Not only is the school year already a long one, filled with ups and downs, but this year you got to linger a day longer in February. At times, it can feel like the year is rocketing past you at an alarming rate and it’ll be a challenge to bring all the fun, creative lessons you’ve planned to your classroom. Then again, sometimes the days drag by with such lethargy that you wonder if there will ever be a summer again.
No matter how you’re feeling about how far you’ve come since the beginning of this school year and how far you have left to go, it’s always a good thing to share words of encouragement from your colleagues. Here’s what some of The Mailbox editors offered as their words of encouragement to a teacher at the mid-year point:
Be amazed by your accomplishments. Recognize and learn from your failures. Then continue to use your wisdom and your heart to enthusiastically guide your students through the rest of the year. – Diane Badden
Give yourself a pat on the back for what you accomplished today. – Becky Andrews
You make a difference every time you make eye contact with one of your students. A smile counts double. One of the most important things you do every day is care for your kids. – Sherry McGregor
As you ponder how you are going to ever be able to teach all the skills that need to be covered by the end of the year, take time to reflect on how much progress your students have made so far. It makes the task of teaching the skills yet to be covered not quite as daunting. – Tina Peterson
Your smile might be just what your students need today. – Sharon Tresino
When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout. – Me. (Not helpful?)
Share your own words of encouragement with your fellow teachers right here at the Upper Grades Exchange.