You’d think I’d know better by now. Every summer, I make big plans. Every fall, reality hits.
I’d intended to keep the pace of weekly video/blog posts, but I just can’t do it. I’m feeling frayed and I know the cure – it’s time for a break. Today, let’s talk about the importance of self-care as we prevent teacher burnout:
Don’t worry, this isn’t goodbye forever. I just need to catch my breath.
Teach on, everyone!
Take care of yourself and take it easy! We can wait! <3
Thanks, Carolyn, for your understanding! I’m always just a few keyboard clicks away. 😉
Hi Laura . . . When I first started teaching I bought a book called The English Teacher’s Survival Guide. At the back of the book was the most important advice about taking care of yourself. It gave about 20 suggestions about self-care. Don’t feel bad about taking time off from making videos to sleep in on a Saturday and spending time with your husband. That relationship will help you stay sane. Take time off. We will all be here when you come back. By the way I am getting married in May of 2019. Have a good break. Enjoy.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, Kendall! And, yes, my husband is my biggest fan, motivator, and top relationship priority – we really are Team Randazzo. In fact, I just came back in from a half-hour with him chatting on the patio. Coffee this morning was lovely. 🙂
You have shared so many wonderful ideas and been so encouraging to teachers. Thank you 🌷
You are being wise! We teachers are so used to giving and working and all the rest that we often put our needs last. For the first time in years, I am not serving on committees at school (this is my 35th year in teaching!) because I am getting physical therapy for my back twice a week; trying to get back some physical strength instead of ignoring the pain. I got the usual “we need you,” but of course they don’t!
I direct new teachers to your site at TPT and to your videos for straight-up, solid advice. So take care of yourself–you have lots more to do in the years ahead!
I just want to say thank you for everything you give! I started watching your channel this summer and I have been using a few of your strategies. My year has been completely different in the best way! So thank you!
And thank YOU, 1kindness2day, for being a part of my little blog community. I appreciate your ongoing support! 🙂
Thanks, rho! Wise words here. I used to beat myself up when these feelings of overwhelm arrived, but I now know that they’re just a cycle. I’ll be back at it when inspiration strikes. Take care of yourself and your back! After 35 years of pacing around a classroom, I’m sure you’ve learned a lot about what we need to do and what we can let slide by. Let’s both have a great 18-19! 🙂
Aw, thanks for this note, Amanda! So glad I could play a small part in helping you have a strong launch. 🙂 That’s awesome!
Thank you for your ideas and great messages to teachers. I enjoy catching some refreshed energy from you. Take care of your self. I will be doing the same here in your old stomping grounds. (Ptown) Go fill your cup.
Hey, Nicole! Give everyone at Pleasanton Unified my best. Miss you guys! 🙂
Do what you have to do! I surely take some comfort in knowing someone who I look up to so much is struggling similarly to me. So thank you for being transparent about it.
I just love you and look forward to your weekly messages .. I totally get it .. don’t want to burn yourself out!! I just want to say thank you so much .. you have saved me this year with your awesomeness .. I love all your stuff .. you are super contagious and just cool and make my job so much easier!! Thanks for all your hard work!! I wanna be just like you!! Keep it up .. take it easy!! And cheers to the weekend 🤗👍
Thanks, Mommyrhetoric! And, I must say, you and I are part of a mutual appreciation club. Your IG keeps me fired up and is a constant reminder that we succeed on the things that we give our focus. Oxygen masks all around! 🙂
But, Heidi, I want to be just like you! 🙂 Let’s both have a great year and, above all else, take care of ourselves.
Laura, your resources and blog have helped so many of us survive and avoid that burnout. I am sure I speak on behalf of many of your followers in saying that I really enjoy watching your videos but will be more than happy to see them only whenever you have the time or inclination to make them. Those relaxing Saturday morning moments are important for all of us! Best wishes from a grateful Randazzo resources fan!
Your kind words (and all the others I received today) are making a tough decision quite a bit easier, Allison. Thanks for this! And, no doubt, I’ll be back. 😉
You are so inspirational to me as a fellow teacher and blogger. It’s very hard to keep up with posting weekly and maintaining your classroom and life, and I am SO impressed with all that you’ve done. Your videos always put a smile on my face and give me some good ideas. Please, keep going but don’t worry about the timing! Post whenever you have time. We understand 🙂 Thank you, Laura!
I’m only two weeks into our school year. You have already transformed my classroom with my seating arrangement that EVERYONE loves, given me 1 year of MUG shots, Lit Terms, Words on Wednesday’s… You are transforming my 114 students. Thanks for the hand holding and excellence from ID. Take care.
Laura–Although I have only been teaching for 17 years and this is my second career, I felt myself falling about 4 or 5 years ago. Then I discovered you by accident and felt like I was a new grad full of ideas and hopes. My teaching partner (I teach 7ELA) told me I was a “Laura Randazzo groupie.” I proudly hold that title. We begin each Monday with MugShot Monday and, between the videos and the blog, I feel renewed each week. I want to thank you for that. You were always straightforward and honest and that was perfect for me. I will miss you until you come back. Take care of yourself, but please come back soon. At 65, I am not quite ready to retire because of you!
Thanks, Patrycja! There’s no understanding like English teacher understanding. 🙂 Glad you’re here with me.
THIS is fuel, Diane! Incredibly gratifying to know that the ideas I cooked up for my classroom are working for you, too. YES! 🙂
At 65, I’m thinking YOU might be the one to start a YouTube channel to share wisdom, tips, and advice for navigating a career change, Ellen. Thanks for this note and for all you do to help your kids! 🙂
I totally get it. The first two weeks, even months, can be insane. Gain back your sanity. Most of us are too busy to watch videos anyway. 😉 Have a great fall.
Thanks, Kara, for this comforting reminder – things ARE busy all over the place right now. 🙂
Hello,
Do you have a video on how to set up your trio’s? I have never used google form before. Not sure how its supposed to look like.
Thanks
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Hi Helene,
So glad you’re thinking about adding in Quarter Trios! This blog post, which has a video overview of Trios and a lot of rich content in the comments section, should be helpful:
https://laurarandazzo.com/2018/07/21/quarter-trios-explained/
As for Google Forms, I don’t use one of those to regularly record team points. Instead, I just keep a simple tally on our class webpage. If you want to use Google Forms, though, you’ll find lots of good tutorials on YouTube. That’s where I go whenever I need techie help. 🙂
Just when I found you, you’re leaving me ;-(. Have enjoyed inmensely watching and listening to your videos. Rest up, feel well and have a great new school year. When you’re ready to go live once again, we’ll be here.
Aw, Stacey…well, be comforted by the fact that there are literally years’ worth of blog posts here to keep you busy until my return. Thanks for your patience and understanding. 🙂
Laura, enjoy a well-deserved rest! Whether you are posting weekly or when the mood strikes, I believe I speak for many when I say that we are blessed to have whatever you are able to share whenever you can share with us! You continue to be an inspiration and a HUGE help. Peace!
Thanks so much, Nellie! Kind notes like this one make it hard to stay away. 😉
I totally support you in this decision! I also learned a lot just listening to you talk about the importance of self care. We all need to do this so we have to energy to teach and love those kids.
Absolutely, Heather! Luckily, I’ve been doing this work long enough to know my own signs of burnout and to realize it’s not a crisis to need a break; it’s just a break. 🙂
You’re the hero of so many of us out here! Thank you, Laura, not just for all the inspiration and classroom-changing materials, but for knowing when enough is enough and taking care of yourself. We love you!!!
You are much too kind, jozohz. Thank you for this. 🙂