July is the most reflective month

As the school year comes to a close, a teacher's celebration of the successes are escalating. The accomplishments are becoming more pronounced and evident to a teacher because the effect of teaching is cumulative. 

The intensity of pressures that once felt impossible to endure are easing. The excessive demands that were causing distress are dissipating. These tensions are a testament to a teacher's perseverance and expertise. Although, I often wonder why inordinate pressures and demands are normalized in teaching. What would we find if teachers could work in contexts with reasonable expectations?

Remarkably, teachers are able to navigate through countless challenges while educating and nurturing their students' social, emotional and academic growth. The pandemic presented inconceivable requirements and teachers pioneered through it by persisting for their students. Teachers were the first responders for engaging students in learning. The wisdom teachers demonstrate should be captured by investing in their leadership for collaborative professional learning. 

I believe July is the most reflective month for teachers. It is the only month of the year when teachers are able to think about their teaching without the complications or busyness of a school year. It is likely the previous school year no longer poses worries and the next school year is not yet reality. In July, a teacher can reflect on the assets that will advance their repertoire of knowledge and skills to continue build expertise.  

Teaching has days of challenges that transform into years of fulfillment. Without a doubt, teaching today is like no other time in history. I hope teachers realize the professionalism they have demonstrated is unparalleled to any other generation of teachers. Teaching is a life filled with purpose and impact that extends beyond the teacher's reach through lives they have touched.





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