End of the School Year FAQ for New Teachers

I’ve been looking forward to the last month of school for months.  But now that it’s here, all I feel is stress.  I’m begging students to behave.  Just getting them to complete a little work is a struggle.  Does everyone feel this way at the end of the school year?

This may be the most common end-of-the-year question out there.  

The final weeks of school can feel like a strange mix of exhaustion, chaos, and bittersweet reflection. Sometimes these end-of-the-year days are more difficult than an ordinary Tuesday in March. If you’re a new teacher, you’re probably counting down the days and wondering how to survive them.

You’re not alone. These final weeks are tough for even the most seasoned teachers. But with a little planning and strategic thinking,  you can get to the last day of school with more ease. Here are answers to the most common questions new middle and high school teachers have at the end of the year.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR & ENGAGEMENT

My students are suddenly acting out more than usual.  Any tips?

As the structure and routines of the school year wind down, students are more restless.  They push boundaries. They’re tired. You’re tired. 

You can reduce some of the chaos by:  

• • Including a daily reminder of your behavior expectations for that day’s activity 
  • Maintaining classroom structures
  • Holding on to a “we’re here to work” expectation as long as possible 
  • Slowly shifting to more creative activities that reduce the amount of time you’re asking for quiet attention

What are some strategies to keep students engaged during the final weeks?

A few ideas:

• • Low-stakes group projects or assignments that involve competition or rankings
  • Class presentations (with audience roles like rubric scoring or peer feedback)
  • Creative, real-world activities for students to apply what they’ve learned.

Note: Avoid long lectures or silent work periods, which often increase behavior issues.

Can I show movies?

Yes—but movie time isn’t the treat it once was for students.  Be ready for kids to be far less interested in the movie than you think they should be.  

That being said, choose movies that:

• • Connect to your curriculum
  • Are age-appropriate (even if you’re tired, preview the movie and perhaps get a permission slip!)
  • Have a purpose.  An accompanying assignment (a guided reflection, discussion, or film analysis) can help avoid turning movie time into a classroom management challenge.

CURRICULUM, GRADING & CLOSURE

As the end of the year approaches, how long should I keep teaching content? (Given how things are going, I’m tempted to wrap up the “serious” instruction early.)

As a general rule, once you let it be known that the learning is over, classroom management becomes more difficult.

If grades are still open, continue teaching, but consider lightening the workload in the last week or two.  Lean toward assignments that emphasize creativity and reflection. If grades are closed, try activities that bring closure to your course, like final reflections, portfolios, or collaborative posters that showcase what students learned.

How should I handle late work at this point in the year?

Set a clear final deadline to submit work and stick to it. Communicate this date MULTIPLE times and in multiple formats.  Post it on your LMS.  Consider sending it home in a mass email. If students are missing major assignments, offer structured support like a makeup work checklist or dedicated class time for that student. 

What if I get complaints from students or parents about grades?

Stay calm and professional. Try to respond to any grade complaints with the following three elements:

• • Documentation: Rubrics, feedback, grade records
    
  • Policies: Your syllabus or department grading practices
  • Empathy: Acknowledge the concern, but stand by your grading decisions if they are fair and consistent. If you’re unsure, ask a department chair or mentor to review your approach.

PARENT & FAMILY COMMUNICATION

Should I reach out to parents this late in the year?

Yes, and remember, parents are probably feeling the stress of the end of the year as well.  Focus your communication on the following situations:

• • Failing students (in most cases, this should not be the first time they are receiving this news from you)

  • Behavioral issues (stick to higher-level behaviors and generally skip the low-level issues)

  • End-of-year logistics (missing books, final projects, etc.) Keep emails brief and professional, and consider calling for serious issues—tone matters more than ever when everyone is tired.

How should you handle a parent contesting a grade?

How do I handle a parent upset about a grade or missing work?

Validate their concern before offering a professional account of the grade. Use phrases like:

• • “I appreciate your reaching out.”

  • “Let me explain how that grade was determined.”

  • “I’m happy to walk through what was missing.” If emotions run high, take a break and follow up with admin support if needed.

SELF-CARE & REFLECTION

Why do I feel both exhausted and guilty right now?

This is common. You’re drained, yet somehow wondering if you “did enough” for students who always seem to need more.  You did enough.  You made it.  That matters.  Reflection is powerful, but so is rest. Take stock of what you learned this year and then unplug.

What can I do in that final week of school to help future me?

Before you toss everything in a bin, take 30 minutes to jot down notes for next year:

• • What worked well this year?
    
  • What units do you want to adjust?
  • What can you print or copy before leaving campus for the summer? Future you will be grateful.

What can I do to grow professionally this summer without burning out?

Pick one or two low-pressure goals. Try:

• • Reading a professional book (or a key chapter!)

  • Listening to education podcasts during walks or travel

  • Joining a teacher Facebook group or online community 

Remember: You don’t need to overhaul everything. Reflect. Recharge. Return with purpose.

You’ve made it through your first school year—through every challenge, every unexpected hurdle, and every victory (big or small). That’s worth celebrating. As you head into summer, give yourself the grace to rest and the credit you deserve.

You’re not just surviving. You’re building something great.

Looking for more support? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our PD sessions just for new teachers.

Amanda Melsby has been a professional educator for 20 years.  She taught English before working as an assistant principal and later as a high school principal.  Amanda holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Leadership and is currently a dean of teaching and learning.