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please visit the SOESC Teaching & Learning Team Site or

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Life has plenty of highs and lows. While it's natural to feel down at times, it can help to have some feel-better strategies in your back pocket to help you shift your mood.

Finding your way to feeling better might require some trial and error. It's all about discovering what works when you need a boost.

1. Move your body

Ever noticed that post-workout high? When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals. Plus, getting active helps divert your mind from negativity, channeling that energy elsewhere. Whether it's a walk, yoga, or dancing in your living room, find an exercise you love to boost your mood.

2. Practice meditation in the morning (or whenever you need it)

Kick-start your day with a 10-minute meditation session. Find a comfy spot, and if you're a beginner, guided meditation can be helpful. Meditation can also give you a boost at any time of day if you’re feeling low. Pick a session that resonates and notice the impact of taking a few mindful minutes with yourself.

3. Set small, achievable goals for yourself

It's not about the big achievements but the daily victories. Setting small, realistic goals gives your day direction and a sense of purpose. And every time you tick off items on a checklist, your confidence gets a well-deserved boost. Even something as simple as making the bed or taking a shower should be celebrated on those days where you’re feeling low.

4. Prioritize good quality sleep

Sleep isn't just for your body–it's for your mind, too. A good night's sleep can help you process emotions, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your body. So if you’re feeling low, try going to bed early to help you feel better the next day. Or, take a nap in the middle of the day to see whether your mood shifts after a brief moment of shut-eye.

5. Limit your exposure to negativity

Vibe check. Whether it's negative news, challenging relationships, or even your own self-criticism, reduce your exposure to these influences.

Sometimes, we need extra support. And that's okay. If you're finding it hard to cope, consider speaking to a professional. They can offer tools and insights tailored to your unique situation. This is especially important if you suspect that your low mood is due to depression, anxiety, or a mental health condition. This information and resources are presented by Calm.

The 1-Year Interim Resident Educator license is available for the 2025-2026 school year at the request of the employing superintendent or chief administrator of the school, district, or educational service center to candidates who have not successfully completed exam requirements for standard Resident Educator licensure. This license is valid in any employing Ohio school, district, or educational service center. Educators working under an Interim Resident Educator license are considered properly certified in the subject area(s) and grade levels listed on the license.

Note that both the employing Ohio school, district, or educational service center AND the college or university at which the applicant completed an Ohio Department of Higher Education approved educator preparation program must electronically approve the application for the initial license. Only applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be processed at this time. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be declined. See the Interim Resident Educator License webpage for instructions.

The Interim Resident Educator license is available only to candidates who have successfully completed an Ohio Department of Higher Education approved educator preparation program (per Ohio law) and passed the state required Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) professional knowledge exam or the edTPA. Additionally, they must have attempted to pass the required content area exam and Foundations of Reading exam (if required for the requested licensure area). Note the minimum exam score requirements for eligibility for the Interim Resident Educator license below:

• Minimum of 206 on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) content assessment(s) required for the requested subject area
• Minimum of 206 on the OAE Foundations of Reading 190 (if required)
• Minimum of Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL OPI and WPT assessments for world languages

The Interim Resident Educator license is not available to candidates who completed out-of-state or alternative licensure programs.

The Interim Resident Educator license must be renewed two times at the request of the employing superintendent or chief administrator of the school, district, or educational service center in order to complete requirements to advance to a professional license. Educators must upload a screen shot of their final holistic annual evaluation through their CORE Dashboard with their renewal application. The screen shot must include the educator’s name, Educator State ID number, and the evaluation information. Educators may review the OhioES Help webpage for information about accessing OhioES to obtain their evaluation.

Canva Accessibility Design Checklist

✅ Color & Contrast

☐ Text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text (3:1 for large text)
☐ Background and text colors provide clear contrast
☐ No color is used alone to convey meaning (pair with text/icons)
☐ Checked design with a color blindness simulator (optional)

✅ Fonts & Readability

☐ Used sans-serif fonts for easier readability (e.g., Montserrat, Open Sans)
☐ Body text is at least 16pt for digital readability
☐ Avoided all caps, italics, or decorative fonts for long text blocks
☐ Line spacing is at least 1.5x

✅ Alternative Text (Alt Text) & Captions

☐ Added alt descriptions when posting on social media
☐ If exporting as a PDF, ensured text is selectable (not just an image)
☐ Provided a caption or text equivalent for important visuals

✅ Layout & Navigation

☐ Reading order is logical (top to bottom, left to right)
☐ Used grids and alignment to maintain structure
☐ Avoided unnecessary clutter or overlapping elements

✅ Animation & Motion

☐ No flashing elements (to prevent seizures)
☐ Animations do not move too fast or distract from key information

✅ File Format & Exporting

☐ If sharing a PDF, checked for accessibility using Adobe Acrobat
☐ Saved in an appropriate format (PNG, JPG, PDF) while keeping text readable

Canva for education is free! This also enables pro features to your account!

Get Certified in AI for the Classroom!

The AI in the Classroom certification is now live! Whether you're new to AI or looking to enhance your teaching strategies, this course provides the tools and confidence to integrate AI into your classroom effectively.

Canva for Education remains 100% free for teachers and students, ensuring educators stay ahead in this evolving learning landscape. Explore AI’s potential to innovate, engage, and inspire—get started today!

📽 Watch the video below for more information or contact Taylor Reed at treed@soesc.org with any questions.