The Unsung MVP's of Back-to-School

Alissa Merklinger
Aug 10
2 min read

Back-to-school season hits differently when you're the one behind the scenes.

Whether you're a teacher, therapist, counselor, para, admin, speech therapist, OT, or the beautiful blend of all of the above, you’re not just prepping supplies and lesson plans. You're mentally bracing for fluorescent lights, hallway chaos, and an emotional rollercoaster that starts before the bell even rings.

And if you're neurodivergent, or you're someone who supports ND students?

Yeah. That’s a whole extra layer.

[Gif above is a scene from The Office. Dwight is carrying two cups of hot coffee while running through tires on the ground that are part of an obstacle course.]

This is a little love letter to all the humans who walk into school buildings every day and quietly go to bat for students, for families, and often, for each other. You are working behind the scenes before others even know there’s a storm. You create safe sensory spaces out of Dollar Tree bins and kindness. You hold so much - so many - people, while barely getting a break or even a "thank you".

So before the school year kicks off, I want to say this:

You matter.

Your nervous system matters.

You are allowed to have support, too.

So, let’s hear it for the ones who…

Calm meltdowns with patience that could win Olympic gold.
Create sensory safe spaces in corners, closets, and anywhere they can find.
Juggle IEPs, lesson plans, and last-minute schedule changes like seasoned circus performers.
Know when a kid really just needs to stim it out and make it safe to do so.

This is for…

The school counselors who carry a hundred invisible stories in their hearts.
The occupational therapists who notice the tiny victories no one else sees.
The paras who step into any role, any time, without hesitation.
The SPED teachers who fight for every ounce of progress and possibility.
The speech therapists who turn frustration into communication and connection.
The social workers who somehow manage to bridge the gap between school, home, and community...and still remember birthdays.
And anyone else who works in the education field!

Thank you for the after-hours work we don’t always see. The lesson planning at kitchen tables, the supply shopping out of personal budgets, the late-night emails to worried parents, the mental load you carry long after the building’s lights go out.

We see you.

We appreciate you.

And you deserve more than just a “thank you.”

I’m giving away five $100 fidget bundles to support educators, therapists, and all the behind-the-scenes MVPs.

Here’s how it works:

Nominate a teacher, counselor, therapist, para, or other educator you love (only in the USA, sorry)
I’ll select five winners from the nominations.
They’ll get a box full of sensory tools, stim toys, and fidgets to use in their classrooms, offices, or therapy spaces.

Because you shouldn’t have to fight for the tools you need to help kids thrive.

How to Nominate:

Comment the person you'd like to nominate. Please don't accidentally dox people! I will need their full name and shipping address to send the bundle if they win. I can get all the information in private.

Nominate as many people as you'd like! No limits!

Share why you are nominating them! (Not a requirement, but I love seeing the love and appreciation!)