Decisions for the 2021-2022 School Year - What's A Teacher To Do?

The million dollar question on the minds of most teachers right now as contracts and decisions are being made for the upcoming school year, is what will next year look like? Will there be social distancing? Can students work in groups? Is remote learning still going to be a choice? Will students be able to eat in the cafeteria? There is still so much uncertainty which is why now is a great time to reflect on your “Why?”

Remember Your “Why?”

Why did you choose this profession? We all know that June, July, and August are a nice perk of being a teacher, but let’s face it that shouldn’t be the main reason one becomes a teacher. The outside world believes that our day begins at 9am and ends at 3pm, but that couldn’t be more untrue. Some even think of our profession as glorified babysitting...I mean SERIOUSLY!

You have a fire within you that makes you want to serve students and families. You have creative juices flowing through your mind that help you to teach like no other teacher. You have a heart as large as a mountain that causes your students to know you are their biggest cheerleader. You have a knack of saying just the right things to parents when you have to make a difficult phone call.

The truth is, no one can teach like you! YOU are an AMAZING educator. Your students need you. Your students’ families need you. Your colleagues and teacher friends need you. We all need you. Don’t let this year get you too discouraged. Don’t let next year begin to overwhelm you. Teaching is your passion and calling in life.

But Something Needs to Change?

Is it possible that you might need a change in scenery? Yep. Is that a bad thing? Nope. You see, after a year like this you probably have done plenty of self reflection and realize that as much as you want to teach something needs to change. Maybe you switch grade levels or content areas from what you are currently teaching. Maybe you start challenging yourself on a new goal such as landing that dream job in that dream district. These are all motivating thoughts that will help you become a better teacher.

If you are at that point in the school year where the teacher burnout is setting in BIG time, then I really encourage you to take a step back and breathe. Don’t make a rash decision unless you know it’s an absolute must-do. And the thing about those types of decisions is that no one but you can truly tell you what’s the right thing to do. Weigh all of your options. Talk to the people that you love and trust and try to make your decision in a clear state of mind.

YOU DID IT!!

Yes, you’re right, this was by far the HARDEST year EVER in education, but you did it! You found a way to reach students and families in a time when students and teachers couldn’t be near each other. You were able to connect with each one of your students so they knew that you were there to support and encourage them. You built a rapport with families and did everything you could to help make this year as easy as possible for them. You are a blessing to your students and families.

I know, I know. Right about now you’re probably thinking “I didn’t do enough. There’s so much curriculum I didn’t even get to cover. How in the world am I supposed to do this again next year?” And the answer to all of those questions is quite simply that you loved. Love is by far what each and every student in the ENTIRE world needed this year and will continue to need in the years to come.

So you didn’t get to multiplication or teaching how to write a persuasive essay. So what? As we so very often say in Cleveland, “There’s always next year.” It’s okay. What would be the point of putting the pressure on yourself to cram everything in this school year, if your students aren’t ready to learn it? Quite frankly, that sounds like a huge waste of time.

What do I do now?

Perhaps as this school year is winding down, it would benefit all of us educators to take time to highlight the standards that our students need the most. Then, document which students met these standards and which students need some more work. Pass this information onto the teachers that your students will have next year so they have a baseline to begin from. Can you imagine if we all did this how appreciative our colleagues would be for that information?

Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball to see into the future. We have to believe in our “why” and know that we were made to teach. On those days that don’t go so well and you want to quit, turn to the Instagram community for help. Heck, turn to us here at Lesson Plan Toolbox. Our whole mission is to make the lives of primary teachers as easy as possible. We would not only love to help you through the hoops you’re jumping through, but we’re happy to serve you! 

Conclusion:

It is our hope that you choose to do what makes you happy and brings you joy. Try not to let this school year be your make or break decision with whether or not teaching is meant for you. Will things look different next school year? More than likely, yes. However, if you remember your “why” and make the adjustments that you need to make to be happy, then this could be a win-win for everyone. The world of education NEEDS you.

We will say this again because it is so very true: please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to help you on your teacher journey. You can find us on Instagram (@lessonplantoolbox) or email us ([email protected]) and we will be happy to serve you. 

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