As 2025 begins, most people are looking to close a chapter on the previous year and move forward with intention on a new one. To mark the occasion, they usually create and try to live up to New Year’s resolutions.
However, for teachers, we look at January through a bit of a different lens. For us, it is usually the halfway point in the year. For elementary teachers, this means time to really buckle down and continue the learning and routines that they spent the fall trying to implement. For secondary teachers, it usually means exams are coming up (or have just happened), and it is time to begin a brand new semester or continue a yearlong class.
That being said, for many of us, although New Year’s resolutions are important, I think it is actually more beneficial to think of a powerful, goal-oriented word that we can use to ground ourselves as the school year continues. A word doesn’t seem as overwhelming as a resolution, and it can be much more helpful in allowing teachers space to continue learning and growing as professionals. To assist me with this month’s blog post, I asked some of the teachers I teach with at Rochester High School to provide me with their words and perspectives for this month.
2025 Word 1: Learning
“In my first few years of teaching, I have become so dedicated to teaching that I’ve lost sight of my own passion for learning. For 2025, my goal is to rekindle that love of learning and reading by exploring new genres and discovering fresh ways to grow both personally and professionally as an educator.”
– Michaela
I think this word can uplift any teacher seeking a focus for the upcoming year. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, listening to a quick podcast or reading an article by a researcher you trust and respect can give you a new idea or a fresh perspective that can help with students or classroom issues. Also, I think it is important that we give ourselves grace, especially early in our careers, to learn and grow alongside our students. So, if that means assigning an article AND reading it alongside our students – that’s OK!
2025 Word 2: Outdoors
“I’m really good about doing this in the warmer months, but I’m going to be more intentional about getting outside all year. I find that being in nature is my greatest de-stressor, and I need to keep that in mind in the doldrums of winter, too! While this is more of a personal resolution, it will help recharge me creatively and mentally in a professional sense.”
– Nicole
I think this is something that many teachers forget about since a lot of times we remain in our classroom all day, every day. Even though I am not a cold-weather fan, I am making it a point to go outside and get some fresh air for at least 20 minutes each day. I think the cold air does provide clarity (even if it also feels like frostbite!), and just like the first word (“learning”), it will help to regain some perspective.
2025 Word 3: Reconnection
“Every year, especially coming back after break, I look forward to reconnecting with students. I always make sure to look at things from not only my perspective, but their perspective. The holidays/winter break is not always a positive time for some students (school could be their safe place), but I always make sure to sit down with my students and re-establish/reconnect those relationships and check in on them to make sure they are on track for success both academically and emotionally.”
– Kara
I think Kara’s advice works for both students and teachers. As the new year begins and you are checking on their well-being, make sure to also reconnect with the important people in your life, as well as your own mental health. Take time to reestablish relationships that you feel are important (it can be a quick text or even email) and remember that there are people in your life both personally and professionally who want to see you succeed and flourish in your career.
Remember, teaching truly is a marathon and not a sprint. Here is to a healthy and well-balanced 2025!
2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year Kelley Cusmano is an English Language Arts teacher at Rochester High School in Rochester Community Schools and is in her 20th year of teaching.