The start of every new season brings about excitement, nervousness, joy, uneasiness, heaviness, curiosity, and so many other emotions. The first 30-40 days of every school year is a new season, even for the veteran teachers. Take the time to ask God send and help you find your people. Lean into God and His people as you navigate the trenches of the school year.
Isaiah 40:30-31 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
This school year, the district I work in has adopted 3 new curricula and my school has an added classroom management system. I won’t sugarcoat it… IT’S A LOT and HEAVY! My heart breaks for the teachers, students, and support staff as we lean on each other to navigate the year. Our trench is deep, and it seems to be filling up with water, turning our path into thick mud. You might wonder: How can you lean on someone else or God when all the things are being stacked against the natural flow of teaching?
- Find time before you start your day to talk with God. He created you and designed you for such a time as this; He wants to listen to you and carry your burdens with you.
- Find your people. We are meant to live in community with others. When you have others to bounce ideas with, you have a sense of belonging, feel seen, and valued.
- Vulnerability. When you are able to be vulnerable with someone you trust, you become free from the stories that play over and over. Sometimes those stories are based on insecurity and lies, and sometimes they are a reflection of unmet needs.
- Tackle one thing at a time. If you find yourself in a school year where everything is new, allow yourself grace. Take one curriculum piece or one new strategy and implement it well; then move on to the next area.
- Ask questions and voice your needs. There is nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and your students. When you approach advocacy, do it with grace and a view that everyone is doing their best, bring your needs and possible solutions to the conversation.
In weariness and stumbling, we can find comfort and strength in the teachings of Isaiah 40:30-31, where we are reminded that even the strongest among us grow tired and weary, but our faith in God enables us to soar on wings like eagles. The challenges may arise, and difficulties may persist, and we can find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone. God often surrounds us with a community of like-minded individuals who can walk alongside us in our journey, offering encouragement, support, and a shared sense of purpose. Take a moment to acknowledge the things we are grateful for – the unwavering support of your colleagues, the opportunities for growth and learning, and the countless small joys that bring a smile to our faces.
Remember, you are stronger than you realize, and with God’s guidance and the support of your community, you can overcome any obstacle and reach greater heights. Take a moment to breathe, reflect, and acknowledge all that is going well in life right now. You are loved, you are enough, and you are created for this moment in time.