How to Stay Charged During the Final Weeks of School

By Elena Aguilar

Edutopia

Summary for Educators: “How to Stay Charged During the Final Weeks of School” by Elena Aguilar URL: https://www.edutopia.org/stay-charged-end-of-school-year

As the academic year winds down, many educators find themselves physically and emotionally depleted. In her insightful article, veteran educator and coach Elena Aguilar offers practical and compassionate strategies for teachers who are feeling “way beyond burned out” during the final stretch of the school year. She recognizes the emotional roller coaster many teachers face — from moments of pride and connection with students to flashes of frustration and exhaustion — and offers a hopeful roadmap for navigating these final weeks with purpose and joy.

Norman Rockwell

Aguilar emphasizes the importance of re-engagement through passion projects. She encourages educators to set aside rigid pacing guides and instead launch hands-on, student-centered activities that ignite curiosity and creativity. Whether it’s art, music, cooking, or a deep dive into a novel, students respond positively to their teacher’s enthusiasm. This kind of project-based learning not only re-energizes the classroom but also sustains momentum as the academic year closes.

At the same time, Aguilar cautions against abandoning established routines. Maintaining structure is crucial, particularly for younger students or those who struggle with transitions. While it may be tempting to default to unstructured time or a week of movies, she warns that such an approach can lead to chaos and behavioral challenges. A balance of fun and structure helps keep students grounded and supports a calm end to the year.

A central theme of the article is reflection. Aguilar recommends guiding students through thoughtful reflection activities that encourage them to process their learning and growth. Suggestions include journals, videos, scrapbooks, or artwork in response to prompts like “What did I learn this year?” and “What advice would I give to next year’s students?” Providing scaffolding and modeling is key to making these reflections meaningful. Equally important, she says, is teacher reflection. Educators should take the same time to recognize their own growth, acknowledge their challenges, and take pride in their accomplishments — a step too often overlooked.

Celebration and closure are also emphasized. Aguilar suggests inclusive, affirming rituals such as student award ceremonies, where every child is recognized for a strength or positive contribution. These moments give students a sense of accomplishment and help them transition with dignity and pride. Celebrating with colleagues and loved ones is just as important for teachers, providing a vital emotional release after a long and demanding year.

The article also sensitively addresses the emotional needs of students as summer approaches. Aguilar notes that for many students, especially those facing food insecurity, unstable home environments, or social isolation, summer can be a frightening time. Teachers may notice students becoming more anxious or disruptive as the year ends, behaviors often rooted in fear of the unknown. Aguilar encourages educators to summon their empathy and recognize these behaviors as bids for connection rather than defiance.

To stay strong and present, she urges teachers to prioritize self-care: sleep more, move your body, seek joy. In these final weeks, students need their teachers perhaps more than ever — for comfort, consistency, and compassion.

Ultimately, Aguilar offers a grounded, wise, and encouraging message: yes, this work is hard, especially at the end of the year. But there are ways to restore energy, find meaning, and even enjoy the ride to the finish line.

Full article available at: https://www.edutopia.org/stay-charged-end-of-school-year

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com