My Back-to-School Era: A Taylor Swift Soundtrack
It feels oddly perfect, almost suspiciously perfect, that Taylor Swift announced a brand-new album dropping right as back-to-school season hits. Because if there’s one thing that will get me through conference season in October, it’s a fresh batch of Taylor tracks. What a gift she’s giving us.
As the school year approaches, I’m feeling all the teacher-mom emotions at once in true back-to-school fashion. Thank goodness Taylor has a song for every single one of them. Teacher-mom life means living in constant contradiction: sad summer is ending, yet excited for a fresh start; exhausted before it begins, yet energized by new possibilities; craving structure, yet missing the freedom. And somehow, every time I turn on a Taylor song, she just gets it.
Honestly, the excitement of a new album is going to carry me straight through the fall… and then the anticipation of a new tour will take me right into summer. And I know I’m not the only one. Every teacher is silently (or loudly) thanking her for this blessed timing.
So, since I’m officially back in full-on Swiftie mode, here’s my playlist for this year’s teacher back-to-school era. Songs for every mood, every pep talk, and every deep breath I’ll need as the school year unfolds.
Track 1: August – Folklore
The obvious opener. A bittersweet goodbye to late sunsets, slow mornings, and popsicles for dinner. I’ll be humming “August slipped away like a bottle of wine” while I label mailboxes and put up bulletin boards this week.
Track 2: Cruel Summer – Lover
It’s that mix of soaking up every fun, easygoing moment while knowing the season can’t last forever. This summer flew by in the best way, full of sunshine, slow mornings, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Now it’s time to trade in that carefree rhythm for the energy and structure of a new school year, carrying a little of that summer brightness with me.
Track 3: Question…? – Midnights
Fun fact from Google: “Some sources suggest that teachers can be asked anywhere from 300 to 500 questions daily. One source even suggests that teachers can be asked as many as 150 questions per hour.” No explanation needed here. Just prepping my brain for this madness.
Track 4: Begin Again – Red
For my students, the first day is a fresh start too. New friends to meet, a teacher they don’t know yet, and a hundred little unknowns. I love watching their nerves turn into smiles, their curiosity take over, and the moment they realize this could be the start of the best year.
Track 5: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart – The Tortured Poets Department
I’m heartbroken to say goodbye to what might have been my best summer yet. The slow mornings, the memories with my kids, the solo bike rides, the extra time with my husband. But I’m also genuinely excited for a new start, new students, and all the possibilities a fresh school year brings. Bittersweet, but still sweet.
Track 6: …Ready For It? – Reputation
A new class. A new teaching partner. New routines. New challenges. New opportunities. I can feel it. This year is bringing big energy. Big things for me. I don’t know what they are yet, but I’m sure I’m ready for it.
Track 7: Breathe – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
My friendly reminder to myself: keep up the self-care, slow down, and actually breathe. It’s too easy to get swept up in the chaos of the year, but I want to notice the quiet moments, protect my peace, and keep finding the calm no matter how loud things get.
Track 8: Shake It Off – 1989
Last year was tough in ways I never expected. From the heartbreaking loss of a student to the daily challenges that seemed to stack up without pause. Those memories and emotions still linger, but I can’t let them define this year. I’ll carry the lessons and the love forward, but I’m choosing to release the heaviness. This year, I’m making space for joy, fresh starts, and the reminder that it’s okay to keep moving forward.
Track 9: ’Tis the Damn Season – Evermore
This is the season I finally make the insanely early mornings happen. We’re talking 4:30 a.m., twice a week, to get my workout in before school. With my oldest now in Kindergarten and a new after-school schedule, the gym after work just isn’t an option anymore. So this fall, it’s coffee in the dark, sneakers on before sunrise, and proving to myself that I can do hard things while most people are still deep in REM sleep.
Track 10: Never Grow Up – Speak Now
My five-year-old is heading into Kindergarten, and even though she’s more than ready, my heart can’t help but feel the shift. She’s stepping into a new world. New friends, new routines, new challenges. I know she’ll shine, but part of me wants to freeze time. This is the bittersweet magic of watching your child grow: you let go a little, cheer them on a lot, and trust they’ll carry the love and lessons you’ve tucked into their pocket.
Track 11: Stay Beautiful- Taylor Swift
To my class from last year: you’re moving on to a new grade, new teachers, and new adventures, but I hope you carry a little piece of our year together with you. Keep your curiosity, your kindness, and your sense of humor. Stay the bright, unique, one-of-a-kind people you are. You made my classroom a better place just by being in it. And I hope you always stay beautiful in the ways that matter most.
Track 12: The 1 – Folklore
This year just feels like the one. I can’t explain it. I don’t know exactly why or ho, but something tells me it’s going to bring big lessons, the kind that shift how I see everything. The kind you only recognize once you’re on the other side of them. I’m excited.
Whether this year ends up as a chart-topping hit or a deep cut only I’ll appreciate, I’m choosing to press play with optimism. Because if there’s one thing teaching (and Taylor) have taught me, it’s that the bridge is always worth the wait, and the ending often surprises you.
Let’s not lose our minds together,
Tori
