Back to School: Balancing Change & Embracing Growth
By: Ylaiza Perez (TP)
It appears out of nowhere—the end of summer. One moment, we are binge-watching shows and enjoying barbecue leftovers, and next, the school year is coming ahead. As educators, this shift brings a mix of emotions and questions: "How will my first lesson or professional development session go? "Will the kids and families be excited?” and “Do I have what it takes as an educator this year?”
Returning to school isn't just about coexisting with work— it is about crafting a work-life balance that enhances our professional and personal worlds. Here are streamlined strategies to help you thrive as the new school year begins:
Strategies for Work-Life Balance
1. Establish a Daily Routine
Think beyond the 8:00-5:00 structure.
Envision your ideal day—what activities before and after work bring you joy? Planning around hobbies, quality time with family, and self-care can transform your perspective on workdays, especially on Mondays! During a meeting, Sophie Germain, an ELA teacher, mentioned, "For me, it's all about finding a routine—not just during the school day, but also before and after. I make time for workouts, hanging with friends, and relaxing to balance everything."
2. Set Priorities
Distinguish between what's urgent and what can wait.
This approach reduces stress and allows room for self-compassion, which is crucial in our demanding roles as educators. Amela Kucevic, an Assistant Principal, details her approach, "Over the years, I've learned that I can't keep delaying self-care. To be fully present, efficient, and successful, I start routines during the summer, like meal prepping and exercising. I also create lists early to complete tasks over the summer, which lightens my workload in September, allowing more time to focus on self-care during an overwhelming time.
3. Convey Your Needs
You are not alone.
Letting others know how they can help you succeed is vital for your productivity and presence and for creating a supportive work environment. A veteran teacher, Chris Berrios, highlighted this importance at a workshop: "I find new balances by making time for family, cooking, and other joys. Communicating these needs helps my team understand my approach to the new school year with optimism."
Moving Forward
As we begin this new school year—refreshed and ready to tackle what lies ahead—let's embrace the change, acknowledge the challenges, and focus on the joy and grace that make this path so rewarding. Setting a clear schedule, prioritizing tasks, and communicating needs will help us create a healthier balance in supporting our students and ourselves.
Remember, you've got this!
Your Opinion Matters
What strategies do you use to maintain work-life balance as an educator? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This article was crafted by Ylaiza Perez, an independent contributor engaged by CheckIT Labs, Inc. to provide insights on this topic.
