You are making a difference every day!  

Maria Herman, OFLA Membership chair 
German Teacher, Maumee City School

There comes a time of year when all teachers begin to count down the days until summer.  I once heard a teacher say about these days that she felt she was “wishing her life away,” and I thought that was so very sad.  Of course, the cliche “don’t count the days, make the days count” is a much better way to look at the end of what can sometimes feel like a VERY LONG school year.

Realize that these last few weeks of the school year can sometimes be the most enjoyable.  Remember to take the time to feel that sense of accomplishment and happiness.  Look at how far your level one students came this year: from no vocabulary to perhaps having finished a reader or two!  Look at those seniors and remind them how proud you are of their linguistic accomplishments over these past years. And give yourself a proverbial pat on the back for the part you played in all that!

And, of course, enjoy the anticipation of your summer break when you have time to rest, recharge, and be ready to come back to next year feeling refreshed and ready to go! Remind yourself that you are making a difference in the lives of others each and every day.  You are making a positive impact on your students, perhaps even your colleagues and/or your own children, and whether you realize it or not, you are creating a more positive future for yourself and the community in which you work.  Of course, you’re tired! Of course, you’re ready for summer – you and your students worked hard, and you deserve a break!  But don’t quit before the end.  Finish out the year strong, and continue to remember why you show up to school each day – because you matter in the lives of your students and you are making a difference in their lives just by being a consistent, reliable, kind, positive influence in their day.