Final Countdown 1....

This is our final countdown week teacher friends! It's gone by fast, but yet we learned so much together this year. Just like our students, we had a lot of challenges and successes this year, and we can use both to help propel us forward. 

As we prepare our last few days together we also have one more bag to pack for the summer. Now that we packed reflection and relationships, let's pack up one last thing: courage.

Perhaps of all three, this is the one we should bring in our carry on, instead of tucking it away in the check-on bag. We need to have it readily on hand at all times, just in case. You never know when you'll need to open the bag and need a bit of extra courage. This summer, let's have the courage to allow ourselves to have it, embrace it, and use it to our advantage. There is so much we can do with our courage, and we can use it for ourselves, and even others. 

We should use courage to think about all the lessons that went very well and and acknowledge that they did. Consider all we did for our students this year, and think about the difference we made for them, our school, community, and each other. Let's have the courage to admit our weaker moments; teachers are human too. We can use courage to change and make improvements for next time. Despite what some may say about "teacher summers" have the courage to explain to them with patience. We are meant to help others understand our profession a little better, and it takes patience to do that. It's also about courage to navigate our own learning and growth this summer, no matter what it looks like. Because it's our journey, we get to choose! 

I'd like to share one of my favorite quotes: courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement is something is more important than fear. Over the next few weeks keep the courage up to continue your journey as an educator, no matter what that looks like for you. Have courage to be yourself always, be the shining star you know you are with the heart of gold. Let that shine like the sun this summer, warm your days, and guide you as you rest and prepare for fall.

Happy summer teacher friends, and see you in September!

Final Thoughts- Keep reflection, relationships, and courage close to heart this summer. Keep discovering yourself and find ways to continue your growth. Finally, keep allowing yourself to make your journey... it's your experience to embrace!