Counselor’s Corner - September 5, 2023 Issue

Dear Teacher,

I recently heard a teacher describe herself as a "B+ Teacher."  She was referring to her combined personality type of "Type-A," very organized, arrives early to school, has lesson plans prepped and ready, and color-codes her organizational system, and "Type-B," arrives just-on-time or a few minutes after, does on-the-spot-teaching, can pivot easily and is flexible.  By relating to both types, she normalized a professional educators' ability to find a happy-medium.

And you, teacher, there in your classroom, can be a B+ Teacher, too.  However, I'm not referring to your organizational style, or your timeliness, or your lesson plans.  Rather, I'm referring the load you carry, the expectation you place on yourself, and the boundaries you set.  Yes!  You heard me right!  Your classroom doesn't have to be picture-perfect!  Your files can date back to last century.  Your teaching style may not be TikTok-worthy.  And that's okay!  Actually, it's better than okay, because it may be an indicator of something greater: Work-home balance, Sleep your body needs, Actual vacations, Communication with friends rather than parents.  Whatever it is, let's together normalize being B+ Teachers during the 2023-2024 school year.  Give yourself permission to:

• Postpone the stack of grading until tomorrow and practice self-care instead.

• Turn off email and cell phone in the evening and turn on family time.

• Have an un-themed classroom that's filled with joy, not decor.

• Be real during rough days and have students emulate our self-regulation.

• Delay immediacy to a parent email in order to build a thoughtful response.

• Say 'no' to the Christmas play, PE teacher, and art instructor in order create beautiful masterpieces in student's hearts.

This school year, as you work to achieve B+ status, please know that I'm in your corner eager to support you in any way I can!

Giving you 'high marks' this school year,  
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor