Teacher Chat

Every year, I get my hopes up during Teacher Appreciation Week, and every year, it’s the same disappointment—just a different year. The hardest part of my job is that I’m not a regular classroom teacher, so I tend to get overlooked. I keep thinking maybe this year my students will show some appreciation like they do for their classroom teachers, but it never happens. My hopes always get shut down.

I would expect at least my family to recognize me, but that doesn’t happen either. I see other teachers post about their families showing love and appreciation in different ways, and this year, I got nothing. In the past, it’s been something minimal—like a book for my classroom or a travel bag—but even that meant something.

This year, the only one who acknowledged me was my husband. He came home from work on Friday with a bottle of Billecart and a dozen roses. That gesture meant a lot, but it’s hard not to feel forgotten by everyone else. Not to get too personal—though honestly, I’m well past that at this point—I give up. I do so much for others and rarely get the same in return. It’s disheartening.Here’s to taking a step back, taking a break from doing too much for others, and finally focusing on myself.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Year 7 is almost over. Hard to imagine that.

This week is about recognizing the work that teachers do—a job that often goes underappreciated, especially during times like COVID. Many thought we had it easy during remote learning, but we were working harder than ever. We were online every day, for hours, going above and beyond the 110% we already gave before the pandemic.

Today, our superintendent and district staff stopped by each classroom to deliver donuts, coffee, and yogurt parfaits—such a fun and thoughtful way to start the week!

In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, I’d love to share my Amazon Wishlist:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1FV4GXBNEXNT2?ref_=wl_share

My students often tell me how much they love our classroom. They say it’s warm, welcoming, and their favorite space on campus. That’s exactly what I’ve worked to create. The items on my wishlist will help me complete the vision I’ve always had for this room—turning it into a place that fosters creativity, comfort, and joy.

If you’re able, I’d deeply appreciate any support in helping me make this dream classroom a reality and finally clear my list. Thank you for cheering on teachers this week—and every week!

Have you ever wanted to do something so badly, but kept second-guessing yourself? That’s exactly how I felt about starting this blog. I’ve wanted to get back into blogging for a while, but I kept putting it off because of the cost. When I wrote my previous blog, I posted about once a month—but eventually, for reasons I can’t quite explain, I stopped. Now, I’m returning to blogging with a new purpose. I’ve been seriously considering starting my own business, and this blog is the first step. My goal is to create a resource for anyone navigating the uncertainty of the education world—whether in special education or general education. I’m here to be your support, your advocate, and your ally.

I don’t know where this blog will take me—or if it will even take off. The last one certainly didn’t. But here I am again, taking a risk, finally putting myself first, and thinking about what I want.

For as long as I can remember, it’s been a dream of mine to open my own educational firm. A space where families and students feel truly seen, heard, and supported in their learning journeys. But lately, that dream has started to feel out of reach.

Pursuing it would mean flipping my schedule upside down, and that would come at the cost of spending less time with my daughter. The time we have together now is something I deeply value—it’s non-negotiable. I’ve done some research, crunched the numbers, and honestly, the picture doesn’t look promising. I feel stuck. At a loss. In a bit of a rut.

Is this dream just a dream? Will it ever become my reality?

I don’t have the answers right now. But what I do have is this blog—a place to start. A place to share, reflect, and maybe even build something that bridges my passion with my life as it is now.

So here I am, kickstarting a dream. Hoping, believing, and taking that first step toward turning it into reality.