MLK Day 2025

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s profound legacy and its relevance to our work as educators. His vision of equality, justice, and opportunity for all resonates deeply with every educator's mission.

Dr. King believed in the power of education to drive change and transform lives. His famous words, "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education," reminds us of the incredible responsibility we have to not only teach academics but also to inspire compassion, critical thinking, and the courage to stand up for what is right.

Let us use this as an opportunity to honor his dream by continuing to foster a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages understanding, and empowers our students to be future leaders and changemakers.

Love What You Do. Do What You Love.

In the world of education, the phrase “Love what you do. Do what you love.” takes on a profound meaning. As educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape lives, inspire curiosity, and ignite a passion for learning in our students. But in the hustle of lesson planning, grading, and endless responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of why we chose this path in the first place.

When we truly love what we do, it shows. It’s evident in the way we greet our students each morning, in the energy we bring to our lessons, and in the patience we extend when challenges arise. Passion transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, making the classroom a space of joy, discovery, and growth—not just for students but for us as well.

Yet, “doing what you love” also requires us to prioritize our own well-being. Burnout is real, and the best educators recognize the importance of balance. It’s okay to set boundaries, to say no to the extras that deplete your energy, and to make time for hobbies, family, and rest. Loving what you do doesn’t mean giving every ounce of yourself until there’s nothing left; it means finding sustainable joy in the journey.

So how do we keep the spark alive? By reconnecting with our “why.” Why did we choose to teach? Why do we show up every day, ready to tackle challenges and celebrate victories? Reflecting on the impact we make can reignite our sense of purpose. Celebrate the small wins—a student mastering a new concept, a heartfelt thank-you note, or a classroom moment filled with laughter. These are the reminders of the love that fuels our work.

As you move forward, commit to loving what you do and doing what you love. Find joy in the process, seek inspiration in your students, and continue to grow—not just as an educator but as a person. Because when you pour your heart into your passion, you inspire others to do the same.

Small Positive Habits Are Better Than Big New Year’s Resolutions

Many of us have developed New Year's Resolutions—those sweeping, grand goals meant to transform our lives overnight. While the intention is admirable, the reality is often less successful. Studies show that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Why? Because drastic changes can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead, consider adding small positive habits to your daily or weekly routine. Here’s why this approach works and how you can implement it.

The Power of Small Changes

Small habits may not seem impactful at first glance, but their cumulative effect over time can lead to significant transformation. When you make tiny, consistent adjustments, they add up in meaningful ways.

For example:

• Instead of committing to an hour-long workout every day, start with 10 minutes of walking every day, or a 10% increase to your daily step count.

• Swap the goal of "Reading 50 books this year" for "reading one page a day."

• Replace "I will never eat junk food again" with "I will add one healthy item to my meals."

These small shifts feel manageable, which increases your likelihood of sticking with them.

Why Small Habits Work

1. They’re Achievable: Unlike ambitious resolutions, small habits fit easily into your existing routine, making them less daunting.

2. They Build Confidence: Each success, no matter how small, boosts your confidence and motivation to continue.

3. They Create Momentum: Small changes often lead to larger ones. Drinking one extra glass of water a day might encourage you to make other healthy choices.

4. They Reduce Pressure: Big resolutions often come with the fear of failure. Small habits allow you to celebrate progress without added stress.

How to Start Adding Small Habits

1. Identify Your Priorities: Think about areas in your life you’d like to improve—health, relationships, work, or personal growth.

2. Choose One Tiny Action: Pick a single, simple behavior that aligns with your goal. For example, if you want to be more organized, commit to writing down three tasks each morning that you will complete for the day.

3. Anchor Your Habit: Attach your new habit to an existing routine. For instance, "After I brush my teeth, I’ll write down one thing I’m grateful for."

4. Track Your Progress: Use a journal, notebook, calendar, or some type of app to monitor your consistency. Visual reminders can help reinforce your commitment.

5. Be Kind to Yourself: If you miss a day, don’t give up.  Get back at it the nextday!  Small habits are about progress, not perfection.

The Ripple Effect

The beauty of small habits is their ripple effect. A single, positive habit can influence other areas of your life. For example, committing to ten minutes of mindfulness each day might improve your focus, reduce stress, and enhance your relationships.

Small Change is POWERFUL

As we step into the New Year, remember that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. By embracing small, positive habits, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable growth and success. Instead of aiming for a grand resolution, focus on one small step at a time. The results might surprise you—and they’ll likely last far longer than February.