Surround Yourself With Teachers Who Keep Your Light On

Hannah Rodriguez
Duarte Unified Education Association
PRE-KINDERGARTEN SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

I love the new school year — a fresh start with new ideas and a renewed sense of passion! I recommend setting clear and specific goals for the new year, both personal and professional. Begin by reflecting on what you want to achieve in your teaching practice, such as improving student engagement or progress, developing new curriculum or enhancing your instructional methods. As a special education teacher, I always reflect on new inclusive opportunities or enhancing communication and language development. Break down these goals into smaller, manageable tasks and create an action plan to accomplish them. I love to plan (and I love a checklist), so my tried-and-true method is “when in doubt, make a color-coded plan”!

“It is hard to help our students shine if our own light is dimming. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be more equipped to support your students’ learning and growth.” —Hannah Rodriguez

As we strive to make each teaching year better than the last, I have learned how important it is to surround yourself with teachers who keep your light on. The most amazing benefit of being a California Teacher of the Year is being inspired and surrounded by the most amazing and passionate teachers. It is invigorating, exciting and contagious. To take care of myself when the teaching days are particularly draining, Diet Coke with extra ice is always in my cup. Never apologize for the number of cups on your desk — we all know we leave them until Friday!

I find that as a teacher and a mom, self-care can be incredibly limited. When everything is piling up at once, I try to remind myself that teaching has seasons and that the stress load is temporary. Take time on the weekend for yourself and do something just for you. It is hard to help our students shine if our own light is dimming, and by taking care of yourself, you’ll be more energized, focused and equipped to support your students’ learning and growth throughout the year. So, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself and never underestimate the power of a well-timed caffeinated break — you got this!

Rodriguez has worked with her union reps to negotiate special education stipends and advocated for contract language to include preschool special education.

Read more from the other 2024 California Teachers of the Year.