Dear Teacher with a DM,
I first heard the term, "DM" (not to be confused with a direct message) from my sister who was sitting in an IEP meeting when a behavior therapist used the term in reference to an unpleasant quirk of one of her special needs students. She racked her brain trying to decipher the acronym. As any educator knows, education is riddled with a litany of acronyms.
Turns out DM is a slang term for "doesn't matter." In other words, in light of bigger issues, a DM is anything that isn't worth the attention because truthfully, it isn't that big of a deal anyway. If this school year has been good for anything, I think it's caused teachers to prioritize what matters and what doesn't. For anyone who needs a list, here are some things that matter this year and some things that don't.
Doesn't Matter-
1) Testing, any testing- umm...just no
2) Accurate attendance records- not happening
3) An occasional tardy- just glad you showed
4) A drooping mask- don't fight it
5) Forgotten homework- life goes on
6) Professional development- maybe next year
7) Having a fun classroom- this year is boring
8) Faculty meetings- sanitize, we already know
9) Scope and sequence/pacing- what a joke
10) Questioning why- it will make you bitter
Matters-
1) Making a kid feel seen and valued
2) Celebrating every single day as a victory
3) Taking care of yourself first
4) Handwritten notes that communicate care
5) Exercising patience in spite of panic
6) Showing up again and again
7) Telling people you love them and meaning it
8) Recognizing the burdens of others
9) Turning off the news
10) Being flexible each day
This list is a mere starting place. I wonder what would happen if you printed it, taped it above your desk at work, and added to it each day. The evolving list may not help you keep the main thing, the main thing, but it's worth a shot, don't you think?
-CDB