November is a difficult month for teachers and for administrators. We all want to keep that energy going from September, but there are parent calls that drain our energy, inservices that keep giving us new information, and even weekends that are filled with grading and planning instead of family or personal time. November is a good time to remember to make some of that time just for you, the teacher or administrator.

Take some time and “turn off” school. Don’t take papers home. They will get graded. Don’t take evaluations home—they will get done.  Turn your cell phone off (or at least turn off email notifications). Spend some time doing something you love.

Do you miss taking photos just for fun? Do you miss breathing fresh air? Head to Galveston, spend time kayaking on the marshes and look at all the great birds passing through for the winter. I attended the Houston Arts Partnership Conference this fall, and The Artist Boat  is a nonprofit that does just that.  Plus, the nonprofit ties this habitat exploration back to art. Taking time away from our hectic jobs in education is a must. Spending that time outdoors and practicing art can only refresh you in the best way possible.

We would all do well to remember that November is a hard time. We aren’t quite to the end of first semester, so there isn’t a break in sight just yet. And we aren’t quite through with that list we made in August to get students where they need to be by the end of first semester. There is always this sense of urgency in teaching. Remember that taking care of yourself is just as urgent.

About the Blogger:

Kelly Tumy is curriculum director for English language arts and social studies in the Teaching and Learning Center at HCDE. During her 26-year career in education/administration, she has loyally served Harris County as an educator in Galena Park, Humble and most recently Crosby ISD. Tumy’s workshops focus on relevant, responsive and research-based professional learning that yield increased student achievement and teacher engagement.  Follow her on Twitter @KellyTumy.

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