February Newsletter: Keeping Momentum Strong in the Second Half of the Year
Education Leadership Services
An education firm that provides high-quality ongoing virtual or in-person PD support to all educators.
By Veronica Gerald, Executive Director of School Partnerships, Education Leadership Services, LLC
February is here, and let’s be honest—this is when the mid-year slump hits hard. The energy that fueled the start of the school year has faded, and for many teams, motivation is running low. Teachers are feeling stretched, student engagement is dipping, and the pressure of upcoming testing season is creeping in.
This is the point where leadership makes all the difference.
The Challenge: Fighting Mid-Year Fatigue
Right now, your staff doesn’t need more meetings, more initiatives, or another “motivational” email. They need real support, recognition, and clarity on what matters most.
So, how do we refocus and re-energize our teams?
3 Ways to Keep Your Team Engaged This Month
1. Recognize the Small Wins (Loudly and Often)
Everyone feels the weight of unfinished goals, but what about the progress already made? Take time to highlight small but meaningful successes. Whether it’s a teacher who turned a struggling student around, a team that launched a new initiative, or simply a staff member who consistently shows up with a positive attitude—celebrate it. Recognition fuels motivation.
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2. Simplify, Don’t Add
Leaders often feel pressure to introduce new strategies to keep things moving, but more doesn’t always mean better. Instead, ask: What can we simplify to make our work more impactful? Maybe it’s streamlining communication, focusing on just one instructional priority, or eliminating unnecessary tasks. Cutting through the noise allows your team to focus on what truly matters.
3. Reconnect with Purpose
People don’t burn out from hard work—they burn out from a lack of meaning in that work. This month, remind your staff why they got into education in the first place. Share stories of impact, whether it’s a student’s breakthrough moment or a letter from a former student thanking a teacher. Help your team see that their work is making a difference, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
You Set the Tone
As a leader, your energy is contagious. If you’re overwhelmed and exhausted, your team will feel it. If you model focus, clarity, and encouragement, they’ll follow your lead.
If your team needs support navigating this mid-year stretch, let’s talk. A quick strategy session can help you cut through the overwhelm and create a plan that moves your team forward—without burning them out.
Your February Resources:
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