Fourth Quarter Friday Feels...

This week has been HARD.

It has been filled with copious amounts of test preparation and assessments. My students are incredibly burnt out, and so am I. We are in the home stretch of state testing which is making myself and my students anxious. The pressure to do well is pushing down on us all and we are at our breaking point.

Yesterday we were reviewing for our state test, going over strategies students can use to help them stay engaged and do their best. My third period, quite frankly, broke me. We were halfway through our review and as I am looking out at them all, I see checked out souls sitting in chairs, done. Some were on their phones watching shows or on tiktok, some were sleeping, some just staring out the window. Only 4 were actually listening to what I had to say, but barely. I just stopped, looked at them and said "What's the point?" and sat down at my desk and cried. They sat in silence.

Some days are just plain hard. Yesterday was the lowest point of my year. I NEVER let myself get to this point. It is frustrating, we work so hard to give every opportunity to our students but sometimes we are just not given the respect or attention we want from them. At some point we have to take our mental health into accord and do what is best for us. So today, it is "Finish Up Friday" in my classroom. A day of catch up for them and a day of rest for me. A time to get our thoughts organized and try again on Monday.

My students came in to class today and clearly felt bad for their behavior yesterday. I got a lot of "don't quit! you're the best teacher, " hugs, and even some "Happy Birthday's" from the kiddos that remembered that it is my birthday tomorrow. I love each and every one of my students this year, it is just hard when we are all feeling burnt out at the same time. The thought that we only have 5 more weeks (25 more days) until summer is the only thing getting me through the week. I am grateful for my teacher friends that help build me up and bring smiles to my day! You are all the real MVP's this week in my book!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, and thank you for coming to my TED Talk.