Last week I cried “Uncle.”

For an A-type teacher like me, that’s rare. I usually try to power through no matter what. But I have realized something important:

When you ask for help, you sometimes get it.

And it’s AWESOME!

I am NOT a primary homeroom teacher. Which means when I have kids modified to grade 3 or 4 math, I struggle. But I have discovered people in my building who ‘get’ primary math. And the benefit is stunning.

By advocating for myself, I advocate for my kids. Arranging a group of 5 kidlets to go and receive small group support achieved multiple successes:

1. My most needy kids got the support they needed

2. By having five less kids, I was able to get to all of my remaining kids for math check ins.

3. By having my kids experience a different teaching style, I a) better addressed the needs for some, and b) helped the others appreciate me. 🙂

And I had more energy the next day to do my best.

The lesson?

1. When you are exhausted, ask for help.

2. If it takes a village, your kids should be able to benefit from the whole village.

3. Showing kids that you need help models advocacy – which kids need to see.

4. Modelling a need for support normalizes needing support – which builds community

5. Learning from colleagues builds your own capacity.

Glad I went back to school.

MPJ