As I think about the school year, March is the mountain. March is the month of gray, endless days of test prep, indoor recess and assessment. It's the time of year when you know students well, understand what's possible and are aware of the limitations for what you can do. As an educator, you're a bit weary in March too--the commute has been lengthier due to weather, the students a bit more cantankerous due to indoor recess, winter colds/flus and test prep, and the staff is weary too.
So how do we climb the March Mountain? Take it one step at a time, and give yourself permission to rest. Give the students permission to rest too, and find some levity in the process by planning something bright, fun and happy during this lengthy month. Don't forget all the effort and care you've put into getting to this moment in the school year, and take pride in that work. Also plan something fun for the the climb's end such as engaging, post-test projects.
Take comfort when climbing the mountain of March with the fact that you share this journey with colleagues near and far as the teaching year is a journey, and each section of the ascent has its own character, strengths and challenges. If the journey were a flat plain, it would be a dull endeavor--hence embrace the texture, character and drama March brings to the year's travel and push ahead.
