Education Changes Lives

As the summer approaches, I am excited to experiment with the format of my weekly newsletter. I still plan on sending it out each Friday. For now, I'll refer to it as the 'Friday 5'. Each week's goal is to share ideas and resources to help you (and me) become happier, healthier, and stronger teachers.

This is my last full week with students; my tank is empty. As I wobble across the finish line, I still plan to list what I was grateful for this last school year. I've found this helps me adjust my attitude. I invite you to join me.

Only teachers know what it's like to be teacher tired. You deserve a well-earned rest and reset.

Have a great weekend!

1

Teacher Summer Self-Care

Revitalize your summer by embracing self-care routines that benefit your mind and body without straining your finances. Some of my favorites are listening to music and taking deep breaths. These activities can help modify your outlook and boost your wellness, demonstrating that self-care doesn't have to be a costly indulgence but rather a crucial component of everyday life. After a year of teaching, you definitely deserve your own wellness retreat.

2

Education Changes Lives

Famous economist Raj Chetty received an honorary degree at Wesleyan's graduation ceremony and spoke about the importance of education. He used his own life and research to show that education can change lives and emphasized the need for everyone to have access to a good education. He ended his speech by asking the graduates to use their education to help others and make the world more equal. I firmly believe that learning and teaching others are acts of community service.

3

Find Your Motivation

Are you finding it hard to stay motivated? Explore strategies like setting a structured routine, maintaining consistency in your schedule, and aligning your tasks with your natural biorhythm. Efficient processes can also help boost motivation. “If it’s possible, try to do your more meaningful work in your natural biorhythm rather than fighting it. Nobody wins the fight against nature.” Are you more productive in the morning or at night?

4

Embrace Life

"There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life." — John Lennon

5

Teacher Commuter Playlist - Revolution by the Beatles

WTF - Wisdom, Thoughts, Fun

• Here’s what the National Teacher of the Year wants you to know.
• The foundation of a positive school climate starts with trust.
• Here’s what The Greek Freak taught me about the end of the school year.
• Kids are amazing. Yesterday, 7th graders presented their passion projects. Ask students how to improve the world, and they will tell you. They taught me about gender equality, book bans, and reproductive rights. Their teachers deserve applause and a raise.

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