It’s almost time for children to head back to school for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Ahead of school starting in Michigan, we asked dozens of teachers in Metro Detroit to gather some helpful tips for students of all ages, as well as their parents.
Here’s what teachers are saying that students should know ahead of the school year:
The responses were collected from dozens of teachers around Metro Detroit, and not necessarily just from the six who participated in the roundtable discussion below:
1. Routine
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“A solid morning and evening routine and at least 8-10 hours of sleep. All too often, my students are exhausted in class because they were on social media or playing video games until 2 a.m.”
Teacher from Novi with over 10 years of experience
“Start a routine early with going to bed and getting up early. Don’t wait the weekend before school starts.”
2. Attendance, participation
Teacher from Hillsdale with over 10 years of experience
“Show up to school and class on time, every day.”
Teacher from Wayne County with 20 years of experience
“Consistency, effort, and a positive attitude are crucial for success. When students show up each day ready to try their best, ask questions, and stay open to learning—even when it feels hard—they grow both academically and personally."
Teacher from South Lyon with over 10 of experience
“I’ve found that the real ‘secret’ to success isn’t a new app or a trendy life hack. It’s three old-school habits that work in almost every classroom: Pay attention, Participate in class, Complete assignments thoughtfully.
These habits don’t require talent, just consistency. And if they don’t come naturally, they can be built over time. A shy student might start by simply raising their hand once a day. Small steps lead to lasting confidence."
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“Please come to school every day. We don’t have enough time as it is to learn everything we need to in 10 months so missing 1-2 days a week really adds up and is detrimental to the learning process.”
Teacher from Port Huron
“Don’t worry about perfection, that isn’t where success comes from. Never compare yourself to others, compete against yourself first and others later. If you’re an A student, amazing, keep going. If you’re an E student but get a D-, you’re amazing, keep growing. If you’re struggling to grow, ask for help, I’ve never met a teacher who says ‘no’ when asked for help, that’s why we do what we do.”
3. Cellphone use
Teacher from South Lyon with over 10 of experience
“Limit screen time. Excessive phone use hurts focus and mental health, for students and adults alike. Write things down. Handwritten notes and study guides beat photos and typed docs when it comes to learning.”
Teacher from Grosse Pointe with five years of experience
“Students can be successful by focusing on their physical and mental health-especially getting enough sleep and putting devices away 2 hours before bedtime.”
4. Be willing to learn
Teacher from South Lyon with over 10 of experience
“Stay curious. One of my personal mantras is: I can learn anything, from anyone, at any time.”
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“Be open to learning about EVERYTHING! Even if you think it’s not important, it will be at some point in your life. You are the most important part of your education. Friends will come and go, but you are forever!”
Teacher from Grosse Pointe Farms with over 10 years of experience
“A good attitude and a willingness to TRY new things. Remember we are ALL learning new things, all of the time, and new things take PRACTICE. Focus on LISTENING to what is being said, don’t just HEAR it or worry about what you are going to say. ASK questions, be curious and seek answers/solutions. Be KIND.”
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“One important tip to do during summer, is exercise your brain. Whether it’s a book of cross word puzzles or Sudoku; exercise your brain. It is not a sin to be enrolled in summer recovery classes; it’s a sin when you don’t take advantage.
Everyone has a story but those who are disadvantaged are faced with the challenge of pushing through despite of their circumstances. I know what it feels like to be all alone without proper guidance. If I can make it out of my situation of being allowing myself to get caught up with the wrong crowd."
5. Teamwork
Teacher from South Lyon with over 10 of experience
“Teachers are on your side. It’s not us vs. them. We want students to grow and succeed, even when we push them.”
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“Be honest when you need help. It’s not a weakness-admitting you don’t understand is a strength. Educators aren’t mind readers.”
Teacher from Detroit with over 10 years of experience
“Students and teachers are a team and both sides need to put in the work. As difficult as it may be some days, stay engaged during class time and give a solid effort. It’s crucial you complete your assignments on time. Each day builds on the next, so chronically late assignment completion is a disservice to your learning.”