A Back-2-School Like None Other!

Getting ready for “back-to-school” this year will be like none other. For the most part there won’t be grandiose requests for wardrobe updates and footwear or long waits in the #lnm uniform store… There certainly won’t be any citywide scavenger hunts to accommodate teachers’ wishlists. Nonetheless, school will be back in session – and soon!

Not only is it important for students and families to prepare for this transition but it’s equally important all educators do the same. Preparation is key whether you’ve been in the game ten, twenty years, are anticipating a better year-two or just entering your first year in education. To be clear: by preparation I do not mean revised lesson plans and new Zoom approved tops. I mean the preparation needed to remain enthusiastic and hopeful for the duration of a 9-10 month journey with families you may never meet and children you cannot pick. That’s a huge undertaking!

I’ve been an educator for over ten years now and here are just a few of the things I do to prepare each year:

✨ Spend quality time with loved ones including myself – once a new school year starts it’s much harder to find time for self-care and to hangout! Enjoy your late nights and long weekends while you still can!

✨ Get a new planner, journal, or notebook and start using it – not only does this help me stay organized but, grounded as well! I write down my hopes & goals for the school year….. And I revisit this whenever things at work get tough (and I need reminding about my career choices) ✍🏾📓

✨ Rework the family’s schedule – a couple weeks before I go back to work and my children go back to school, I change our schedule so everyone has time to adjust….. No more staying up all night and sleeping in on Sundays (and Mondays) ⏰🍂

This school year is going to be filled with uncertainties and lots of moving parts so I encourage you, families and educators alike, to be patient, transparent, and kind to another; make time for yourself and remember we’re in this together!