9 Songs to Get Your Groove on Before School

You were up late grading papers and watching videos to prep for the next day’s lesson. The alarm sounds at 5:30 a.m. You stagger to youru2026

Let’s get this party started!

We asked YOU for the best get-up-and-out-the-door songs. Here ‘s what you said.

Closure in Moscow’s “Happy Days”

Henoch Hailu , Montgomery County 
 Special Education Teacher, White Oak Middle School

Who doesn’t like rocking out first thing in the morning?

My favorite quote from this song is, “Quick fix schemes had a hold on me. Now I just smile because everything always was just how it should have been. Oh, them happy days are here.”

This is the moment when we recognize that our happy days are here. We shouldn’t get caught up in what happiness is supposed to look like. Appreciate what you have and focus on the positives in your life.

Using Pop Culture in the Classroom
In 2010, the Kaiser Family Institute reported that youth between the ages of 8 and 18 were spending about 7.5mseanewsfeed.com

Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”

Becca Smoot, Montgomery County 
 2nd Grade, JoAnn Leleck Elementary School

I am always grooving to songs in the morning, at lunch, and after school. JT boosts my mood to help express my happiness and enthusiasm while teaching.

The line that keeps me the most positive is “All through my city, all through my home, we’re flying up, no ceiling, when we’re in our zone.” That helps me remember that I am here to help my community to feel happy and positive about becoming lifelong learners in the “zone!”

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “My Shot”

Patricia Reynolds, Montgomery County 
 Advanced World Studies 6
 White Oak Middle School

I love “My Shot” because after teaching for over 40 years, I finally have my dream job — teaching World Studies. There is no way that I am throwing away my shot!

One Republic’s “Good Life”

Cristin Caparotta, Prince George’s County
School Counselor, Friendly High School

This song has a positive message that reminds me that today will be a good day. I also like the beat of the song, which helps me to slowly transition into the day ahead.

Kendrick Lamar’s “I”

Chris Lloyd, Montgomery County
President, Montgomery County Education Association

My “go to” drive song by one of the greatest poets today. Kendrick nails it when he says,“Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence. How many times our potential was anonymous?” We turn our trials into triumphs when we stop the self-doubt, and use our collective potential to make promises made, promises kept. When we love ourselves, we become more powerful than we ever thought. Mic drop.

Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move”

Kristen Jones, Harford County 
Special Education
 Halls Cross Roads Elementary

This is an amazing song to get you motivated in the morning. There won’t be another repeat of today, so be the best you can be. If you fail, try again! Make a difference today because you won’t get this day back.

Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”

Jason Fahie, Anne Arundle County
Health/Phys Ed Teacher, Marley Middle School

I love this song because it takes me back to my days in high school when life was carefree. Also, this song is a true classic that reaches many generations.