Are you finding yourself in the final stretch of a long winter? Are you in the middle or nearing the end of state testing? Are you anxious for Spring Break, nice weather, flowers, and the beach?!

As a literacy coach who is supposed to be supporting others, this can be your low energy point of the year. How are you doing?

I am wondering what suggestions we might give each other as to ways that coaches can practice self-care. Jan Burkins in her recent book Coaching for Balance [see IRA publications] recommends that coaches can:

• create their own environments,
• leave some margins in their work lives,
• plan for their own professional growth,
• take care of their bodies,
• go home,
• practice positive habits,
• recognize their limitations,
• let go of some of the responsibility,
• build a support system under themselves, and
• plan nurturing transitions to and from work.

In what ways do you agree with Jan? What are additional ways that you practice self-care as a literacy, reading, and/or instructional coach?

(P.S. Jan will be speaking at IRA as part of a session on literacy coaching scheduled for TH, 5/8, 12:30-3:15 in Georgia World Congress Center B203.)