Turning Drains into Light Moments

Let’s be PROACTIVE instead of reactive before the new school year starts. Take a moment to

name last year’s drains, the things that stole joy away from you and now, let’s brainstorm small, intentional steps you can take this year to protect your light and create more light moments for yourself and others.

Here are six common DRAINS and realistic ways to take charge of them...

Drain 1: Workload & Time Management

• Batch-plan your week in one sitting.

• Grade in timed chunks… baby steps are progress!

• Push for meeting agendas and time limits.

• Choose a daily “stop time” in the afternoon and stick to it.

• Take real lunch breaks, away from devices and colleague negativity.

• Say “no” (or “not this year”) to extras that don’t align with your purpose.

Drain 2: Behavior Challenges

• Choose calm redirection over confrontation.

• Aim for 3 positive interactions for every correction.

• Note behavior triggers (time of day, groupings, boredom).

• Model and teach emotional regulation.

• Create a cool-down spot, for students and even yourself.

• Keep a sticky note reminder: “I can’t control your actions, but I can control my reaction.”

Drain 3: Feeling Unappreciated or Unseen

• Eat with a positive colleague—no school talk required.

• Leave sticky notes of encouragement for your peers.

• Celebrate one small win DAILY.

• Post a weekly quote or piece of scripture that grounds you.

• Talk to your admin. about what you need to feel supported and seen this year.

• Create your own tradition… Friday affirmations, birthday cups, random high-fives. I knew one teacher who would bring in an inexpensive bouquet of flowers for her classroom every Monday morning😊

  
  

Drain 4: Curriculum & Testing Pressure

• Let students CHOOSE topics aligned to standards.

• Offer assignment options whenever possible… think Choice Boards.

• Document intentional “slowdowns” for student need.

• Advocate to admin. for pacing adjustments when needed.

• Help students set personal goals that are NOT test-score focused.

  
  

Drain 5: Constant Negativity

• Post a “Good News” or “Gratitude” board outside your classroom.

• Start the day with an intention like: “Today, I’ll focus on connection.”

• Celebrate student and colleague wins… out loud.

• Avoid vent spirals… set negativity limits for yourself and others.

• Practice noticing 3 positives for every negative.

  
  

Drain 6: Difficult Interactions

• Pause before reacting… take a breath.

• Never call or email in anger. Hit “save draft” and return later.

• Stick to facts: “Here’s what I observed…”

• Use “I” statements: “I want us to work together on this.”

• Vent safely to a trusted friend, not in the hallway or group chat.

• If you mess up, own it and reset.

  
  

Say it with me… I can protect my peace, lead with light, and take small steps that will build a better school year for my students, my colleagues, and me.