The start of the school year can be full of hope and optimism, but our experiences as teachers highlight the need for flexibility and adaptability as we navigate the unpredictable nature of the classroom. Our guests, instructional coaches Maria Underwood and Dr. Laura Rigolosi, discuss the challenges of managing competing priorities, particularly in the beginning of the school year. They share how they struggled to balance getting to know their students, assessing their needs, and completing administrative tasks, all while trying to deliver effective lessons.