As an educator, you should Take time everyday for your mental and physical health. Spring is the turning point for all teachers. It is a time for standardized testing. If you are not on Spring Break now, it is long gone and summer is desired. By this time your classes are in the loop with instruction delivery, procedures, and drills are down pack. Spring is also the time when many teachers become burnt out, stressed, and overburdened with the coveting summer vacation still months away.
- Call someone. Calling anyone is an awesome way to get a short escape from the classroom and what boggles your mind daily. This can be practiced everyday to vent, make plans, or just laugh about life. Try to call someone that makes you feel good and has a great attitude such as a parent, sibling, or friend that is not in education. I recommend calling someone outside the teaching field to ensure that the conversation is not just a rant about the classroom.
- Visit a friend. This friend should also have a good attitude, possibly a neighbor.
- Start a garden. It is spring so it is the perfect time to sow. If you do not have the area for a garden you can buy a houseplant since many stores are now selling various smaller plants. Start small.
- Exercise. This does not have to be the gym or running a 5k. You can do simple aerobics at home. Stair climbing. Find an exercise routine that suits you and do it everyday for at least 20mins.
- The Dreaded- Clean you house or a room. Nothing like walking into a room and thinking, “Whoa, I forgot I cleaned this”. It’s one less thing you have to do and who know what you will find for the classroom. Come on, it will be fun! You are a teacher, you love to be organized- right?
- Take a walk. Get on some sneakers, leash your dog (If you have one), grab a stick, and walk! You can walk for just a few streets and visit a neighbor while you are at it. For those more active, Take a hike.
- Meditate. There are countless meditation techniques. Find one and clear your mind. I meditate everyday.
- Cook. If you can not cook, no better time to learn. Scientific fact, basic cooking awards a sense of accomplishment you can practice everyday—“I cooked this!” And it will save you tons of money.
- Go Shopping. You should not do this everyday, especially on a teachers budget, lol. Shopping once a week-proven stress relief. Try shopping somewhere or for something you never had before.
- Plan a vacation! Just planning a vacation is fun in it’s own. “I don’t have much money”. For my 1st few years of teaching, I would just book a hotel a couple cities away with a nice view and amenities. You will be surprised how cheap and fun some places are within driving distance.
If you can manage and teach students everyday, you can practice these techniques. And believe it or maybe you already have, you can do EVERYTHING on this list everyday. Except for maybe shopping and planning vacations. Remember, you are a pro.— J. Harrod
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Amy Harrod loved to be a teacher and a mom of three. She worked in her community as Webmaster for our local Pop Warner Association for 2011-2012, Registrar 2010-2011, Fundraising Coordinator 2012-2013, and AAU Advertiser. She was an active church, community, and service driven volunteer. Amy always went above and beyond for others. Although she is no longer with us, Amy continues to support teachers and students through this store. My best friend of 22 years and wife of 20 years, mother of 3. You are missed by family, friends, students, colleagues, and the rest of the community. I look forward to seeing you in God’s Kingdom. Miss you everyday- Joseph L. Harrod
Amy Christine Harrod 1977-2016
Teacher with 9 years in the Kindergarten-Third Grade classroom and 2 years as an Academic Coach for K-5. Certified in Pre-K to Third Grade and ELL Endorsed. Promethean Certified. Edmodo Trainer. Trained for piloting the Charlotte Danielson model school. CHAMPs trained 1-on-1 w/ Chuck Yerger to observe and assist teachers. Q.P.A. trainer. Making Connections trainer. Waterford facilitator, school wide data monitoring, Problem Solving Team Leader, Seven Syllable trainer, VTO Union Steward, District Math Contact, District Math Assessment Writer, Robert Marzano trained, 70 hour Guided Reading Institute, Reading Endorsements Competencies one and two, and Writing Workshop (Lucy Calkins) Participant. Waterford School Contact. District Assessment Writing Team for Mathematics. Florida State University PALMS Writer. Jedi Academy Reading Program.


Years ago when we were going to college, I decided to become a teacher while Amy was going to school for nursing. After moving forward into my career, Amy decided to also become a teacher. It was a great life choice for our family, church, and community. Teaching gave us time to open a successful store on. TPT. Special Thanks to TPT over the many years.
