Have you ever wished you could send a message back in time to your beginning-of-year self? That's exactly what we explore in this reflective episode as another school year draws to a close.

The transition between academic years often happens at breakneck speed, with little time to acknowledge how much we've grown and changed. Tammy and I share the letters we would write to our September selves, capturing the wisdom gained through challenges, surprises, and victories along the way.

Through honest conversation, we unpack key lessons that emerged this year. Tammy reflects on her coaching experiences and the feedback from teachers who've gained confidence and consistency in their practice. She wishes she had created better systems to implement the valuable professional learning she experienced throughout the year. Meanwhile, I share how I entered the year knowing I faced numerous major responsibilities, including school accreditation, and how I learned that "I can handle this" was the message I needed most.

Our discussion reveals how flexibility became a survival skill, especially when unexpected situations hijacked carefully planned agendas. We talk about the value of collegial relationships and how schools that prioritize teacher collaboration time see significant benefits in staff morale and effectiveness. We also touch on how certain episodes, particularly our "Partners of Educators" two-parter, resonated deeply with listeners.

The episode concludes with pare-down pointers that encapsulate our reflections: "Go gently with yourself" and "Keep it simple." These reminders to practice self-compassion and avoid overcomplicating future challenges offer valuable perspective for educators wrapping up their own school years.

Whether you're ending your school year now or have a few weeks remaining, we hope this episode encourages you to pause and reflect on your own journey. What would you tell your September self? What lessons will you carry forward? Connect with us @PlanZPLS on Instagram – we'd love to hear your reflections.

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