You👏 Aren't👏 Alone👏

Encouragement. Sometimes all we need is to hear someone say "you've got this," "it's hard now but it will be okay," "this will make you stronger," or simply "I'm listening." But more often than not, as educators we are torn and broken down whether it be by headlines, principals, parents, students, other teachers, or even from our own self-doubt.
A few years ago I was in that place. I felt defeated each morning when I got up and I struggled to be excited through the whole school day. I looked for help from family and friends but their advice and good intentions didn't quite translate into my profession. Bottom line was: I felt like no one in my circle really knew what I was going through and there was no way to explain it. So I found teachers groups online and then I didn't quite feel as alone any more. There were situations just like mine and people were asking for help and prayer! I felt better just knowing that it wasn't just me. There is something about when I meet someone and they say "I'm a teacher" that instantly pulls me to them. Why? Because more often than not, they get it! No one gets how hard it is to be a teacher other than a teacher! So my encouragement to you is this: you will pull through! This job is tough but there are so many kiddos that just need you. They need you to show them that they are special, cared for, valued. You got into this profession to help kids and even on your days that seem the darkest, remember that you can be a shining light in their world. Look up, teacher friends, the sun is rising! It's a brand new school year with brand new opportunities. I'm right there with you, let's get ready to teach some kiddos!



***Additional note: During my difficult year, I looked for encouragement through my faith and that is what ultimately got me completely out of my negativity. What surprised me though was how few educator encouragement resources there were for Christians! On Mondays, I will be sharing a Bible verse and a short post to help encourage you (and me!) through the week. I pray this helps you feel encouraged in your most difficult times throughout the school year! ❤

Summer Daze

Is it just me or do the summer days seem to fly by faster as soon as you see back to school gear being put out in stores? I have to admit it's always a time of mixed feelings for me. I see the Target Dollar Spot teacher goodies (which by the way are 🔥 this year) and get mega excited for all the possibilities and uses for the upcoming school year! But I know it also means the precious days of recuperating from the previous year by soaking up as much family and friend time as I can manage are coming to a close. It's at this time of the summer I notice that I start scrambling to meet up with all the friends I haven't seen yet. Then I look to my untouched pile of "I'll take this home over the summer and get extra prepared for next year" work. Every. Single. Year. I definitely let my organized, planner-happy teacher brain have a break over the summer. How about you? Please let me know I'm not the only one who completely loses their mind in the summer! 😂

P.S. If you haven't made a trip to the Dollar Spot this year, 1) you need to and 2) you can get a sneak peek to see if there's anything you may need want for next school year!