This site is dedicated to teachers who need a “re-charge” to help continue being a great educator, no matter what grade you teach!  Little things you can do for yourself everyday to refill those parts that seem to empty inside while working towards student success.  No, I’m not an expert per se, but feel passionate enough to be transparent as the school year progresses, sharing tips for any teacher, no matter how long you have taught, to stay more centered.

I have been teacher of 6th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies for 12 years at a Title 1 Middle School. Hence the name of this website, “The Dozenth Year”. Having my Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, as well as a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction did not help me to stay fresh and not become emotionally burnt-out in the past. Having worked with: Special Ed, English Language Learners, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, GATE, Reluctant Readers/ Writers, “Just Plain Average” students, often in the same class, I began to understand how much teachers give each year. Keeping balanced and not becoming exhausted,  while having that “First Year Teacher” enthusiasm is often difficult for veteran teachers like myself. We put SO much into the start of the school year and beyond to make our students comfortable, that we forget to do “self-care” for ourselves. I am the first to raise my hand at this statement, and have spent an entire Summer Break taking inventory as to how to keep myself revitalized during the upcoming school year.