Education is a rewarding profession. Observing students develop their philosophies, understanding and conclusions throughout a PBL project brings those warm and fuzzy “This is why I became a teacher” moments.

Ah yes! That’s the life!

On the other hand, being an educator is very challenging. Finding the time during planning periods and after school to create those rewarding conditions brings stressors to our lives. I can remember even saying to a colleague, “I really want to dig deep in this PBL project but I just don’t have the time to really do it.” Those uncomfortable feelings threatened my project. I remember fighting the stress like a Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGreggor fight, staying late at school helping student groups, arriving earlier than the norm assisting students who need extra support, and going home only to stay up late at night working even more. By the end of the project, the presentations were a success, the community loved it and everyone had that warm fuzzy moment. I also remember walking to my car dead tired with burn out wrapping his arms around me.