Teachers, Breathe: It’s Okay to Put Yourself First!

Right now, a lot of teachers are feeling the weight of uncertainty: contracts, placements, and the looming question: What’s next?

Let’s be real, education is a calling, but it’s also a career. And just like any other profession, you have the right to make choices that serve you, your mental health, your happiness, your future.

So here’s your reminder:

1. It’s okay to leave education.

If the classroom no longer fuels your passion or meets your needs, you are not a failure. Your identity isn’t tied solely to being a teacher. You’re a leader, a mentor, a communicator, a problem-solver, skills that can open doors to new careers. It’s not “giving up,” it’s growing. Stepping away doesn’t erase the years of impact you’ve made, it adds to your story.

2. It’s okay to change schools.

Sometimes, the issue isn’t teaching, it’s the environment. Maybe the leadership doesn’t align with your values, the culture feels toxic, or the workload has become unmanageable. A new school, with supportive admin or a community that respects boundaries, can make a world of difference. A fresh start can revive your love for teaching.

3. It’s okay to move up.

Don’t be afraid to grow. If you feel called to step into leadership, whether as an instructional coach, department head, or administrator, go for it. Leadership isn’t "leaving the classroom", it’s expanding your reach. You’re still making an impact, just in a different way. Your voice matters in those spaces, and schools need leaders who understand what it means to be in the trenches.

4. It’s okay to put yourself first.

Teachers pour so much into others that we often forget to check in with ourselves. If you’re constantly exhausted, anxious, or feeling undervalued, it’s time to re-evaluate. Protect your peace. Advocate for yourself. Staying in a situation that’s harming you doesn’t prove loyalty, it chips away at your joy.

5. It’s okay to not have a plan yet.

If you’re at a crossroads but unsure of your next step, that’s normal. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. What matters is that you’re listening to yourself, acknowledging your feelings, and allowing space to imagine something different. The plan will come, but the first step is giving yourself permission to explore.

6. It’s okay to want more.

Wanting better pay, more respect, a healthier work-life balance, these aren’t selfish desires. You are more than your job title, and it’s okay to seek opportunities that align with the life you envision. Ambition doesn’t mean you’ve lost your heart for teaching, it means you’re human.

You are not just a teacher, you are a whole person and wherever your path leads: whether it's a new district, a new role, or a new career, you are worthy of joy, peace, and fulfillment.

So, teacher friend, take a breath. Reflect without guilt. And when you make your move, do it for you.

Keep It Fresh! Engaging Test Prep Strategies

Test prep doesn’t have to be dull! While students need to practice the skills and question types they’ll see on the state test, drilling the same worksheets day after day can lead to disengagement. The key? Vary your approach to keep students on their toes while reinforcing essential skills.

Here are some dynamic, engaging strategies to make test prep both effective and exciting:

1. Turn Practice Questions into a Game 🎯

Instead of handing out another packet, make test review interactive:

• Kahoot! / Quizizz / Blooket: These online platforms turn multiple-choice practice into a competitive, fast-paced game.

• Jeopardy-Style Review: Create categories based on test sections (reading comprehension, writing, math problem-solving, etc.) and let students compete in teams.

• Basket Toss: Write questions on slips of paper and have students toss a ball into a basket before answering one.

2. Speed Rounds for Timed Practice ⏳

Students need to manage their time wisely on the test. Make it fun with speed challenges:

• Lightning Rounds: Set a timer for 1–3 minutes and have students answer as many questions as they can correctly.

• Team Relay: Split the class into groups, and have students take turns answering a question. The first team to finish (correctly) wins!

• “Beat the Teacher” Challenge: Give students a question and let them race against you to solve it.

3. Stations with a Purpose 🔄

Set up rotations where students practice different test-taking skills:

• Task Card Station: Break down practice questions into bite-sized challenges.

• Annotation Station: Give a reading passage and have students practice highlighting key details and making notes.

• Peer Coaching Station: Pair students to explain their reasoning for answers, reinforcing comprehension.

4. Think-Alouds & Strategy Talks 💡

Students often struggle with how to approach test questions. Model your thinking aloud:

• Walk through eliminating wrong answers in multiple-choice questions.

• Show how to break down a word problem step by step.

• Read a passage and model how to annotate effectively.

Then, let students practice doing their own “think-alouds” in partners or small groups.

5. Engaging Writing Practice ✍️

For writing tasks, make preparation interactive and structured:

• Story Scramble: Give students mixed-up sentences from a strong essay and have them rearrange them in logical order.

• Color-Coding Responses: Have students highlight different parts of their writing (claim, evidence, elaboration) to ensure their essays are complete.

• One-Sentence Expansions: Start with a basic sentence and challenge students to expand it with detail, evidence, or explanation.

6. Test-Taking Strategy Olympics 🏅

Make reviewing test-taking strategies a fun competition!

• Multiple-Choice Elimination Challenge: Give a tricky question, and have students work through eliminating wrong answers before selecting the best one.

• Brain Dump Race: Have students list as many test-taking tips as they can in one minute.

• Annotate & Defend: Give students a passage and let them compete to make the best annotations, justifying why their notes are effective.

7. Real-World Connections 🌍

Make test prep relevant by connecting it to students’ interests:

• Use song lyrics for figurative language practice.

• Analyze sports stats for math problems.

• Break down social media captions to practice sentence structure.

• Have students write “advice columns” on how to tackle test questions effectively.

Keep the Energy High!

The more variety in your test prep, the more engaged students will be. A mix of discussion, movement, games, and structured skill practice ensures they stay motivated while mastering what they need to know for the test.

What’s your favorite way to make test prep engaging? Drop your ideas in the comments!

How to Develop Leadership and Encourage Cooperation with Classroom Jobs: A “Fun” Approach

(Image above apart of our ready to use class jobs resource Click here)

In every classroom, finding ways to build leadership, encourage independence, and teach teamwork is key to student growth. One of the most effective (and fun) methods is through classroom jobs. These roles give students a sense of ownership in their learning environment and help them develop important life skills. Here’s how you can turn classroom jobs into a valuable and enjoyable experience for your students.

1. Make the Job System Inviting

Start by creating a list of jobs that are both necessary and exciting. Instead of calling someone a “Paper Passer,” why not label them the “Material Supervisor”? The “Group Leader” could become the “Stations Director,” and your “Technology Helper” might be the “Media Specialist.” Creative job titles can make the responsibilities feel more special and engaging for students.

 2. Post the Jobs Where Everyone Can See
Once you’ve decided on the jobs, make sure they’re posted somewhere visible in the classroom. Whether it’s a bulletin board or a special section on your class website, having the jobs listed out lets students know what’s available and helps them start thinking about which role they might want to take on.

3. Encourage Promptness with Applications
To teach students about being timely and responsible, set a deadline for applying for these jobs. You might open up applications at the beginning of each week or month, depending on how often you plan to rotate. This process gives students practice with deadlines and helps them take the job application seriously.

4. Hold Interviews and Set Clear Expectations
For an added layer of excitement, hold mini-interviews for the jobs. This not only makes the process feel more official but also gives students a chance to practice their communication skills. During the interview, ask them why they’re interested in the job and how they plan to handle the responsibilities. It’s a great way to ensure they understand what’s expected and are ready to commit.

5. Be Fair, But Set Rules
Fairness is important, but so is making sure students know the rules. Make it clear that while everyone has a fair shot at applying, they also need to show they’re up to the task by being reliable and cooperative. This helps them learn that fairness comes with responsibility and effort.

6. Rotate Jobs and Celebrate Achievements
To keep things fresh and give everyone a chance to shine, rotate the jobs regularly. This allows students to try different roles and develop a range of skills. When a student completes their job, celebrate their success—maybe with a little ceremony or a certificate. Recognizing their hard work boosts their confidence and makes them eager to take on new challenges.

 7. Keep It Fun!
Above all, make sure the process is fun. Consider adding special perks or incentives for certain jobs. For example, the “Media Specialist” could lead a cool project, or the “Material Supervisor” might get to create a class playlist for a week . The more enjoyable you make the experience, the more excited students will be to participate.

Assigning classroom jobs isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly—it’s about helping students grow into responsible, independent individuals. By turning these jobs into a fun and rewarding experience, you’re setting the stage for them to develop leadership skills and learn the value of teamwork in a way they’ll enjoy and remember.

Don't have the time to create the process? Try using my ready made resource with everything included! Click here