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In today’s episode, I’m sharing tips to help you survive the month of March. That’s all coming up next, right here on The Principal’s Handbook. Stay tuned.

Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Each week, we dive into strategies for building mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness. From navigating daily challenges to maintaining work-life balance, we’ll tackle the complexities of school leadership together. This is a podcast where your well-being is the top priority.

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Welcome back! Today we’re talking about how to survive the month of March. I’ll share practical tips for supporting your teachers and, just as importantly, how to take care of yourself.

March is often one of the hardest months in education. Spring break is still a few weeks away, and you start to feel the toll of the year. Motivation dips. Students are restless. Teachers are burned out. Energy levels are low across the board. There’s less engagement in classrooms and a general lack of enthusiasm for school activities.

As a principal, this time is especially tough. You’re likely battling your own low motivation while also trying to keep everyone else going. You might see:

• Increased staff absenteeism

• A decline in instructional quality

• More student behavior issues

• Higher stress levels around testing

• Rising staff conflict and tension

To top it off, you’re starting to think about next year—hiring, staffing changes, and early planning—while teachers might be feeling uncertain or anxious about what’s to come.

So how do we handle all of this without burning out?

💡 5 Ways to Support Your Teachers in March

1. Plan Fun Events to Boost Morale
Whether it’s a luncheon, a building-wide game, a scavenger hunt, or just an after-work gathering, giving teachers a break from the grind builds community and lifts spirits.

2. Give Teachers a Break
Provide extra planning time or classroom coverage—even 15 minutes goes a long way. Be visible and proactive. If someone looks overwhelmed, step in and give them a short breather.

3. Remind Teachers: One Test Doesn’t Define Them
As state testing approaches, teachers often tie their worth to scores. Encourage them to focus on strong teaching practices, reflective conversations, and growth—not one single day’s result.

4. Reteach PBIS Expectations
Behavior challenges spike in March. Revisit schoolwide expectations and reteach routines. Reinforcement helps both students and staff reset.

5. Offer Supportive Professional Development
PD doesn’t have to be “more work.” Offer training that reinforces what they already know—teaching strategies, behavior management, or even stress relief workshops.

🧘‍♀️ How to Take Care of Yourself as a Principal

1. Get Enough Sleep
You need 7–9 hours of sleep to function at your best. Don’t sacrifice rest to get more done—it will backfire in the long run.

2. Prioritize Physical Health
Move your body daily, eat well, and avoid using stress as an excuse for unhealthy habits. Physical well-being supports mental clarity.

3. Lean on Your Support Network
Connect with other principals or administrators. Talk to people who understand the job and can offer advice or simply listen.

4. Protect Your Mental Health
Spend time doing things you enjoy outside of school. If needed, talk to a therapist or coach. Make space for hobbies, mindfulness, and mental recharge.

5. Set Boundaries and Take Breaks
Take email off your phone. Stop checking it after hours. Use breaks during the day to get fresh air and reset your focus—don’t power through until you crash.

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Remember, you are the role model in the building. You set the tone. Model healthy habits and openly share what you’re doing to take care of yourself. That encourages your staff to do the same.

March is hard—but you don’t have to power through alone. When you support your staff and take care of yourself, you build the resilience you need to make it through the toughest part of the year.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’d love to work with you one-on-one. I offer free consultations to help you explore how coaching can support your leadership, mindset, and well-being. Check the show notes for the link or visit barbflowerscoaching.com.

You can also find my free resource on How to Stop Doubting Your Decisions as a Principal—link is below!

And if you found this helpful, share the episode with another principal and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Keep in mind: You have the power to shape your life according to the mindset you choose.

Have a great week, and I’ll see you back here next time on The Principal’s Handbook.