My favorite t-shirt slogan for teachers is one from a few years ago. It said, “Hey parents, TAG you are it!” Teachers wore this proudly on the last school days for all parents in car rider lines, end-of-year awards assemblies, and social media posts.
Now that school is back in session, parents quickly jump on the bandwagon and yell, “Hey teachers, TAG,” as they drop off their students and speed out of the car rider lines.
As a teacher, I must admit that although I love teaching and working with students, the first few weeks of school can be challenging. Many districts, including my district, give teachers a week or two of professional development and new teacher orientation. The two weeks before school starts often will include planning and decorating classrooms, collaborating with team members, and the grand finale…Day One! Once Labor Day is over, many teachers will begin engaging students until Thanksgiving Break in November. That is almost three months without a long break to recoup and re-energize for students.
To help all teachers, regardless of the grade level, prepare for the long haul between Labor Day and Thanksgiving break, I have some tips for success!
Tip #1: COUNTDOWN!
Who doesn’t love a good countdown? We countdown to vacation, the New Year, sports events, milestones, and holidays, why shouldn’t the countdown to the last day of school happen on the first day? I countdown for different events or when I just need a pick-me-up. It can be a motivating way of rewarding ourselves! Make it count too! Add a coupon to the back of random dates to treat yourself. For instance, a number after 70 may be during colder weather, a coupon for hot chocolate makes every teacher sweeter. Quiz your students by including a historical fact or social studies concept that could help students remember portions of time or historical events. It can be a motivating tool for class and a rewarding tool for you.
TIP #2: CELEBRATE
As summer ends, a teacher’s world changes. Teachers go from celebrating themselves by vacationing and relaxing to looking after students and long workdays. Commit to celebrating daily with your students. In your next parent newsletter include a link or QR code to a sign-up sheet. The sheet could have specific dates for giving supplies, party planning, volunteering, and most importantly, your treats! Don’t be afraid to include your favorite place to shop, favorite snack, favorite drink, favorite car model.
Don’t stop with just your class in celebrating! Do the same thing within your school with other faculty and staff. It can be a big boost to morale to celebrate milestones and even little events occurring throughout the year. A sign-up with specific dates for celebrating birthdays, weddings, births, and small events like “best hair” or “best parking job” is a way for all to participate in the celebration. Many community businesses would donate a small gift card or item to events celebrating teachers. So don’t forget to celebrate the big and little things throughout the year. It can change your attitude and build the culture within your school.
Tip #3: BESTIES
Every Batman needs a Robin, every coach needs a team, and every Taylor needs a Travis. Every teacher needs a bestie within the school. Teachers need another human during times of stress, frustration, and celebrations too. The phrase, “no man is an island,” is true in all career fields, especially in teaching. Teachers should find someone who also needs a bestie. After finding out each other’s favorite place to eat or shop, begin the bestie friendship by celebrating each other! Gift cards are perfect, but so is a quick stop by the coffee shop and grab a coffee for your new bestie! Send a joke for fun or write a note to let them know you care. So take it from Batman, your favorite coach, or Taylor. You need a teacher bestie! Who else is going to cover your class for a bathroom break or cover for you when you are late for school?
More About the Author
Dr. Amy L. Holland is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience shaping young minds. Her passion for learning has led her to teach across various levels, from elementary and middle school to the collegiate realm. With a diverse background encompassing both humanities and social sciences, Dr. Holland currently dedicates her time to inspiring junior high students through history while also mentoring future educators in the innovative use of technology in the classroom at the graduate level. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Holland finds joy in the written word and exploring the world through travel. She resides in Gravette, Arkansas, with her husband and two teenage children. Their shared love for horses has led them to establish a small equestrian facility, offering riding lessons and the therapeutic benefits of equine companionship.
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