It’s Okay to Be Done for Today
For teachers nearing winter break—offering permission to rest, set boundaries, and release what isn’t yours to carry.
With winter break getting closer, this feels like a good moment to slow things down a bit. The stretch between now and break can be heavy for teachers — a lot to finish, a lot to hold, and not much margin.
I appreciate you taking a few minutes to read this week’s newsletter. I know time and energy are limited right now. These three curated pieces are meant to offer a bit of permission — permission to pause, to set boundaries, and to remember that you don’t have to carry everything to be a good teacher.
I hope something here helps you end the week feeling a little lighter.
From the Blog: You’re Allowed to Be Done for Today
This reflection came from a familiar moment: staring at a to-do list that keeps growing, even when your energy is gone. It’s a reminder teachers don’t hear often enough — stopping is not quitting, and rest is not something you have to earn after everything is finished. If you’ve been carrying work home in your head (or your bag), this piece offers permission to put it down.
From the Blog: Not Your Responsibility
This piece names something many teachers carry quietly and constantly — responsibility for things that were never actually theirs to hold. Student choices. Family situations. Outcomes beyond our control. It’s about caring deeply without carrying everything, and how releasing misplaced responsibility can help you stay steadier and more present in the work that is yours.
From the Podcast: A Gentle Reminder for Overloaded Teachers
Sometimes reading feels like too much. This short podcast episode is an audio companion to the reflections above — something you can listen to in the car, on a walk, or in a quiet moment between obligations. It’s not about doing more.
It’s about letting go of what’s heavy and remembering what’s actually yours to carry.
Thank you for the work you’re doing during a demanding stretch of the year. I hope you’re able to head into the weekend with a bit more space and a bit less weight.
With Gratitude
Jeremy
If you’re looking for a steady, supportive place to land this winter, the STRONG Teacher’s Lounge is open, and you’re welcome to join us.
