Deep breath. You did it. Almost a full month of planning, teaching, facilitating, coordinating...done! You. did. the. thing.

Now to keep up the momentum.

We asked you to read about finding your marigold for August. I encourage you to continue to seek out the marigolds in your building and in our district. Surround yourself with all the positivity you can find. It's easy to get caught up in the "walnuts" because it's sometimes comforting to revel in the complaints and woes. We find solace in talking to others who are experiencing similar struggles and who can relate to us. And it's definitely important to recognize the feelings and name them. It's what you do next that matters. Seek out the folks who will help you find the bright side and who will help you stand back up and keep moving. You chose this profession for a reason. Keep that in the forefront of your thoughts.

I chose to be a teacher because it's all I ever wanted to do. I love watching people learn. I love changing someone's stubborn attitude about a topic and showing them how it can be interesting or relevant. My favorite students to teach were those that everyone else had written off as the "bad" kid who would never amount to much.

When I find myself surrounded by walnuts and caught up in the negativity, I do my best to remember those lightbulb moments and the students who still see me many years later to tell me that my class was their favorite.

Pro tip: When you get a picture, note, card, etc., from a student, parent, co-worker or administrator that is positive, keep it! Create a special file in your desk or file cabinet solely for those items. You'll get more and more as time goes on. When the days get dark and dreary and you feel like you want to throw in the towel, look over the cards and notes you've received. You'll be reminded of your purpose.

September's focus will be on having positive expectations for our students and ourselves. You can access the readings and activities in our Canvas course now!

Keep growing,

~Lydia

Dear New Teacher,

Connecting with experienced teachers can feel challenging, but it’s a great way to grow in your teaching career. Start by showing genuine interest in their experiences. Ask about their teaching journey, strategies, or favorite memories. These conversations can open the door to deeper connections.

Look for common ground outside of work, like joining school events or committees. Shared experiences often build strong bonds. Offering help or sharing your own ideas can also go a long way. Experienced teachers might appreciate your fresh perspective.

Stay approachable and positive, even if it takes time to build these relationships. Suggest attending a workshop or professional development session together—it’s a great way to create shared experiences and spark meaningful conversations.

Building connections takes time, so be patient and consistent. These relationships will enrich your teaching and your school experience.

Submit your question about teaching, work-life balance, discipline, and more: Dear Mentor