Teaching Through the Election Hangover

Keeping Your Balance No Matter Who’s in the White House

As much as this pains me to write...here we go;

Well, fellow teachers, here we are again. The ballots have been counted, the headlines blaring, and emotions running higher than a third grader on Halloween. Whether your person won or lost, the dust hasn’t even fully settled, yet we’re already tasked with moving forward. And not just forward—but forward with all the grace, patience, and optimism we can muster.

Teaching through a high-stakes election season isn’t new for us, but each cycle brings its own unique “lessons,” doesn’t it? So, as the country grapples with the outcome of a hard-fought race between Trump and Harris, we’re left with classrooms, colleagues, and communities full of diverse political perspectives and passionate opinions. Here’s how we can all keep our sanity, professionalism, and, yes, humanity as we navigate the next four years—one school day at a time.

1. Remember Your “Why” (Especially on the Tough Days)

Let's face it—there are days when “keeping the important points important” feels as easy as holding Jell-O with chopsticks. But now more than ever, remembering our personal reasons for being here is essential. Whether it's the kids, the content, or simply that spark you feel when a lesson finally “clicks” for someone, try to keep that purpose close.

Politics may shape the landscape, but in the classroom, you set the tone. Even if you’re exhausted from watching the country split itself like it’s rooting for rival sports teams, try to hold onto the real reason you show up every day. If that doesn’t work, just remember: you’re not here for the “likes” or the “shares”—you’re here for them.

2. Set Boundaries to Preserve Your Peace

Election cycles can turn staff rooms and classrooms into heated battlegrounds, and we can’t change that. But we can manage what we let into our mental space. Got a colleague who always has “one more thing” to say about the election? Politely steer the conversation toward school events, weekend plans, or, hey, even the weather. Boundaries are not a luxury; they’re essential, especially now.

And if you’re on social media, remember: you don’t have to read every comment, like every post, or engage in debates that only drain your energy. Let’s save our energy for what matters—like that stack of ungraded essays sitting on your desk!

3. Show Empathy to All (Yes, All)

Regardless of where we stand politically, our job is to guide, nurture, and teach. Some students will come to school with a skip in their step, while others might feel nervous or even scared. This election has stirred up big feelings, and those feelings won’t just disappear because the results are in.

Kids often absorb what’s going on at home, so it’s normal that they might feel anxious or emotional. Creating a safe space in the classroom isn’t just about keeping things politically neutral—it’s about making sure each student feels seen and heard, without judgment. And for the sake of your own peace of mind, remember that empathy doesn’t mean agreement. It’s just understanding, plain and simple.

4. Laugh a Little More—Humor Helps

If there’s one thing teaching has taught me, it’s that a little humor can go a long way. I’m not saying break out into stand-up mid-lesson, but finding lightness can ease tension like nothing else. Need a quick breather? Remember some of those 90s tunes we all loved. Whether you’re humming a little “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” in the hallways or dropping a well-timed “I Will Survive” during recess duty, a bit of music therapy never hurt.

Humor won’t solve all our problems, but it’s a good reminder that we can find joy even when times are tough.

Because let’s face it, laughter will always be one of our best coping tools as teachers.

5. Encourage Critical Thinking Over Critical Fights

It’s tempting to want to shield students from controversy, but it’s also part of our role to help them navigate the world’s complexities. Instead of shutting down any talk about politics, encourage thoughtful questions and discussions. Try to focus on teaching them how to find credible sources, listen to multiple perspectives, and reflect before reacting.

One of the greatest gifts we can give them is the ability to think for themselves. We may not know what the next four years will bring, but we can teach them that respectful dialogue and curiosity will always take them further than judgment and hostility.

6. Lean on Each Other (and Check on Each Other)

Every school is its own little community, and right now, we’re all part of that. Checking in on each other can make a huge difference. Let’s be real—sometimes just hearing “I know, right?” from a colleague is all it takes to feel a little less isolated.

If you’re a veteran teacher like me, remember that new teachers might need a little extra support right now. Being there for one another can be as simple as a post-it with a “You got this!” on a colleague’s desk or a quick chat after the day ends. Little acts of kindness in these chaotic times can make the days a bit easier for everyone.

7. Remember: This Too Shall Pass

If you’ve been teaching for any length of time, you’ve seen elections, policies, and changes come and go. This won’t be the last time we’re asked to navigate tough waters as educators. Every election feels like the “biggest” or “most important” one, but after a while, you learn that change is constant, and our mission stays the same.

So, as we move forward, remember this: whatever happens in the world outside, we’ll keep showing up for our students. Our focus remains on their growth, safety, and well-being. Politics will shift, the headlines will change, but our purpose in the classroom stays steady.

Final Thoughts

Fellow teachers, whether you’re feeling hopeful, disheartened, or somewhere in between, let’s embrace this next chapter as we always do—with resilience, with care, and with that special teacher touch. We’ve been entrusted with helping young minds grow, and that’s a job too important to let anything else get in the way.

So, take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and remember: we’ve got this. We’re teachers, after all—if we can handle a classroom of 30, we can certainly make it through the next four years. Let’s keep the important points important, focus on the students in front of us, and remember we’re not alone on this journey. Now, let’s make it a great school year.

Do you have a story to tell? Tell it!...or at least let me tell it. Reach out to any one of my platforms to expose your experience(s), your truth, as both a human and an educator. I would love to hear from you!