All About Food and Life Skills
A Little "Bite" of Everything! Newsletter #14: May 2025
How Do I Protect My Own Peace?
As a teacher and school counselor since 1997, I’ve witnessed countless changes and initiatives in education. I’ve taught in an affluent Midwestern community, worked in a charter school, and now serve in a small, rural school in Arizona. I’ve seen the full range — the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.
I stay informed by listening to education news and engaging in conversations with fellow educators. Making a move, bringing me to Arizona brought a wave of frustration — especially around inadequate funding and the lack of basic resources I know would make a difference for kids.
After nearly 30 years in education, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: showing up for students, maintaining a hopeful outlook, and choosing presence over perfection. My peace comes from leaning on a very supportive husband — also in the field — and giving myself permission to care deeply without carrying everything alone.
1. Anchor in What Is Within Your Control
Focus your energy on:
Your relationships with students and colleagues.
Your attitude and preparation.
How you respond to challenges.
Be as positive as possible, especially with students.
2. Reframe What’s Bothering You
When something out of your control is frustrating (like a policy, parent, or system issue), reframe it:
Instead of “Why don’t they fix this?” → Try “How can I work around this without burning out?”
View problems as puzzles, not personal failures.
3. Set Emotional Boundaries
You can care deeply without carrying everything.
Make a habit of saying: “This matters, but I don’t have to solve it alone.”
Don’t take student behavior, parent pushback, or admin decisions personally. Most of it isn’t about you.
4. Decompress Daily
Even 10 minutes a day to:
Go for a walk
Journal your thoughts
Listen to music or a podcast
Breathe deeply
5. Talk It Out With Trusted People
Have a venting partner who gets it.
Sometimes just being heard helps you move on.
But avoid chronic venting circles — they can make you more stuck.
6. Keep a "Wins" List
Track small daily victories: A student breakthrough, a smile, a kind word.
Reread these when frustration creeps in. It shifts your focus back to why you teach.
7. Remember Your “Why”
Post your purpose somewhere you’ll see it often.
Teaching is about planting seeds. You may not see them grow right away, but your presence matters more than you know.
©All About Food and Life Skills- McMahon
As the school year winds down, here are some key things that are helpful for teachers to keep in mind:
1. Wrap-Up and Reflection
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Student reflections: Have students reflect on their growth, favorite projects, or what they’ve learned.
- Teacher reflection: Reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you might change for next year.
2. Student Transitions
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Prepare transition notes for next year's teachers (especially for students with special needs, behavior plans, or learning challenges).
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Celebrate growth with awards, certificates, or simple class acknowledgments.
3. Classroom Organization
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Inventory supplies and submit requests for next year if your school allows.
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Purge, sort, and store: Don’t take clutter home. Label and organize materials you’ll reuse.
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Pack smart if classrooms are used for summer school or cleaned over break.
4. Grading and Paperwork
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Finish grading early if possible to leave room for last-minute student needs or administrative tasks.
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Double-check report cards, final grades, IEP paperwork, and any required student documentation.
5. Relationships and Goodbyes
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Take time to say goodbye thoughtfully to your students and colleagues.
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Write personal notes to students or coworkers when appropriate — they’re often treasured.
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Be available for students who may struggle with the transition to summer.
6. Self-Care and Boundaries
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Rest and recharge — you've earned it.
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Set boundaries for summer communication with students, parents, or work.
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Schedule personal appointments and self-care activities early.
End of the Year Art and Sewing Project: Hand Sewing Bundle for FACS/ FCS
Looking for a fun end of the year project that combines art, sewing, and design? This Hand Sewing Activity Bundle is the perfect way to introduce students to basic sewing skills with creative, hands-on projects. Ideal for FACS, FCS, and Life Skills classes, this resource blends art and sewing for a memorable learning experience.
End of the Year Art Cooking Review: Kitchen Equipment and Measurement FACS
End of the Year Art: Exploring Fashion and History Through the Decades FACS
Are you looking for a great end of the year activity combining history, fashion, and art? This engaging lesson introduces students to the fascinating evolution of fashion across the decades, making it the perfect blend of creativity and education. Students will explore iconic clothing styles and historical influences through 23 visually appealing slides that bring fashion history to life.
TPT Store: Life Skills, Foods, School Counseling, SEL
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