The beginning of the year is a clean start. Every June, the reset button at school gets hit, and every August a new group of student walks through my door. After last year, I needed the fresh start more than ever. Honestly, after the last 3 years, we all needed to unplug the game and start over.
This restart every year also make me remember I have to start fresh with my students too. After three months of summer, that means reteaching expectations and routines. I know how I expect my classroom to run, but if I want my students to know (and meet) my expectations, I have to intentionally and explicitly teach them what I want. Where work gets turned in, what I expect when the bell rings, how to appropriately participate in class are the key reminders.
Our students also get to restart. They do not have to come in as the same student they left as the previous year. Maybe they want to leave behind the student they were and come in as a better one. Some change friends, identities, hobbies. They get a fresh start to become a different (maybe better) version of themselves. New school year, new goals, new challenges, and maybe a new them.
I try to let my students have the fresh start they deserve and avoid asking their previous teachers for feedback until it seems absolutely necessary. I don’t want anyone else’s ideas bouncing around in my brain when I meet a new student for the first time. I don’t want any preconceived notions. My students deserve the chance to show me who they are this year, at this moment, in this class without me trying to push them into last year’s metaphorical box.
A new year also means new challenges. Juniors are an intimidating bunch. They are ruthless in their comments and take any chance to goof off if you let them. In two short years though, they get the ultimate restart when they walk the stage during graduation and we send them on their way into the great big world. Getting them ready for that next big step is the greatest challenge for me.
This year is also a fresh start to find that work/home life balance (and yes-I’m talking directly to myself here). With the words “quiet quitting” floating around everywhere this summer, now is the time to figure out what you are going to commit to this year. What self-care are you going to incorporate into your life? What work are you going to leave on your desk until the next day? How are you going to prioritize YOU this year? Because burnt-out teachers are not the best versions of themselves, and we all know our students deserve us at our best.
So, as you start off this school year, break out that brand new box pencils and put on your most confident first day outfit, but also know, each day is a restart too. We’ve got this.
Photo by cottonbro
Rachel Perugini
I am originally from Pennsylvania where I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Shippensburg University. In 2012, I moved to Arizona to teach on the Navajo Reservation; I liked the state so much I decided to stay. I taught language arts, reading, and journalism for three years at Many Farms High School. During that time, I earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Reading. In 2015, I moved to Flagstaff where I currently teach 10th and 11th grade English. I have been an avid reader all my life, so I love that my job gives me that chance to read amazing books with my students all day long.
Comments 4
Everyone needs fresh start! Students, teachers, admin and classified staff all need to hit the reset button at the beginning of the year. It always seems to be easiest to do this at the beginning of the year. I feel like the challenge will be to keep giving grace throughout the year to all of the people on campus. Hopefully with a fresh start come a continuously good attitude this year. It seems like maybe we will start to be a little more “normal” this year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
I relate so much to your thoughts on work/life balance. Each year, I start off with the goal of doing a better job prioritizing self-care. I usually don’t commit completely to the goal. Preventing burn out is definitely in the forefront of my mind right now. I like the question you asked about what work will I leave on my desk? I think I’m going to make that part of my end of day routine.
I totally hear you about avoiding talking about students with their previous teachers unless absolutely necessary! I always hate it when teachers “joke” about “watching out” for last year’s freshman class or make it a point to tell you all about “when they had these kids in seventh grade…” I know it’s well-meaning, but even teenagers—maybe especially teenagers—deserves the chance to remake themselves once or twice. I know I would hate to be held to my worst behavior from middle school! Thank you for this reminder!
One of the many amazing things about the teaching profession is that each year is a clean slate! A chance for students to become a better version of themselves, and also for teachers to grow as professionals. I remember reflecting each summer about things I would absolutely continue in the following school year, and which practices I would retire from because they are no longer serving me or my students. What other profession gives you a chance to remain in the same position, but have a completely fresh start? I love how you mention striving for a work/life balance, and considering which things you are going to prioritize in your life this year. This was the perfect and timely reminder for me to focus on my priorities in and out of school this year.