1. When students are excited about what we are doing

2. When I get to introduce games, songs, activities, etc. that I did when I was in school

3. When my students truly see the importance of learning a new language, and tell me all about how they used Spanish while on vacation, watching a video on Tik Tok, etc.

1. Witnessing students' "aha" moments when they grasp difficult concepts.

2. Collaborating with passionate colleagues who share creative ideas and support each other’s growth.

3. Incorporating creative activities like art or interactive lessons that make learning engaging and fun.

#2: Hearing the students coming down the hall, excited and making a ruckus, because they can't wait to get to math!

#3: The pride students take in a job well done!

2) When a struggling reader has an "aha" moment or they are using strategies/ skills we have discussed as they read/ write.

3) Spending time with my team laughing over coffee or a snack, as well as laughing with my students over something silly .

2 - I love getting my kids up and moving. We plan movement breaks during the day and my students now enjoy leading them.

3-When a previous student stops by just to say hi. We make such connections with our students each year - it's a great feeling to see them and that they took the time to say HI.

2) When I hear a student comment on how much fun they had in school that day.

3) When I pull students to do small group reading and they say "I love reading with you".

4) Working with such positive colleagues.

1. When my kids say, "This is the best day ever!" at least once a week.

2. When I sing and dance silly songs with my kids.

3. When my students are engaged and so excited about things we do in class.

1. Students helping and encouraging each other

2. Bright, cheerful classroom decorations and student artwork

3. A lesson that goes (almost!) exactly as planned

4. Watching a student light up when they finally "get it"

5. Listening to students share their thoughts during a read-aloud

6. Quiet, focused work time where everyone is engaged

7. Spontaneous hugs or high-fives from students

8. Funny or sweet things students say during the day

9. Celebrating birthdays or classroom accomplishments together

10. Seeing students take pride in their own learning and progress

1. Student Breakthroughs: Seeing a student finally master a skill or gain confidence in their reading brings me so much joy. Those lightbulb moments remind me that all the small steps and consistent effort truly make a difference.
   
   

2. Meaningful Connections: Building relationships with students and watching them feel safe, seen, and valued in our reading space fills my heart. Knowing they trust me enough to take risks and share their thoughts is one of the best parts of teaching.
   
   

3. Creative Lesson Planning: I love finding new, engaging ways to teach—whether it’s through a hands-on activity, a story that sparks discussion, or a fun literacy game. Bringing learning to life and watching students get excited about it keeps my passion for teaching strong.

2. Sharing a love of reading: Watching students get excited about books, discuss stories with each other, and choose to read for fun.

3. Collaborating with colleagues: Exchanging ideas, celebrating wins, and supporting each other to make our classrooms stronger and more engaging.

1) My mindfulness practice brings me joy and calms me. It grounds me to remember what matters.

2) Connecting with my friends at work and doing little things to bring joy to the people around me makes me happy.

3) I greatly enjoy designing fun learning experiences for my students.

1. Watching students finally understand a tough concept. Sometimes my class can be tough and I'm grateful to be able to witness this continually throughout the school year.

2. Doing weird things often enough in the classroom that the students start doing them too (e.g. the queen wave and bad dancing during awkward silences)

3. Creating lasting bonds with my students and seeing them to continue to grow after graduation

1) Watching students feel a sense of calm when my therapy dog curls up next to them when they are frustrated, have had peer conflicts, or in general need a boost.

2) I enjoy collaborating with colleagues when lessons or units lend themselves to it.

3) I feel joy when I see my former middle school students after they have gone to the high school smile and wave at me from the parking lot.

1. Collaborating with my colleagues to develop strategies and ideas for hands-on activities that are meaningful for my students.

2. Watching my students find joy when they are learning a math skill that has been challenging for them in the past but they have figured out how to use the tools they have to be successful in practicing and mastering the skill.

3. Incorporating guided meditation and movement activities for my students so they can take needed breaks throughout each day.

1. Watching students grow from middle school babies to high school graduates.

2. Having students excited that I bought a series for the library that they recommended to me.

3. Playing collaborative games with students and seeing them positively interact with each other and not on their phones.

1.) Student growth/engagement:

their "aha" moments/when they use skills/strategies that they have learned.

2.) Creating positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

3.) Designing fun, hands-on learning experiences for my students.

1. Collaborating with other related services providers and problem solving together. The hive mind is a great thing!

2. Coming up with meaningful ways to work with students on both their gross motor, academic skills and/or functional skills.

3. Seeing the look of triumph on a students face when they have been working SO hard on something and they finally achieve it.