We. Can. Do. Hard. Things.

Teachers have officially been back to work for a while now and many of us, including myself, are completely overwhelmed by the thought of this school year.  Someone told me the other day that this year is like everyone’s first year of teaching, and it’s so true. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been teaching for 5 years or 25 years, we’re all in the same boat. We’re all having to learn new technology and apps, create all new online resources, help seven year olds (and younger! 😬) navigate new devices on their own, and figure out how to give quality, equitable instruction through a computer screen...in a fraction of the amount of time in a normal school day.

We’re also still mourning the fact that we won’t be able to hug our students, or have in person class meetings, or hear funny stories at lunch, or teach fun and engaging partner math games, or do exciting science experiments and projects, the list could go on…

We’re also still mourning the fact that we won’t be able to hug our students, or have in person class meetings, or hear funny stories at lunch, or teach fun and engaging partner math games, or do exciting science experiments and projects, the list could go on…

Yes, this year is not ideal. Yes, there’s been a lot of change. Yes, we’re uncomfortable. Yes, we may not have control (like we usually do). Yes, we still have a lot to learn. But this is what we’ve been dealt this year and we need to make the most of it and do the absolute best we can for our students.  So, take a deep breath, and repeat after me: “We. Can. Do. Hard. Things.”

I’ve printed out this reminder and posted it in my classroom (where I’ll be virtually teaching from) and in my home office. I’ve given each of my teammates a copy, and I’m planning on having my students read it every single day with me as we say our daily affirmations.  I know this year is going to be hard (there’s no denying it) but, we’ve got this. “We. Can. Do. Hard. Things.”