Your Best Teaching Days Are Right Now: A New Beginning After Testing

Heyyy SuperTeachers we made it!

The marathon of high-stakes testing is finally behind us (most of us). Take a deep breath with me. Feel that exhale? It’s the collective sigh of relief echoing through hallways and classrooms everywhere. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It's time to reset, refocus, and rediscover the pure joy that brought us to this incredible profession in the first place.

For so many months, from the crisp beginnings of September through the often-challenging stretch of March, our classrooms and our lesson plans have, understandably, revolved around preparing our students for "the test." Every activity, every discussion, every assessment has carried the weight of that looming evaluation.

And now that it’s over, the natural inclination might be to feel a sense of completion, a signal to finally ease off and perhaps even start mentally packing up for summer.

But let me be clear, my friend: this is not the time to coast. This is not the moment to simply fill the remaining weeks with busywork or passively count down the days. This, right now, is when your best teaching days truly begin. Think of it as turning the page to a brand new chapter in your school year, one where the constraints have loosened and the opportunities for genuine connection and impactful learning have blossomed.

Consider the shift in the atmosphere. The palpable anxiety that often accompanies testing has begun to dissipate, replaced by a different kind of energy; perhaps a sense of accomplishment, a touch of lightness, and a readiness for something new. You, as the architect of your classroom environment, have the extraordinary power to harness this shift.

Your Best Teaching Days are Ahead!

Right now, you have the freedom to re-center joy in your instruction. Remember those creative projects you had to put on the back burner? The innovative teaching methods you were eager to try but didn't have the bandwidth for? Now is the time to dust them off and bring them to life. You can pivot your focus, stretch your pedagogical muscles in new directions, and experiment with activities that ignite genuine curiosity and passion in your students, all without the pressure of a standardized test looming over your head.

Think about the possibilities for deeper engagement. With the pressure of content coverage for high-stakes testing gone, you can delve into topics with more nuance, allowing for richer discussions and more student-led exploration. You can foster stronger connections with your students through projects that tap into their individual interests and talents. This is your chance to cultivate a classroom where learning feels less like a task and more like an exciting adventure.

Take a moment to reflect on the current energy within your classroom. Observe your students. What sparks their interest? What are they curious about? What kind of learning experiences would truly resonate with them in these final weeks?

This week, I challenge you to identify just one small shift you can make in your instruction to intentionally re-center joy and connection. It could be as simple as incorporating more games into your weekly plans, dedicating time for passion projects, or facilitating student-led lessons. Experiment, observe, and embrace the unique possibilities of this post-testing season. And remember; sharing is caring so let's us know what you've come up with in the comments.

1-Year Virtual Residency for Classroom Teachers

Ready to cultivate joyful and impactful teaching practices beyond the immediate school year? We are now accepting Applications the 1-Year Virtual Residency. Join a supportive collective of SuperTeachers this August, committed to reclaiming joy, amplifying their instructional power, and building a sustainable and fulfilling career in education. Let's grow and thrive together!

Need immediate support? Let’s talk!

Every classroom is different, and sometimes you just need a thought partner to figure out what works best for you and your students. If you’d like to dive deeper into instructional strategies, student engagement, or just need a fresh perspective, schedule a coaching call! No pressure, just real talk and actionable steps to help you thrive.

Schedule a time that works for you here: Scheduling Link

In partnership,

Dr. O