For those of you who know our previous superintendent, Dr. Daniel Kaffenbarger, you know how much he promoted SERVANT LEADERSHIP. The second of seven pillars is "Putting Other People First." However, it is important to remember that in order to serve others (our students, their families, and our colleagues) that we must take care of ourselves. How can we pour from an empty cup?

A good example of this is a story Dr. K shares of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Lake in Alaska. He and his wife went out on a raft with other tourists and two guides to get a closer look at the glacier. Unfortunately, the raft capsized, and everyone ended up in the freezing cold water. The first thing that happened - the guides got into the raft. At first Dr. K was appalled to think that they'd save themselves before rescuing the tourists... UNTIL he was rescued and safely returned and begin reflecting on why. In order to save the others, the guides had to save themselves first.

The same idea applies to flying. Airline attendants always advise, in the event of loss of cabin pressure, passengers to put their oxygen masks on first before assisting others.

YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY (both physically and mentally) IN ORDER TO SERVE OTHERS. This newsletter is dedicated to just that.

The following is a compiled list of ideas for TEACHER self-care (the article from which the ideas come is linked following the last idea):

• Take a 10-20 minute break and decompress.
• Look for ways to work on and improve your self-image.
• Bring a self-care “emergency pack” to school with things you enjoy.
• Keep a journal and write in it to work through difficult teaching days. (https://dayhttps://dayoneapp.com/)
• Find a way to connect with loved ones at least once a day. (Waterford)
• Lay the groundwork for self-care.
• Set healthy boundaries for your time.
• Choose fun things to do in advance.
• Take a short break.
• Connect with other teachers.
• Spend time with a pet.
• Stay organized.
• Celebrate your successes.
• If you get stuck, seek professional support. (The Clay Center)
• Acknowledge moments of gratitude or joy.
• Reflect on your feelings and needs.
• Recognize what is and isn't in your control.
• Use self-care routines through out your day. (Understood)
• Trim your priorities list.
• Allow yourself to stop.
• Embrace vulnerability.
• "Pass your umbrella." (ASCD)

Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a technique used when taking slow, deep breaths. It can heighten performance and concentration while also being a powerful stress reliever. It’s also called four-square breathing.

This technique can be beneficial to anyone, especially those who want to meditate or reduce stress. It’s used by everyone from athletes to U.S. Navy SEALs, police officers, and nurses.

If you have interest in learning more, please reach out as we can schedule opportunities within districts, online, or in-person at our agency.

Reach out - we are here to help. tandlsupport@mccesc.org

We Work to Serve!

Department of Teaching & Learning

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Email: tandlsupport@mccesc.org
Website: mccesc.org
Location: 2200 U.S. 68, Urbana, OH, USA
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If you have a chance, and have not yet read our quarterly ESC Newsletter, the ESC CONNECTION, please feel free to peruse at your leisure. Lots of great things happening at the Madison-Champaign ESC.