“I’m just trying to push through. I’m ready for the year to be over.” I overheard several versions of this phrase throughout my time at the NCEA Conference in New Orleans a few weeks ago. Teachers, administrators, and support staff energized by the presentations, eager to talk about what they learned, and connect with others working within Catholic schools in person for the first time in years. But that thought continued to resonate with me–despite being inspired, eager, and connected, the reality awaiting them back in their classrooms loomed overhead.

I had the pleasure of presenting to around 45 professionals about the opportunities that can result from times of change and crisis–a rallying call to encourage those working within education to prioritize their mental health and focus on relationships as much as academics in this challenging season/climate in education. The faces in the crowd were smiling and nodding, feeling seen and heard, knowing their challenges (and triumphs!) were being acknowledged. 

So here’s my thought–over the next few weeks, I would like to share with you a few strategies I shared in that presentation to inspire you, encourage you, and mostly help you recover from the end of the school year and begin to recharge your batteries this summer.

To start, we need to work on forgiving ourselves for feeling burned out, fatigued, or generally just run down from the rigors of the school year. I heard this expression earlier this year and it resonated with me: two things are true. The idea was to validate children’s feelings around the holidays, saying things like “two things are true: you can be grateful for the gifts you received, AND be disappointed that something or someone is missing.” This phrase can help us forgive ourselves of the feelings of guilt that can accompany this end-of-year blues.  

TWO THINGS ARE TRUE: 

• I can be a great teacher–AND also need a break
• I can be there for my students AND also need my own downtime
• I can be a dedicated teacher who loves what they do AND also be exhausted by my work

So in these next few weeks, forgive yourself for feeling guilty, short-tempered, or however you are feeling that is weighing you down in your final weeks of the school year, or your first few weeks of summer break. Remember your two things, and keep it like a prayer close to your heart: I can feel what I am feeling AND know that God walks beside me through these feelings. 

About the Author
Amy S. Kronberg is an early learning consultant and adjunct professor at the University of Dayton. Mrs. Kronberg began her work in early childhood education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Early Childhood Education Center, where she learned about the Reggio Emilia philosophy, child-centered curriculum, and playful learning environments.  She moved to Dayton in 2013 to complete her Masters of Science in Education, studying early childhood leadership and advocacy so she could learn to support children and families in understanding the value of and celebrating play.  She is currently all but dissertation in Educational Leadership at the University of Dayton and specializes in early learning consulting for local nonprofits, infant and toddler learning, and social-emotional development.

 

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