Term 4 is winding down. Reports are being written, classrooms are being packed up, and teachers across Australia are counting down to the summer break. 

But before you completely switch off (and you should absolutely switch off), there are three things worth doing before the year officially closes. Not because you have to — but because they'll set you up for a better 2026. 

1. Reflect on What Actually Worked This Year 

Not what you planned to do. Not what you wish had gone better. What actually worked. 

Ask yourself: 

• Which lessons or units had the highest engagement? 
• Which classroom management strategies made the biggest difference? 
• Which relationships with students were strongest — and why? 
• What did you do this year that you want to repeat next year? 

Why this matters: 

It's easy to focus on what didn't work (the lesson that flopped, the student you couldn't reach, the term that felt chaotic). But deliberately noting what worked helps you enter 2026 with clarity about your strengths. 

Action step: Write down 3-5 things that worked this year. Save them somewhere you'll see them in January when you're planning for Term 1. 

2. Identify One Professional Growth Goal for 2026 

Not ten goals. One. 

This could be: 

• Improving differentiation strategies 
• Developing stronger assessment practices 
• Building classroom culture and relationships 
• Integrating technology more effectively 
• Strengthening wellbeing and work-life balance 
• Exploring leadership opportunities 

Why this matters: 

Teachers who focus on one clear area of growth each year develop expertise over time. Teachers who try to improve everything at once get overwhelmed and burn out. 

Action step: Choose one thing you want to get better at next year. That's your focus. Everything else is maintenance, not development. 

3. Set Boundaries Before You Need Them 

The end of the year is when you promise yourself, "Next year, I'll have better boundaries. I'll leave work at work. I'll prioritise wellbeing." 

And then Term 1 starts, and those promises disappear. 

Here's a different approach: Decide your boundaries now, before the pressure returns. 

Examples: 

• "I will not check emails after 6pm on weekdays or at all on weekends" 
• "I will use my lunch break for actual lunch, not marking" 
• "I will say no to extra responsibilities unless they align with my professional goals" 
• "I will leave school by 5pm at least three days per week" 

Why this matters: 

Boundaries set under pressure don't stick. Boundaries set when you have space to think clearly are more likely to become habits. 

Action step: Write down 2-3 non-negotiable boundaries for 2026. Share them with someone who will hold you accountable. 

What About Professional Development? 

Yes, there are end-of-year PD opportunities available. Yes, some teachers need to complete professional learning hours before the year ends. 

But here's the reality: If you're exhausted, burnt out, or just done with 2025, forcing yourself to complete PD in December won't lead to meaningful learning. It will lead to resentment and checkbox-ticking. 

Better approach: If you need PD hours, complete what's required. If you don't, give yourself permission to rest. Professional growth happens when you have the mental space for it — not when you're running on empty. 

Final Thought 

The best thing you can do before 2026 starts is rest well, reflect honestly, and return with clarity about what you want your teaching practice to look like next year. 

You don't need to fix everything. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be intentional about what you focus on and what you let go. 

Enjoy the break. You've earned it. 

Exploring teaching opportunities for 2026? Whether you're seeking a fresh start, career progression, or a change of environment, we'd love to support your journey. Visit: www.harke.com.au