How to Lighten the Mental Load of Teaching: 4 Teacher-Tested Steps (Opinion)

['Katherine Efremkin Is A Special Education Teacher In Connecticut. She Also Works As An Executive Functioning Coach', 'Serves As An Adjunct Professor In The School Of Education At The University Of Mount Saint Vincent In New York. She Is Particularly Interested In The Science Of Learning As It Applies To Teachers.', 'Tue.', 'August', 'P.M. - P.M. Et', 'September'] Education Week - K-12 education news and information 2026-07-30 16:53:40

While that’s important, teachers, especially new teachers, are often not prepared for the mental load of teaching, which starts from day one. The mental load of teaching is all of the invisible work your teacher’s brain is doing to juggle a successful classroom. However, by spending time at the beginning of the year planning backward and anticipating tasks, you can lighten the mental load. Backward plan, noting key datesJust as we do with our curriculum, start with the end in mind and work backward. Backward plan with curriculumAfter you’ve marked out key district and school dates, take out your school’s curriculum map and begin the same process of backward planning.