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Positive tips for teachers

Our school system welcomed teachers back yesterday for a full week of work days to prep for our first student day on August 29th.   We are fortunate to have many new teachers, both brand new, and new to the profession.  I serve three middle schools so I have relationships with many teachers, media coordinators, and administrators.  As an Instructional Tech Facilitator I have taken on the roles of a Mrs. Fix-it, friend, co-teacher, and counselor. With that in mind I felt the need to offer a short PSA for all of our teachers and those that love teachers.

  1. #notaboutyou Totally stealing this from my girl +Abbey Futrell!  She was our awesome #bcpsdtlc Keynote speaker and she reminded us that we are are here for. the. kids! When the going gets tough, remember you're here for those students in your room, focus on them and you can't go wrong!
  2. Take care of yourself!  Teaching is incredibly hard work!  It's draining, all-consuming, and totally worth it!  The hours are long, the lesson planning, after-school meetings, conferences, and extra-curricular duties are never-ending.  So, with that, do what you can, and then take a break. Spend time on yourself, in quiet, reading, listening to music, journaling, exercising.  Take time to enjoy your family, your hobbies, and the outdoors.  
  3. Ask for help! No one can succeed on their own.  It takes a team, and we're all better together!  This is something that I have learned about myself, and the stress of trying to do things on my own has not proven to be the best for me or my team.  Ask others for help that you know can help you.  If you don't know who can help you, ask someone who to ask!
  4. Be Kind- Build one-another up with kind words, support, smiles, coffee, and chocolate!  Kindness is free, and should be spread to everyone, not kept in isolation.  Being kind to others also makes you feel great, and makes others feel great too!
  5. Try something new! Experiment in your classroom, and try something new with your students, your teammates, or with other educators in your building and beyond.  See number three.
  6. Be Positive- Start your day with a positive outlook, even if you have 5 meetings and your planning time is non-existent.  Find something positive about each day, reflect at the end of the day, and express gratitude.
This will be a great year, and I am excited to work with the fine educators in Burke County Public Schools, and excited for my impact with students and teachers to be evident in seamless and meaningful technology integration.

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