Tired. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Surviving.

Today I visited schools to check on teachers and I heard a common theme.

Tired
Stressed
Overwhelmed
​Surviving

I listened and offered whatever support I could. Then, I got in my car and cried. Actually, I sobbed. In fact, I cried for a majority of the day. If you would have asked me why I was so blue, I honestly don’t know that I would have been able to explain it. I just felt an incredible level of heaviness and sadness that I couldn’t explain. It wasn’t until I sat down to write tonight that I realized the place my tears came from. As each teacher shared their story it brought me back to those very raw and real feelings I experienced five years ago.

Tired.
Stressed
Overwhelmed
​Surviving

When people ask me why I wrote a book, left the classroom to support teachers in integrating technology and innovation into their classroom, or spend hours after I get home from work and weekends learning, creating, and sharing my message and resources, this is why.

​Five years ago I was a teacher very close to leaving the profession. In fact, I'd go home at night and dream of becoming a barista so I could specialize in latte art. Sounds funny now, but it definitely wasn't funny at the time. A series of events that proceeded launched me on a magical journey of transformation. In the years that followed, my joy for teaching and learning returned and I became a joyful, passionate, fulfilled, and thriving teacher creating unforgettable experiences for students.

Our world is full of teachers that are at the same place as I was five short years ago. They are pouring their heart and soul into their students, and they are struggling. They feel defeated. They are losing hope. Quite possibly, they are dreaming of becoming a barista too. There are students sitting in classrooms across our nation and around the world who desperately need teachers who are:

Joyful
Passionate
Fulfilled
​Thriving

Because, when our teachers are joyful, passionate, fulfilled, and thriving our students catch it and they become joyful, passionate, fulfilled and thriving learners. I will keep sharing my story, my heart, my message, because if in doing so I can help save one teacher from leaving their classroom I will have saved thousands of students from missing out on the gift they have to give. 

For all of you who pour your heart and soul into teaching each day and are feeling tired, stressed, overwhelmed, and are barely holding on for dear life. You are not alone. Don't lose hope. Give yourself grace. I know how hard you are working. I also want you to know there is a magical adventure ahead for you too and generations of students that want to join in with you! You hold the magic!