Balancing Burnout, ESA Scholarships, and Resources for Resilient Readers

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This week has been an emotional rollercoaster 🎢, and I know I’m not alone here. Whether it’s the pregnancy hormones or just the chaos of life, I’m exhausted—the kind of tired that has me struggling to keep my eyes open at 6 PM, especially after Daylight Savings Time hit. But while life’s been heavy, I’ve found moments of joy, balance my burnout, and a few new opportunities to make a difference in the resilient readers I work with.

Hope is Healing – and So Am I

First, there’s Hope, my sweet girl and constant companion. She recently had surgery to remove a portion of her lung, which was a nerve-wracking experience for all of us. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, her biopsy showed heartworm, despite being on preventatives her whole life. Now she’s on a 120-day treatment, which is no small feat, but she’s a fighter. Each day, I’m seeing glimmers of her old personality, and it reminds me that healing—whether physical or emotional—is a journey.

Finding Inspiration in Reading

One thing that’s kept me grounded is my current read, Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger. This book is packed with practical tips that are immediately usable for parents, teachers, and tutors working to support young readers. I’m always on the lookout for strategies to help students overcome reading challenges, and this book delivers in spades. It’s an ideal resource for anyone trying to support kids’ literacy, especially those working with struggling readers.

If you’re a fellow teacher or a parent looking for reading support tools, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. I have a collection of decodable stories and activities I use with my own students that truly make a difference. These resources are ready-to-print and help build confidence, especially for kids dealing with dyslexia and other learning differences.

Have You Heard About the ESA Scholarship?

A new resource I’m thrilled about is the ESA (Education Savings Account) Scholarship. This program allows families to use public funds to cover a wide range of educational expenses outside of the traditional school system. These funds can be used for:

  • Private school tuition
  • Tutoring
  • Specialized therapies
  • Online learning programs
  • Educational materials and more

For families with children who need additional support—whether it’s due to dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning needs—ESA Scholarships can be a game-changer. They provide options and empower parents to seek the best educational fit for their kids. And guess what? I am officially an ESA provider, and I’m beyond excited to reach more families in need of these resources. There’s also the John Peterson Scholarship (JPSN), which is in the works as another way to support students.

To get a full overview of how ESA scholarships work and if they might benefit your family, check out this YouTube video. It breaks down the essentials of ESA funding, eligibility, and how it can support specific learning needs. You won’t want to miss it!

Take a Step Toward Support Today

As a parent, teacher, or tutor, you’re likely familiar with how challenging it can be to support struggling readers. We all want to give our students or kids the best possible tools to thrive, and I’m here to make that journey a little easier. If you’re interested in resources designed specifically for students with dyslexia, join my FREE Facebook group and visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. Find your people. Together, we can help kids grow, learn, and build the resilience they need to succeed.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of hope, healing, and finding purpose even in the tough moments.

With love and support,

🤟 Lexi Limbert Soderberg