early in my career, my resets were chaotic. Everything was completely thrown away and a new cycle of building began. Now, they’re intentional. I attack one thing at a time and I work my way through it deliberately.

• Post Theme: Resetting is a reflection of growth.
• No download, but a great journal opportunity for teachers.

Friday: Free Reset Checklist

Need a simple way to feel in control again? This checklist covers physical space, routines, classroom culture, and your own mental reset.

• Post Theme: Small wins make big shifts. They’re also significant in building new good habits.
• 👉 Copy the Free Reset Checklist – Google Doc

Saturday: Reset ≠ Failure

A final reminder that growth isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s just about letting go. This is the exact message we give students when the outcomes don’t meet their expectations or desire. Reflect on what needs changing, and find energy in that reflection.

• Post Theme: You’re allowed to reset as many times as you need. That can be one big thing, one small thing, or a bunch of small things.
• No download—just encouragement.

Final Thoughts

If your classroom feels a little off, you’re not broken and you’re not alone. Resetting is a normal, healthy, even necessary part of teaching. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to feel like relief.

Want all these tools in one place? Grab them here:

• Reset Check-In Form Template – Google Forms
• Mini Reset Routine Card – PDF
• Free Reset Checklist – Google Doc

And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @wjtoomey101 and use the hashtag #teachit2me to share how you reset this season.

You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to change your methods. You’re allowed to begin again—just like poor old Michael Finnegan.