Recently, I was at a social event where someone remarked, “You must be winding down and getting ready for summer.” I paused to think before responding because, honestly, I feel more overwhelmed with work at this time of year than any other. Both personally and professionally, I’m under pressure; I strive to fulfill my responsibilities effectively because the students, colleagues, and community I serve deserve nothing less. At the same time, I’m also involved in my own children’s lives, attending award ceremonies, sporting events, and helping them study for assessments. Can you relate?

The Reality of Winding Down

In the world of education, as the school year winds down, leaders and educators are busy with a multitude of tasks. They’re writing end-of-year reflections and evaluations, attending award ceremonies, spring concerts, and end-of-year parties. They’re crafting speeches for various ceremonies, ordering resources and supplies for the next school year, administering end-of-year assessments, filling out report cards, working on teacher placements, screening resumes to hire new educators, organizing interview processes, observing demo lessons, planning summer curriculum work and upcoming professional learning experiences, creating professional learning calendars for the next school year, and setting goals based on established priorities. 

At this point, one might ask, Is the school year ever truly winding down, or are we perpetually gearing up for the next challenge, the next opportunity to inspire and make a difference?

However, I think you all know that every time of year is a busy one in education. Why? Because you are serving kids, and you want the very best for them every moment of every day, throughout every season, and at every opportunity we get, so they can reach their full potential. In the bestselling book The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think For Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning by Ana Lorena Fábrega, she shares, “Kids are the inventors and explorers of the future. It is our responsibility to question again and again whether they’re learning circumstances or enabling them to reach their full potential.” 

The Power of Commitment

In the midst of all that, you are still learning, teaching, leading, and collaborating with whole hearts, rolling up your sleeves to help and support one another. Reflecting on the vast responsibilities that rest on your shoulders, your top priority remains helping your colleagues, learners, and families finish the year strong. You aim to create experiences that will foster their growth and development from one year to the next. Every minute counts, and you are all diligently working to build a bridge for learners that will carry them into the next school year with pride and purpose.

This week, I had many profound interactions with teachers, leaders, teacher candidates, parents, and students. One significant interaction was with a new teacher who was asked to finish the year in a classroom due to unforeseen circumstances. Her incredible principal has worked diligently to develop a schedule and plan that capitalizes on the strengths of our leadership team and teacher leaders, ensuring she receives all the support she needs for her learners to finish the year strong. Although my calendar was full this week, I made sure to create space to support this new teacher. Why? Because she is starting the most rewarding career on the planet, and she has learners who deserve the best. As I reviewed the schedule of people who will be supporting her, my heart grew bigger and my smile wider. I saw a team rolling up their sleeves to help, regardless of the roles they serve.

When I sat down with the teacher, I could sense her overwhelming energy. As she looked me in the eye, I saw her doubt, her fear, and her strong desire to do what was best for her young students. Just as the school year was winding down, she was gearing up to build her capacity for learning and growth and to provide the best possible experience for every student. In that moment, I closed my device and put away the folder of literacy resources I had prepared. 

I looked her in the eye and said, “I want to share something with you. Teaching is the hardest job on the planet, but it is also the most gratifying. You are new to this field, and I want you to know that you are doing a great job. Do you know how I know that? When I walk into your classroom, your students are happy. They run to you and give you hugs. What we are about to discuss does matter—curriculum, instruction, and assessment are important parts of preparing kids. But what’s more important is that you love them. You are going to make mistakes; just embrace them. Each day will bring challenges; embrace them. Each moment is a precious opportunity to leave a legacy in the hearts and minds of these kids; embrace them. You are so lucky to be here, and we are so lucky to have you.” With that, I saw a sense of relief in her presence. Her scared eyes began to smile.

In the new best-selling book, What Makes a Great Principal, Dr. Marcus Belin writes, “At the end of the day, we work for kids. And if we show up as our authentic selves, we can challenge the status quo of what it means to be a leader and what it means to be a change agent in the lives of the students and staff we serve” (p. 39). Reflecting on Dr. Belin’s words, I realize they echo the essence of every interaction I’ve had this week. Amid the whirlwind of responsibilities and activities that define the end of a school year, there’s a common thread that binds us all—the commitment to serve and uplift our students. 

Moving Forward:

Just like the new teacher who stepped up bravely to meet her challenges, each one of us in education continues to adapt, learn, and strive for excellence, not just for our own growth but for the generations we inspire. So, while someone might think we are winding down, we are actually ramping up, energized by our purpose to make a lasting impact.

Yes, the days are full, but our hearts are fuller, driven by the ultimate privilege of shaping futures. As I think back to the beginning of this week, to the hopeful eyes of that new teacher, I am reminded that in education, every end is just a new beginning.

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow

Establish a Mentorship Moment: Create a structured time during the school day where experienced educators can mentor newer teachers, like the one described in the post. This could be a daily or weekly scheduled session where mentors share insights, offer guidance, and provide emotional support to help new teachers navigate their first years. This initiative not only supports new teachers but also strengthens the teaching community by fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Implement a ‘Celebration of Success’ Board: Set up a board in a common area where teachers and students can post notes celebrating small victories and positive moments from the classroom. This could include moments when students grasped difficult concepts, instances of innovative teaching, or simply acts of kindness. Recognizing these successes publicly can boost morale and remind everyone in the school of the profound impact their efforts have on students’ lives, especially during the hectic end-of-year period.