Carol Moehrle
Another school year has started like a whirlwind! Is there ever a calm start to a new year? The students arrive after a summer break and bring the energy of the wind and storm with them. You can physically feel the energy pulsing off them as they try to sit in the classroom. That energy is a measure of their mental, emotional, and physical state. No wonder it feels pretty crazy in the classroom sometimes. Ideally by this week things are starting to calm and normalize.
What about you? Have you taken a deep breath yet? Have you found the balance needed to weather the rest of the term? Or are you already counting the days till the first holiday?
Remember to take time to focus on your needs too. Find your own personal energy—the energy that gives you that zip you need to smile each day at the challenges in your classroom.
Find your balance. Practice self-care by giving yourself permission to be good to yourself. Take a long walk, read in a quiet space, sing or dance. Find what makes you happy and build that into each day. Cherish yourself so you can cherish the work of being an exceptional teacher.
Find your support. Who are your teammates? A team is stronger than an individual and is invaluable when it comes to sharing worries and struggles and life in general. Find your support system at school and home so you don’t carry the stressors of the day all alone.
You are off to a wonderful, amazing new school year. Your students are fortunate to have you in their lives. Remember your strengths and the positive effect you have on each student, and don’t forget to cherish yourself each day.
b-Resilient