You matter.

Not this year.

Lately, I’ve been feeling like “What’s the point?”

Well, what is the point?

The last few years, it seems as though education has gotten so much tougher. I’ve only been teaching 8 years, but it was not this way when I began. I can only imagine how glorious it was years and years ago.

Parents blame us for everything. Kids aren’t truthful. Politics run everything about how our school runs. Administration doesn’t have a clue what we actually do. Outsiders think we play all day. Kids don’t get enough recess. Aides are being laid off and we desperately need all the extra help in our classrooms. Special education is busting at the seams and everyone is screaming inclusion with ZERO help.

What’s the point in going the extra mile? Who is it helping?

Me.

You know why it helps me? Because I matter. You matter.

I stopped doing what made me happy this year and I’ve been awfully grumpy most of the school year. I decided this morning that all of that needed to change. I have to live for me. I can’t magically change personalities in my classroom. I can’t change what families I am blessed with. I definitely have zero control over politics and things beyond my control.

However, I do control me. I have to work every day for me. I have to make me happy. I have to remember that I matter. Most of the time, I refuse to do things because of what others may do or think. If I think my kids won’t get a craft or special activity that I LOVE to do, I’ve just skipped it. No longer happening.

I matter. You matter. If you’re having a tough year, tough month, or just a tough week – just remember at the end of the day, YOU MATTER. Close your door and do what makes you happy. I actually do what I want with my door OPEN, but I know we don’t all have that luxury.

I forgot that it should be all about me. I know what’s best for my classroom no matter what anyone else says. My very small voice may not reach the ears of the movers and shakers in education, but it will at least impact twenty something students this year.

Head to school tomorrow with those two words in the back of your mind.

YOU. MATTER.