Dear Tired Teacher,

It seems that as soon as spring hits, teachers start fantasizing about what their classroom will be like in the fall. We start thinking of all of the ways to improve what we have been doing this year. We say things like, "Next year, I will always have my attendance in on time" or "I'm going to be so much more organized next year." You may already know your teaching assignment for next year. You may be getting excited for a new classroom configuration you want to try out or a whole new grade level you've never taught before. But, my tired teacher friend, I urge you to slow down and remain present in THIS year.

Your current students deserve you. All of you. They deserve the same teacher they had on the first day of school several months ago. The energized you. The excited you. The creative you!

Sure, you're tired. I totally get it. We are on the downhill slide of the school year. Everybody has spring fever. Testing is over. There is so much paperwork and report cards due soon. You still have so many more standards to hit before the end of the year but you're JUST DONE.

When you think of next year, you get excited again. A fresh start is exactly what you need right now. Your teacher instinct has you cleaning and planning for a new school year.

STOP.

Enjoy these last few weeks with your students. Soak up the time you have left with them. Start a fun project together. Enjoy the changing weather and take some of your lessons outside. Give them the best you have. Finish this year strong. They deserve it.

Before you know it, summer will be here. You'll have tons of time to daydream and plan for the next school year then.

For now, enjoy living in the moment with your class that will be yours for only a little longer. You will miss them when the school year is over!