You made it! Final grades. Last lessons. Maybe a few “Can I still turn this in?” emails. Whatever your finish line looks like, you’re here, and that’s worth celebrating.

This last entry isn’t about doing more. We're not going to share any more resources. This is about pausing and recognizing what you’ve already done. You showed up for your students and taught a course that truly matters. That’s something to be proud of!

Throughout this teacher toolkit series, we focused on five key themes:

• Review and support

• Re-engaging students in the final weeks

• Burnout-friendly resources for teachers

• Planning ahead and thinking about summer

• Hidden gems you might have missed

If you missed a post or want to revisit a resource, the full End-of-Year Teacher Toolkit is still available.

As you wrap things up, here are two simple ways to finish strong:

• Leave a note for future you. What worked? What surprised you? What do you want to remember for next Fall? Drop a few thoughts in your planner or first unit folder. Future you will be glad you did.

• Reflect with your students. Ask students what stuck with them or what they’d tell next year’s class. These quick conversations can remind you how much your work matters.

If you’re thinking ahead, summer is a great time to attend an NGPF FinCamp. These FREE one-day, in-person events bring teachers together to share ideas, build community, and leave inspired for the year ahead.

Thank you for everything you brought to your students this year. We’re lucky to have you in the NGPF community!

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.