Everyone has bad days. In the profession of education, educators give, give and give, and seldom take time for self care. What can we do when we have a bad day? We definitely can’t rely on our students to be a shoulder to lean on. We must leave out emotional baggage at the door, but then pick it back up on the way out and deal with it. It is absolutely crucial that we as educators are socially and emotionally competent(SEC), especially in self management and relationship skills. Research shows that teachers that model high SEC positively effect the SEL of their students.

Teachers… get your sleep, eat well and laugh. Do this, and you will love your job because other’s will love you for what you do.

The best feeling in life is not only doing something you truly love and are passionate about, but to also have others love what you do.

Assessing students’ learning should be like a camcorder, not a camera; one must look at the entire process, not just the beginning and ending photo.

How can we as teachers create a community feel in our classrooms? How can teachers aid students in their transformation from tourist to citizen of the classroom?

PASSION

For 2016, the word I chose that describes what I want to be, focus and to encompass my total self throughout the year and into the future is Passion; for my students’ well being, for my career, for my relationships, for my beliefs, for my health, for my growth as an educator.

I will do this by asking for help and guidance from those who inspire me, doing things that bring me peace, happiness, things that challenge and scare me, accept change, laugh and love.