My desire to write this post came out of a need to comfort and encourage my colleagues and fellow educators who are striving daily to do what is best for children who are doing what is best for children everyday. Superior educators are leaving their classrooms daily. And that is no exaggeration. Some of them are leaving to assume leadership roles in education, but some of them are leaving education, period. How saddening. I'm talking about the good ones! The ones who put their hearts into this thing. And it's because the weight of the assignment becomes unbearable, discouraging, and senseless. We are tired in more ways than one! I know teachers that stay at school long after their students are gone...until 6 or 7pm, ya'll! And guess what they're doing? Lesson plans! PSYCH! Paperwork. The umpteenth sheet of paper that has nothing to do with best practices or growing children. Countless hours away from their families...for what!? To appease the mandates that "the powers that be" have requested. I have yet to find a piece of research that...nevermind...I digress. "But why!? Why you gotta leave though", we say. Is it because you are weak? Of course not. Maybe you just want an easy job to pay the bills that offers good benefits? Nope. It's because WE are human! Sometimes we lose sight of the vision we once held for our students in the midst of the politics of public school. I would like to offer four suggestions that may assist you in reviving your vision.
- Laugh often. As a teacher and a human, period. You have to laugh. You didn't finish the 180th assessment for the week, so what!? In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? You have your anecdotals, observations, and other assessments you need. You're good. Chill. At lunch, during recess, at the end of the day--make time to laugh with your students. Ask them what they are doing when they get home. Ask them why the birds make chirping noises. Anything! You will end of laughing, I promise. I don't want my kids to remember all of the assessments we did, I want them to remember the times that I intentionally made time to connect with them. Laugh a lot! It's good for the soul.
- Take a break. Some teachers don't believe in taking a day, but it will bless you. I wouldn't make a habit of it, but it's needed every now and then. Just to regroup and rejuvenate. The weekends just aren't long enough, especially if you have obligations outside of school. You need to rest and refocus. Do something that you enjoy! And you will be better because of it. When the teacher is happy, the students are happy.
- Remembering. Why did you become an educator in the first place? I know that I enjoy being an integral part of my students' growth and development. Not only do I enjoy it, I find fulfillment and contentment in teaching. I know that I have the privilege of being an advocate for children. To ensure that they are treated justly and receive the best instruction possible. Whenever I get overwhelmed with my teacher duties, I am reminded that there are 19 little ones who are counting on me. Take a moment to remember.
- Pin-point the stressors. If you can fix it, do. If you can't fix it, change your attitude. Let me give you an example of something you are going to have to change your attitude about...the paperwork! Wanna know what else? People coming in your room to tell you what to do with your children. *shrugs* Don't let it stress you! There is almost always one thing that I can point to that attributes to my burn-out blues at times. Sometimes it is a lack of focus (or remembering), sometimes it is that I am wrapped up in the deadlines, sometimes I am just plain tired. Sometimes it's that I need to reevaluate my behavior management system to be sure that I am following through and being consistent. Sometime we need a good old-fashioned review of the rules and expectations. Find the culprit of your frustration and tackle it.
