It has been an emotional school year.

I know that’s typical for most folks in this profession. But I’ve always had more ups than downs.

This year has been different. 

I’m still a little unclear about what exactly has been different. I know a lot has changed, but change is to be expected when you work in education. This year, however, the changes have made me feel a little unsettled and incredibly grumpy and no fun to be around.

I’ve been doing a lot more behavior support than instructional support. And, for a while, I wasn’t seeing a lot of growth – both academically and behaviorally – with one of the kiddos. I am emotionally tied to what I do [sometimes to an unhealthy degree] so when I feel like 1) my work isn’t being completed, 2) the students aren’t being given appropriate supports, and 3) the student who exhibits severe behaviors had an unsuccessful day, I leave feeling discouraged and unhappy. I can’t compartmentalize. I just don’t know how.

So, it’s not a shock that, after days and weeks and months of this, I was feeling pretty unhappy and unfulfilled.

Last week, our principal [who reads this blog on occasion…so, HI AMY!] asked me to take on a project for the weeks leading up to Winter Break. She ordered a bunch of stockings and asked me to do something festive and warm and fuzzy for our staff.

I haven’t been feeling festive and warm and fuzzy. But, as the Staff Incentives Lead who genuinely loves our staff, I obliged.

And out came The 12 Days of Shoutouts.

Stockings up on the wall. Daily e-mails going out to staff with a story about the special things I notice each day. And a link where all staff can submit their own shout-outs to one another and an “elf” stuffs them in the stockings at the end of each day.

This project was intended to unite our staff this holiday season. And, while building this project and writing those stories, I fell in love with my job all over again.

Amy – today I am thankful for you.

Thank you for “forcing” me to spend 5-10 minutes each night, reflecting on the positivity and little successes every day. It has made a world of difference.