After the Election: Finding Calm and Focus During Uncertainty

I know this election season has brought up a lot of emotions for many of us. As a Black woman and an advocate for justice and equality, I understand the personal and professional toll that these moments can take. I’ve often felt the weight of these times, not just as someone who supports educators, but as someone who sees education as a path to liberation and change. With each election, there’s a renewed sense of hope but also a nagging fear about what it could mean for our schools, our students, and the teaching profession.

Over the years, my work with Whine & Cheese, Inc., an organization I founded to provide space for women to vent, connect and empower each other, taught me the importance of resilience in times of adversity. Just as in those sessions where women uplifted each other, I want to offer that same support to our teachers and school staff. I know you are navigating unique stress and uncertainty in this political climate, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. Together, we can forge a path forward.

This recent election season has highlighted potential challenges to public education that we simply cannot ignore. The pushback against teaching truth, the disregard for the needs of diverse classrooms, and potential cuts to funding are all real concerns for many educators. However, regardless of where you stand politically, we can all agree that it’s been a stressful time. With any major shift or change in leadership, there’s bound to be uncertainty, and that uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

But despite these challenges, one thing keeps me grounded: your dedication to your students. They need you now more than ever, especially in times like these when they too are absorbing the world around them.

1. Limit Your Exposure to Stressful News

Staying informed is important, but it’s OK to step back when the news becomes overwhelming. Set aside a specific time to catch up on updates, but try to avoid constant exposure, especially before bedtime. Protect your peace by focusing on what’s within your control.

2. Lean on Your Community

Just as I find strength within my community, I encourage you to connect with fellow educators, friends and family. Join online groups, find a community on Share My Lesson or attend local union meetings. This is the time to draw strength from each other, share resources, and uplift one another.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

Finding calm amid the storm is an essential skill. Try integrating mindfulness exercises into your day—a quick breathing exercise before heading into classes and meetings or a few minutes of meditation during lunch. These practices can help reduce stress and ground you, allowing you to show up with clarity and focus.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

We can’t change everything happening at the national level, but we can focus on creating a supportive environment around us. Encourage students to think critically, show them that their voices matter, and remind them that they are valued. Empowering our students to think empathetically is one of the most powerful ways we can counter the challenges we face.

5. Use Your Voice and Stay Engaged

Remember that as union members, you have the power to advocate for the profession and the students you serve. Take advantage of AFT resources, connect with local representatives, and stay engaged in conversations about policy. Together, your voices are stronger, and collective advocacy is a powerful tool for change.

6. Model Resilience for Your Students

Students are looking to you for guidance, whether they realize it or not. Model resilience, kindness and empathy, even on tough days. Teach them that while the world can feel uncertain, they can cultivate strength, compassion and hope. Show students how to navigate challenging times with integrity and courage.

Remember, we are not defined by the challenges we face, but by how we respond to them. This moment in history may be difficult, but your dedication to education is a powerful force. We are in this together, and you have the strength to make a difference—one student at a time, one day at a time. 

As we move forward, let’s hold on to the power of community and the impact we have in our schools. I see you, I’m with you, and I know we’ll continue to rise.