New Year, New Goals: A Mid-Year Reset for School-Based Therapists

The new year (or even just the mid-year point) is the perfect time for a reset. As school-based therapists, we juggle so much: student progress, meetings, paperwork, and collaboration with teachers and parents. It’s easy for our goals and routines to get lost in the chaos, especially as we count down the days until the holidays.

Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and reset can help you finish the year strong and create sustainable systems for both your students and yourself.

Here’s a deeper dive into how I like to approach it:

1) Reflect on Student Progress

Start by reviewing your students’ progress from the first term. Ask yourself: Which interventions are producing meaningful change? Which strategies need adjustment?

Reflection isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about interpreting what the data really tells you. For example, a student may meet their goals in therapy sessions, but classroom performance might tell a different story. Taking the time to connect the dots allows you to make thoughtful adjustments, set more targeted goals, and ensure every minute of your therapy sessions counts.

2) Reassess Your Workload

School-based therapy can feel like a constant balancing act. This is a great time to step back and ask: Am I overcommitted? Which tasks could be streamlined, delegated, or eliminated?

Consider implementing strategies that simplify your workflow. Could you batch your documentation, streamline session prep, or use a digital scheduling tool to reduce back-and-forth? Simplifying your workload isn’t about doing less for your students, it’s about creating space to be more intentional and effective with the time and energy you have.

Check out my previous blog detailing a School-Based OT Roadmap for more tips on this!

3) Check In With Teachers and Parents (after the Break)

As the school year wears on, communication gaps can creep in, and students may have new needs or changes in routines. Schedule check-ins to collaborate with teachers and parents. Even a brief conversation can provide insights that transform your therapy plan. Teachers may notice behaviors or challenges that don’t show up in the therapy room. Parents may offer updates about home routines or challenges. These collaborative conversations strengthen your interventions and show families that you’re invested in their child’s success.

4) Set Realistic Goals for Yourself

Your goals don’t have to be just for your students; they also matter for you! Setting realistic, manageable goals can improve your work-life balance and prevent burnout.

For instance, I recently removed email from my phone to create clear boundaries between work and personal time. Small changes like this can make a big difference in your energy levels, focus, and overall job satisfaction. Remember: sustainability is key. It’s better to make steady progress than to overcommit and burn out.

5) Take 5 Minutes to Organize Your Workspace

A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. Even a five-minute tidy-up (i.e. sorting materials, putting away therapy tools, or clearing your desk) can boost focus and productivity.

Consider keeping a “mid-year reset” checklist for your space: restock common supplies, organize student files, and declutter your digital files. This not only makes your day-to-day work smoother but can also save precious minutes and reduce frustration when you need materials quickly.

6) Recommit to Systems That Work for YOU!

Every therapist has systems that work... and some that don’t. Take stock of what’s effective and let go of what isn’t.

Maybe your data collection method is saving time, or a certain scheduling system helps you balance multiple classrooms. Double down on those wins. At the same time, be honest about what isn’t serving you, and explore new approaches that fit your style and needs. Systems that reflect your workflow (not a one-size-fits-all model) are the ones that last.

Bringing It All Together

A mid-year reset isn’t about starting over, it’s about refining, recalibrating, and recommitting. By reflecting on student progress, reassessing your workload, checking in with stakeholders, setting realistic personal goals, organizing your workspace, and recommitting to effective systems, you set yourself (and your students!) up for meaningful success.

Taking the time for this reset can turn good intentions into sustainable action. Let this be your reminder: every small adjustment counts, and every intentional choice can make a big impact on the rest of your school year!