Friends,
It’s almost
Thanksgiving break. This means we are
about half way through the second quarter.
I’m excited that I am finding rhythm to my days. I’ve also discovered that teaching is an
emotional roller coaster. I chose to
teach because I wanted to celebrate life and learning with students the way my
teachers celebrated it with me. This is
challenging work. If I’m not careful, I
find myself dwelling on my shortcomings.
I’ve been assured this happens to all professionals, but I think it’s
more common in the teaching profession.
Here is a list of things I during the school day or week that help me
see all that I am instead of all that I’m not.
Sticky Notes
At least once a week I
write a sticky note of affirmation to someone in our school. I also give
students the opportunity to do this….
Here’s the thing, if I need to uplifted odds are others do too. I’ve always felt a need to give others hope.
Sticky notes are intentional way to do this Above all else; I want to be known
for being a kind encourager!
Remembering
& Celebrating Teachers
At
least once a day, I share an anecdote or a quote from a former teacher or a
mentor that has inspired me! This just
happens naturally--- that’s part of the reason this is so special to me! My
hope is that demonstrates my passion for my subject and teaching. If I’m teaching on the constitution why not,
tell them about my study of a third world country during university when I too
understood just how critical living in America is…. Sharing my learning experiences with
students makes my purpose that much more meaningful to me! I did not become a
teacher accidentally and I want my students to see the people who inspire me!
Never
Eat Lunch Alone
We
have a rotating schedule of who must be on lunch duty. If we are not assigned duty we may eat in our
classroom. I intentionally sit with
whoever is on lunch duty. I need time to clear my head. I need time away from my classroom. Eating lunch with others builds
community. This is especially important
to me because I live alone.
Playing
Music
As
students work independently and enter my classroom I play instrumental
Christian music. It creates a sense of calm for the students and me. I also
hate awkward silence but, loose focus if students talk too loud. It’s great volume control. If I can’t hear the music the students have
gotten too loud. Above all else, it helps me know that God is ALWAYS in my
classroom no matter how stressed I am….
Going
to Chapel
At
the end of week our students spend an hour of their day in a worship service.
Like lunch duty, teachers rotate Thursday chapel duty. I elect to attend chapel
every week. It gives me a chance to let
go of all my frustrations and stress.
There are plenty of days I don’t feel worthy enough but I know God is
beside me. If I’m being honest,
sometimes I’ve just been too exhausted for Sunday service. So knowing that we
worship at school fills my heart. Our
services are sometimes guest speakers but, often are led by our science teacher
who has studied youth ministry. He gives superhero sermons that I pray our
students hear because each of them has moved me as believer!
Community
Service
I have always been a
teacher at heart. Perhaps more importantly, I have always had a huge heart for
giving and caring about others. I don’t
have too much time to volunteer often but this quarter I have invited students,
friends, and family to collect teddy bears to comfort local children in need. I
have done this to CELEBRATE my commitment to children and to celebrate the JOY of
becoming a teacher! There’s a small collection of teddy bears in my classroom
that remind me that I am not in this alone.
I am so thankful for each person who has supported me! It means
everything to me!
As you wrap up the week
try to focus on WHO YOU ARE! Someone needs you loves you & is thankful for
you!
Joyfully,
Teacher Julie
