Hello

In my first year of teaching, I made it to February and hit the proverbial wall hard. That year consisted of long nights crafting lesson plans and grading, always just one day ahead. My approach to classroom management was ineffective -- mostly because I did not have one -- and the feeling of having no control in my own life made me feel as though I was drowning. When I hit that low point, I told myself, "Next year I'll do better." I got through the year, but I was not my best self in the classroom. My lessons were half-baked, and nothing seemed to string together cohesively.

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The following year I was better; however, that was a low bar to clear. Then I hit February, and like clockwork, my energy and passion tanked. Once again, my problems in the classroom seemed like a "next year" issue.

Then something amazing happened. I participated in a professional development day that was actually beneficial! Shocking. Also, by beneficial, I mean one thing the presenter (I wish I remembered who it was) said stuck with me. That one piece of wisdom, though, changed everything. He said: "These students are only in your class once."

 

It was great that I wanted to do better next year, but what was I going to do for the students sitting in front of me THIS year? Those students weren't going to get another freshman year English.

 

There are times I still hit low points in my teaching and feel stuck. I'd be a robot if I didn't feel burned out some days. The difference is now I've learned I can't just pack it up emotionally and intellectually and wait for a new year. This insight has become a reset button for me. What can I do in my classroom to get myself and my students back on a motivated path to successful learning?

 

My hope for this site is to offer that reset button for any educator in need and to keep me motivated as well. We can do it.