The Busy Educator

February is a unique month in teaching—wherever you are in the world.

For many of you in the Northern Hemisphere, winter fatigue is real. The school year feels long, energy is uneven, and the weeks can blur together. For our Southern Hemisphere teachers, the year is just beginning or settling into place, with routines forming and expectations being tested.

Different calendars—but the same truth:
February is not about pushing harder. It’s about adjusting smarter.

By now, you’ve already done the heavy lifting. Relationships are built. Expectations are mostly clear. What February asks for is not more effort—but small, thoughtful resets that make the rest of the year smoother.

Here are a few ideas that may help.

🌟 February Teacher Tip of the Month
Choose one thing to reset—just one.

It might be:

how students enter the room

how transitions sound and look

how materials are managed

how you regain attention

Say it simply:
“Let’s reset how we do this.”

No speeches. No guilt. Just clarity.

A reminder for this month
If something isn’t working, change the structure—not yourself.

You don’t need more patience.
You don’t need to be stricter.
You don’t need to work longer hours.

Often, one small adjustment brings surprising relief.

Many teachers tell me February is the month when they start wondering, “What can I tweak so this feels easier?” That question is exactly why I wrote resources like Become an Effective Teacher in Minutes, How to Succeed as an Elementary Teacher, and How to Thrive and Survive in Your Classroom. They’re designed for moments like this—when small changes matter most.

Click here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marjan-Glavac/author/B004HH7K4Q?

As you move through February, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to simplify, reset, and protect your energy. What you’re doing matters—quietly, steadily, and more than you may ever see.

Wishing you steadiness, patience, and a few unexpected wins this month.

All the best,

Marjan

Marjan Glavac: books, biography, latest update Follow Marjan Glavac and explore their bibliography from Amazon's Marjan Glavac Author Page.

Cusco

I want to share with you my annual end of the year tradition.

It's a quote from Jacques Barzun that has helped me in my teaching career.

It has also helped me in my 10 years of retirement from teaching.



He said:

"In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years."

It's a wonderful time to reflect on the great things we all do in teaching.

I have taken these great things and included them in my short video called Teaching Is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mhxHPK1mtI

I have also collected them in a paperbook book:

https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Moments-Motivate-Teachers-Difference/dp/1999163176/

Sometimes it's these little moments that make all the difference.

Wishing you a much better Happy New Year 2022!

Be Healthy. Be Safe.

Marjan

Teaching Is...: Moments that inspire and Motivate Teachers to Make a Difference Teaching Is...: Moments that inspire and Motivate Teachers to Make a Difference

OPERATION NICARAGUA BOOK TWO OF THE JOHN CARPENTER TRILOGY IS NOW OUT!