March—it’s the month I can’t stand. As much as I love the promise of spring, there’s something about this time of year that feels heavier than most. For high school seniors, it’s the final stretch before graduation, filled with deadlines, decisions, and mounting pressure. For teachers of seniors, it’s a whirlwind of final lessons, paperwork, and emotional support. And for parents, it’s a time of anticipation mixed with stress about what’s next for their child.

But for educators, March is the grind—the stress without the end in sight. While May offers a light at the end of the tunnel, March holds nothing but pressure and uncertainty. As we navigate the demands of the classroom, we are also carrying the emotional weight of our students. The mental health of those we teach is a constant concern, and it inevitably impacts our own well-being. It’s easy to feel burnt out, drained, and overwhelmed.

In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to show gratitude for those around us. Whether it’s acknowledging a colleague’s hard work, offering a kind word to a student, or simply taking a moment to breathe, gratitude can help us weather the storm. But, as leaders in education, we must ask ourselves: How are we supporting our teachers during this difficult season? Are we providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going? Are we showing up for them in the same way they show up for their students every day?

Three Ways Leaders Can Support Educators in Fostering Resilience and Finding Hope:

1. Create a Supportive Environment: Encouragement goes a long way. Leaders should foster a culture where teachers feel safe to share their challenges, knowing they will be met with empathy and understanding. A simple “How can I help?” or a listening ear can work wonders in building resilience.
   
2. Find Ways to Support Alignment: Balance is certainly challenging in this season, but what about alignment? Helping each other stay focused on the strategic goals and priorities for the school, while still honoring personal commitments and well-being, is key. When everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals, it reduces confusion and creates a shared sense of purpose, making the grind more manageable.
   
3. Celebrate Small Wins: When the big goals seem far off, focus on the small victories. Recognizing daily achievements, no matter how small, can provide a sense of accomplishment and foster hope during the grind. Whether it’s celebrating student progress or a teaching breakthrough, these moments remind educators that their efforts matter.

As I’ve learned over the years, one of the game changers for me has been a daily gratitude prompt that I’ve used for over a decade. Each morning, I answer the following two prompts:

• Three Things I am Grateful For From Yesterday – This prompt encourages reflection on the positive aspects of the past, helping me recognize moments of joy, accomplishment, or peace that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
  
• Three Things I am Looking Forward to Today – This prompt helps set a positive tone for the day ahead. It encourages focus on opportunities, goals, and simple pleasures, fostering a mindset of optimism and intention.

As leaders, it’s our job to take care of the people who take care of the students. Supporting our educators isn’t just about resources and training; it’s about showing up for them emotionally and physically. By prioritizing the well-being of teachers, leaders foster resilience, strength, and hope within their schools.

This season of stress can feel like it has no end, but together, through gratitude and support, we can make it through. Let’s keep standing by one another, recognizing the effort that goes into every lesson, every moment, and every interaction. Because in the grind, gratitude is what reminds us why we do what we do.

Continue to find ways to live well so you can lead well, any month of the year.

– Jessica

Want more resources?

Principal in Balance

BTS Spark PIDE Cast on Roles and Resilience