Navigating the Beginning of the School Year: Supporting Teachers to Value Progress over Perfection

As we move through the early weeks of the new school year, I’ve been hearing from many teachers who are deeply committed to their students and their craft but are starting to feel the weight of building meaningful relationships with their new class. In the early weeks, there's often a sense of energy and excitement with students and teachers eager to make a fresh start. But now, as the term really kicks in and the workload increases, things can start to shift slightly. Students begin to reveal more of themselves, and as a teacher, you may find yourself navigating some new and challenging situations.

So, what do we need to remind ourselves of to ensure we continue showing up as our best selves?

First and foremost, we need to turn inward and focus on what is in our control. As educators, we’re not just shaping young minds; we’re also modelling how to navigate challenging moments, both for ourselves and for our students. Every day, we reflect and we navigate challenges with and for our students, some of whom are still trying to understand our ways and routines.  Amidst the pressures, it's crucial to remind ourselves of our resilient superpower and the valuable skills, tools, and strategies we continue to show up with every day.

One helpful framework I believe in, comes in the form of three C’s: These three strategies are all about you, THE TEACHER and they’re simple but powerful reminders to stay focused on the long-term goal of building trust and maintaining a positive and productive RELATIONAL classroom… for without the relationship, you have no real learning to speak of.

1. CALM
Your measure of success in the classroom comes when you show up as a source of psychological safety for your students. This begins with having a clear intent about who you want to be and valuing the importance of how you remain present. By focusing on being calm, connected, and grounded, you create an environment where students feel safe to be themselves and express themselves authentically. This is an essential for building strong relationships and fostering a positive environment conducive to learning.

Beginning each day with an awareness of how you’re showing up is crucial. Focussing on yourself especially during moments of stress, is an essential part of managing your own emotions and nervous system. We can often feel the weight of the various needs in a diverse classroom, but it's important to remember that we are a highly valuable piece of the puzzle that requires nurturing and consideration too; not just for your own well-being but for the well-being of everyone in your classroom.

What helps you feel calm in the classroom?   What are your needs, and how do you meet them?

Taking a moment to reflect on these questions can be incredibly powerful. Every person has unique triggers and tools that either contribute to or disrupt their sense of calm. Identifying what works for you, whether it’s taking a cold-water break, deep breathing exercises, or setting clear boundaries, can make all the difference in staying grounded during challenging moments. Teachers give so much of themselves every day, so being intentional about how you care for your own emotional well-being is crucial and not to be dismissed.

2. CONSISTENT
Continue to show up consistently—calm, clear, and predictable. Many students, especially those who find it challenging to regulate their own behaviour, are still figuring out who you are and where they fit in this new setting.  We are only in the early days of the school year, and it’s completely normal to feel like we want everything to be running smoothly, however in reality we know it takes time to build an environment where we truly know and understand each other.

The more confident you are in your consistent responses, the more secure and safe your students will feel. It’s all about playing the long game. As you prioritise the establishment of consistent, predictable routines, especially now at the start of the year, you're laying the foundations for a stronger, connected classroom. While it may feel tough right now, stick with it! … consistency builds trust and mutual respect. You are creating an environment whereby students know and feel ‘I see your potential and I am invested in it’.

Be consistent and clear about who you are and what is important to you. Clear communication helps students understand not only what you value, but also what they can expect from you. Resist the urge to over-explain or justify yourself, clarity doesn’t mean perfection; it just means consistency in your messages and actions.

3. CURIOSITY
Continue to approach each situation and student with curiosity. Take a moment to step back and observe. Lift yourself up to a third-person perspective and observe your students with genuine curiosity. Ask yourself: What is this behaviour telling me?  What is this student seeking from their actions?

Being curious means being open to considering further information, not just from the students themselves, but also from those around you, through careful observation, and by asking open-ended questions. This mindset allows you to explore the deeper layers of behaviour and truly understand what's behind it.

Reframing attention-seeking behaviour to ‘connection-seeking’ can often make a significant difference in how we perceive and respond to what we observe. When we approach situations with a curious mindset, we’re more likely to consider compassionate solutions that benefit both the student and the classroom.

Maria Montessori emphasised the power of observation in her teaching method, and it remains one of the most valuable tools we have as educators. By observing students without judgment, we create space to understand their needs, not just manage their actions. This allows us to assess what’s going on beneath the surface and develop strategies that genuinely meet each child’s emotional and educational needs.

As the school year continues, I encourage you to stay grounded in these principles. The work you’re doing is invaluable, and though it’s demanding, you have the skills and tools to handle it; I believe deeply in your capacity. Keep showing up, stay calm, be consistent, and get curious…both with your students and yourself!