Educators – Unwind Your Mind

I remember the first day of kindergarten vividly – mostly because of the awesome swings.

I would swing so high I could see the top of the flagpole at Gladstone Elementary and I didn’t have a care in the world. The bell would ring, we would line up and hit the books again, but I couldn’t wait until the next recess to get back on that swing.

I actually still love to swing. I have a cool tree swing in my backyard where I go from time to time to unwind my mind after a busy day in our school system has scrambled it.

Spring break is happening all over our state over the next few weeks. I think I just heard a collective sigh from every teacher, administrator, & staff member! 

Spring time in a school building is undoubtedly the most stressful time of the year. Not only does the fidgetiness in children rise with the rise in temperatures, but the schedule – oh the schedule!

Testing, field trips, testing, proms, award days, testing, IEP meetings, data meetings, scheduling for next year, professional development days – and did I mention testing? School calendars in the spring look like Father Time threw up all over them. The pace is exhausting.

And can we just pause for a moment of silence in honor of all of the school secretaries who field the multitude of calls on a severe weather day? I have told all of our school secretaries that I am not qualified on any level to do their job!

Educators are going at such a break-neck pace, we often neglect taking care of ourselves. Who has time for that, right? We eventually pay for it through illness, anxiety, and stress. And FYI – if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of our families or our students.

What does the Bible have to say about taking care of ourselves?

When Elijah found himself completely exhausted (1 Kings 19), he took a nap under a tree and was fed by an angel who told him to take another nap. Best. Day. Ever.

Serving in education brings on its own brand of anxiety. 1 Peter 5:7 urges us to “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” That verse “says easy, but does hard”.

And yes, we need to take care of others, but this verse implies we are not to neglect ourselves in doing so…”Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

So, it is time for everyone associated with educating our students to let our minds unwind during this short break. Don’t grade a paper, don’t check your email, don’t set an alarm, don’t stress over what that first Monday back may bring…just unwind.

I see you friends.

I have had the distinct pleasure of serving alongside some amazing educators. Whether it was at Pickens County High School, Central High School, AMSTI-UNA, “The Leader in Me” community, or currently in Sheffield City Schools, I see how hard you work. I see the triumphs, and at times, the tears. I see you say yes to “one more thing” when you are about to break. I see you not giving up on a student that you know has great potential.  Yes, I see you. And I love and appreciate you!

This week, I encourage  you to go find your swing (real or symbolic) and relax. I hope many of you are dipping your toes in the sand or spending quality time with family on a “stay-cation”. Take a sabbath away from the whirlwind of springtime in a school and unwind your mind!