The (Winter) Breaking Point

After teaching for sixteen years, I know teaching is both an art and a science.  I practiced the art of teaching this past week leading up to winter break as I kept my students learning and focused with long-anticipated events and fifth grade traditions like Barter Day and the Colonial Fair.  But after the whirlwind of holiday anticipation, 11^th hour questions of “How can I fix my grade?” and generally scraping students from the ceilings the past few weeks, I needed a break or I was going to break.  My patience has waned, I’m feeling burnt out and empty.  I’m overdue for time to focus on my family and interests that don’t involve school.  Yoga and hiking!  Maybe even a nap or two!

Over the winter break I’ll take time to invest in the science of teaching.  I will read some middle school books to have book commercials ready for my readers who’re also chipping away at their reading lists.  I’ll throw in some professional reading to refuel my fire.  I’ll catch up with #edchats, finally plan a flipped lesson and figure out how to use Periscope in the classroom.

I’ll spend time over winter break honing my art, too.  The great thing about extended breaks from school are that teachers are able to come up for air out of the constant bombardment that is life in the classroom.  Weekends filled with laundry, grading and grad school homework just don’t cut it as far as refreshing my creative juices.  Winter break allows me to clear my head and reflect.

I’ll be a better teacher for taking time for myself and investing in the art and science of my profession.  I’ll happily board the roller coaster ride that is the second semester with excitement, patience and a loving heart.  But beware, students.  By January, Mrs. Maloney will be caught up with sleep, voice rested, and full of Pinterest ideas!

Beth Maloney

I am in my twentieth year of teaching and enjoy every minute of my time in the classroom. I have taught kindergarten, third grade, and currently teach fifth-grade science and social studies in Surprise, Arizona. I am an enthusiastic public school advocate. I am a National Board Certified Teacher and a Candidate Support Provider for the Arizona K12 Center, where I coach and mentor other teachers undergoing the rigorous National Board certification. I am the past president and co-founder of the Arizona National Board Certified Teacher Network and president and founder of the Arizona Chapter of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year. I am honored to be Arizona’s 2014 Teacher of the Year and appreciate having the opportunity to represent the teachers of Arizona. I love talking with and learning from other teachers around the world. I strongly believe that teacher voice in the public education dialogue is the best way to make change for the better for all students.