LEAven Blog
What If Things Aren’t Starting So Well?
So, you’ve started a new school year! You know where these blog entries and other articles often go from here. The assumptions are that you started the year with great enthusiasm, you prepared everything, getting all the details together and now you’ve made a great beginning, with much opportunity ahead in this wonderful new school year! Good for you!
But, what if…
What if things aren’t starting so smoothly? What if you have already had a run in with your principal? What if your staff isn’t acting like one big happy family? What if most of your students are fine, but there are those two or three who are succeeding alarmingly early at making your everyday classroom life a struggle?
It can happen; and, if it has, consider the following strategy for getting things either back on track, or just on track in the first place.
First, Scripture/Prayer/Worship. The Psalmist wrote, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the House of the Lord!’ and, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord, He inclined and heard my cry.’” Pour your heart out to God in prayer. Read His Word to hear His response and receive His wisdom. Do not neglect corporate worship where, through Word and Sacrament, you will receive forgiveness and the strengthening of your faith. God’s relationship with you will prepare you for whatever difficulties you face.
Second, communicate with those with whom you need to communicate. It’s very early in the school year; but maybe right now is the time to contact that parent. Let them know that you will not be “letting things slide”; but, that you respect their right to know what is going on in your classroom, and you value their input, perspective, and suggestions. Talk with your colleagues and your administrators. Enlist their help and really listen to them, while standing up for your own positions. You will gain their respect as you allow them to walk alongside you on your professional journey. Communication is vital to successful professional relationships.
Third, briefly step away, then come right back. If the first week or two have been overwhelming, perhaps you would do well to use one day of your coming Labor Day weekend for an adventure where you can forget about school for a day. Maybe you could include your spouse, or a close friend on your one-day adventure; or, perhaps you are better suited to have your adventure alone. However you choose to do it, break away for a day! Then, when you return, face the issues head-on, refreshed and prepared.
Even if your new school year hasn’t started as you had planned, remember there is still a lot of year left with many opportunities for success. Let the beginning of the school year serve as a blueprint for how to get and keep this year’s journey of adventure on the right track all the way to the finish!
