Have you watched Abbott Elementary? Every week, my daughter and I tune into this ABC sitcom that offers a mockumentary-style look at public school educators. The show does a beautiful job of balancing the challenges of education with the sweet moments and humor. Week after week, viewers get a peek at what I see day in and day out here at ICS: teachers giving their all for students to succeed.
From reading aloud to navigating playground disputes to helping every child have what they need to thrive each day, ICS educators are giving of themselves to shape the next generation. We honor their commitment and our students’ hard work as we close out the first quarter.
We also recognize that this time of year can be especially challenging for our teachers. The newness of the school year has worn off for many students, and some of them begin to experience restlessness. It could be because the holidays are nearing or because the everyday workload has increased. Still, our teachers often go above and beyond during this season to keep their students engaged, focused, and learning.
We want to support and equip our teachers as they continue to push forward. We know it can be a thankless job that can lead to burnout. In one episode of Abbott Elementary, Janine, an optimistic young teacher is discouraged by her inability to meet all the needs around her. She asks her veteran colleague Melissa for insight on how she and other longtime teachers are able to avoid caring too much. Melissa immediately responds and tells her it’s exactly the opposite. “We care so much we refuse to burn out,” Melissa says. “If we burn out, who’s here for the kids?”
At ICS, we care so much for our students that we, too, refuse to burn out. One way we work to care for our teachers is a very special program we started four years ago called Six Weeks of Self-Care. This year it began on October 11, and we couldn’t be more excited! Six Weeks of Self-Care is all about caring for our teachers’ mental and physical health and ensuring they have everything they need to thrive in the classroom.
A few ideas we are planning for this year’s Six Weeks of Self-Care include massages, a coffee cart, a nature trail hike, yoga, and other exercise activities. Making time in the school schedule to practice self-care gives teachers the space and energy they need to nurture and support their students. Care for teachers benefits everyone in the classroom.
We would love for you to join us by encouraging our teachers, whether through verbal affirmations or written notes. Remind them that what they are doing matters. Together, we can provide kindness and care to help recharge their batteries. We have some of the best teachers in the county, and we want them to know how much they are appreciated. Thank you for your support!
"We do this because we’re supposed to. It’s a calling. You answered."
—Melissa in Abbott Elementary on ABC
I’m amazed by the love at commitment of all the faculty and staff at ICS! You strive to ensure each student feels safe and grows both academically and emotionally. Thank you for all you do!!!