Dear Self,
As you start year 15 in the world of education I want you to remember a few things. This may be your 15th year but none of your students have been in school for 15 years. They are not as jaded as you. Although some of these babies might be close to as jaded as you. So ask yourself, "How can I be the difference for them? How can I help chip away at the jadedness we both have?" Remember you can't reach them all but you can sure try.
You've been at this current school for 3 years and have had 5 principals. That's a lot to deal with. It's a lot of inconsistency. It's hard of the students. It's hard on the parents. It's hard on the faculty and staff. No one is denying it's hard. It. Is. Hard. So what are you going to do with that? Fake it till you make it? Although, I know you're tired of faking it. Maybe you should try the saying you found of Pinterest, "Faith it till make it." 'Faith it' seems much easier than 'Faking it'.
So pray more.
Leave work at work.
If this is hard on you at 40, you know this is hard for 4-11 year olds. So be there for them. Be the consistency in their lives that they might not have at home or even at school as a whole. Set expectations for the library. Model those expectations. Be consistent with your rules and procedures. Teach the love of reading.
No matter what kind of day you're having don't let the students see anything but that you are happy to see them, you love them and want the best for them. Be that adult in their lives.
Remember who you are and what you've done for the library, the school, and the students. Don't let anyone take from you. You know what you've done. You know what you've done. You know what you've done.
You know what you are good at and you know what you need to improve one. Pick 3 improvements and work on them this school year. How can you encourage the love of reading? How can you reach those who hate reading? What new clubs can you add to the library program? How can you help improve testing scores? Cuz it all comes down to testing scores doesn't it?
Focus:
*Faith it till you make it
*Hygge
*Don't let idiots ruin your day
The last one... your not trying to be flippant just... real and truthful. Just trying to make it through the day.
Love,
Your-15-year-in-educator-self
This is a great way to kick off your school year. I appreciate your optimism in spite of very difficult circumstances. Yes, be there for the students and teach the love of reading. I love that you're challenging yourself with three improvements for the year. Something tells me you'll have a great year!
ReplyDeleteLove this letter to self! I think all teachers should do this before the year begins. Your letter is full of wisdom. I am especially drawn by "hygge" - meaning fully present in each moment, and it's value?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to remind ourselves that whatever is going on in our lives or how we might be feeling about the way things are going, we are there for our students and it is up to us to try and reach them and make them feel important. Hope you have a good year.
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