On a recent visit to one of the school districts I support, an elementary principal asked me the following question, “how do you motivate and inspire teachers this time of year without it feeling like toxic positivity?” Let’s be honest, spring has arrived, and while that means warmer days and brighter skies, it also signals that point in the school year when educators and students alike begin to feel a deep sense of exhaustion. Patience is thinner, motivation seems elusive, and the countdown to summer break feels daunting.

Too often, schools fall back on superficial gestures—small trinkets, themed days, or generic appreciation weeks—that rarely deliver lasting inspiration or meaningful change. Instead, school leaders have an opportunity right now to reconnect their teachers and students with something deeper: purpose, connection, and genuine renewal. Here are five ways you can authentically inspire your teams as you approach the finish line of the school year:

1. Revisiting Our Shared Vision

The power of Clarity and a shared vision cannot be overstated. As fatigue sets in, reminding your team of the collective goals and aspirations established at the start of the year can reinvigorate commitment and enthusiasm. As a leader, now is the perfect moment to revisit these shared objectives and reaffirm their importance. Hold meaningful conversations where educators can openly reflect and share successes related to these goals—highlighting specific impacts and positive outcomes from their efforts throughout the year.

2. Celebrating Meaningful Progress

In the rush toward year-end, educators often overlook the incredible progress they’ve made. Shifting the focus to celebrating these meaningful accomplishments helps remind everyone of their impact. Dedicate time during meetings or collaborative sessions for educators to reflect, journal, and share personal, student, or team successes. Authentic acknowledgment of progress fuels morale and encourages everyone to continue giving their best effort.

3. Prioritizing Connection and Relationships

When fatigue is high, Relationships can strain. Leaders can mitigate this by actively prioritizing and fostering relationships within their school community. Create intentional spaces for staff to reconnect through short morning gatherings, restorative circles, or collaborative planning sessions. Remind everyone that the strength of a school is rooted firmly in the connections and trust built day after day.

4. Creating Space for Recharging and Renewal

Acknowledging the reality of exhaustion is critical. School leaders must emphasize that it’s okay—even necessary—to take intentional steps toward renewal. Encourage your staff to integrate simple self-care practices into their daily routines, such as brief walks, mindfulness moments, or classroom decompression techniques. Demonstrating care for staff wellbeing validates their feelings and promotes sustained energy through the final stretch.

5. Modeling Authentic Leadership

Perhaps most importantly, inspiration starts with leadership. Your own authenticity, vulnerability, and clear sense of purpose can inspire those around you. Don’t hesitate to openly share your personal journey—the moments you felt most inspired, your own struggles, and how you reconnect with your purpose. This transparency can significantly boost trust and morale, showing your team you are truly in this together.

Finishing Strong, Together

Authentic inspiration is not about gimmicks or temporary rewards. It’s about purposeful recognition, genuine connection, and meaningful reflection. As you approach the end of this school year, challenge yourself to put at least one of these strategies into immediate action. Remember, true leadership shines brightest when we lead from our shared purpose, authenticity, and commitment to each other. Let’s finish this year strong—together.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to take your leadership team to the next level, let’s talk. Through Coaching, professional development, and leadership retreats, I help school and district leadership teams build trust, improve communication, and align their efforts for real impact. Let’s work together to set your team—and your school—up for success in the coming year.

Send me a message or visit RoadToAwesome.net to start the conversation.

Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership” when I sit down with Chris Dormer, Superintendent of Schools in Norristown, PA.

Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.