I’m going to share an idea that makes me instantly uncomfortable and bracing myself for backlash: it’s time for teachers to be more selfish.

Let me start by saying that I am extremely aware of the “lazy” reputation that others have cultivated for teachers. I am certainly aware that many people think teachers are only in teaching for the summers off. (Heck, I’ve made that joke myself.)

I know that teachers have been skewered in the media because of the poor choices of a few individuals or because of mistaken perceptions by those who speak the loudest. I have experienced all of this and hugged my arms a little tighter as I felt sad and misunderstood. Sad for myself and sad for my coworkers and for all the teachers I know, who work hard and have strong hearts and are committed and dedicated.

I’m sad because I see all of us making enormous sacrifices each day in order to provide the best experience possible for the students who we work with. I’m sad because I watch other idealistic people come in excited every morning and I watch them leave every day with just a little less air beneath their feet. I’m sad because I myself leave a little more deflated each afternoon.

Teaching is demanding. It’s hard to put yourself in front of kids every day, to subject yourself to scrutiny (especially from often-judgmental teens), and to interact with several hundred people each day. Is it dynamic and rewarding and interesting as all heck? Yep. But it’s also exhausting.

So tonight, on Back-to-School Eve, I’m putting this message out to all teachers: Be a little more selfish this year.

Go for a walk on your lunch break once in awhile. Close your door and put on your favorite music during your prep hour. Go for a run instead of agonizing over your slides for tomorrow. TURN OFF your email on your phone and refuse to check it after a certain time. Your emails will be there in the morning and they will be just as annoying then. But you may be more prepared to deal with them with positivity and focus after spending some time recharging.

My first selfish act this year was to decorate my classroom with myself in mind. I absolutely want students to feel welcomed when they come in my room. However, over the next ten-ish months I will spend almost as much time in my classroom as I spend at home, and that includes time spent asleep. I need my classroom to feel inviting to me as much as it does to my students. I need it to be a place of peace, a creative sanctuary, my cave to escape to. I need it to reflect my personality and show my students part of what I value.

I put cute quotes on my walls instead of visuals. (Don’t worry, I left room for anchor charts.) I bought a picture of a bear for no other reason than I like bears (spirit animal, y’all) and it’s pretty. I got a hot pink exercise ball chair that I am insanely excited about but will probably fall off of in front of my students in the first two days of school. This evening I went for a run instead of looking at my slides for the 32nd time. I’m trying not to feel guilty about any of this and I’m trying not to explain my motives, so enjoy the pictures of my revamped room below. 🙂

Self care is an absolute necessity for teachers. I’d put it right up there with professional development and even before your SLO. (Teacher joke.)

The year is short but the days can seem SO long if your heart isn’t in it and if your mind isn’t present and positive. Be selfish this year, teacher friends.

Now good luck and go educate some kids!

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