Dear Educators,
As the school year winds down, the first thing you may want to do is hop into your car and speed away from the school. You’ve given all you’ve got to your students and the school community, and your need to recharge is palpable. After you’ve submitted your grades and walk into break, we’d like to invite you to do one more thing for yourself: write a letter to the school year, your students, and yourself.
Reflection is one of the most generous acts of self-care, and will allow you to recall the big and small things that made your year terrific. This is a chance to honor your hard work. Here are some suggestions for pieces to include in your letter:
- Moments that made you proud: victories both large and small; that one student who finally read aloud; the project that lit your students up; the parent who said thank you.
- Hard days you survived: The tech fails, the discipline challenges, the shifts in priorities. You’re still here.
- Ways you’ve grown: As a teacher, colleague, leader, and learner.
- What you’re proud of: the way you teach, your creativity, student advocacy, and humor.
Then, seal it and put it in your desk drawer to find at the beginning of the school year. Take it out now and again to remind yourself that you do make a difference, especially on those challenging days.
You lived and shaped this year, giving it your all. Do this one nice thing for yourself to honor all you’ve accomplished.
About the Author
Betsy Butler (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in English, a Master’s in Education, and has been teaching since 1992. Betsy uses her three decades of teaching experience to write and revise our courses while selecting the perfect accompanying texts. Her specialty areas include ELA, special education topics, behavior management, and mental health.
Fun Fact: Betsy’s daily conquest is solving the New York Times crossword puzzle!
