An Open Letter for Every #okayteacher Going Into the New School Year

Dear #okayteacher,

Summer is winding down, and the reality of back to school is upon us. You may have spent your summer Netflix binging, crossing off books on your reading list, spending time with your family and friends, planning for the school year, shopping at Target, or teaching summer school. However you spent your summer, I hope it was what you needed.

Heading into the new school year, you may be becoming anxious. Anxious about your to do list, anxious about a grade or building change, anxious about how you'll balance it all, anxious about many things. That's okay. It's normal.

Take the time now, to set up a plan of action that will help alleviate some anxious feelings. Decide the time of the year that you feel most anxious. Got it? Good. Now plan a sick day around that time. Write it in your calendar. Write it into your plans. Get a sub lined up if you can. You need a mental health day. Your students need you to take a mental health day. Your students will survive. Your classroom will survive. You will continue to be amazing.

Write a letter to yourself right now reflecting on the past school year, whether it was your most amazing year ever, or a year where you felt like you were drowning. Give yourself a pep talk. Take advice from yourself. You should be your biggest cheerleader. Because at the end of the day...who are you going to listen to...me or yourself? Then, when you're having a rough day, open that letter, and read it.

Remember that you are amazing. You have, in my opinion, both the hardest and most rewarding job in the world. There is a reason you became a teacher, and although on our hardest days, it can be a struggle to remember that reason, you have to remember it. Consider writing it in your planner, or on your phone. Wherever you can easily see it on a regular basis.

Finally, have an okay year. I say okay, because whatever type of year you have...you will be okay. You can plan all the things and have the best color coordinated fantamazing (fantasic/amazing) classroom you've ever dreamed of and more! You can also have a simple classroom with lesson plans that engage, but don't drain your bank account. Either way, its okay. It is always okay be okay.

Love,
Lindsey, proud #okayteacher