Teacher Tales #1 Battling Burnout!
It’s JANUARY!
Returning to the classroom after a delightful holiday break full of fun family times, complete relaxation, and a recharged battery that’s ready to go - SAID NO TEACHER EVER! No matter how wonderful your family or vacation may have been, getting back into your educational groove is hard. And the trek from January to Spring Break is an arduous one. This is when Teacher Burnout is at it’s peak.
What exactly is teacher burnout? It’s the state of being physically and emotionally exhausted from the duties required of being an educator. It often looks like a lack of daily motivation or planning, depression symptoms (especially during the Sunday Blues), loss of patience, inability to focus, and a general negative work attitude. Sound familiar? Sadly, with the increasing demands for educators, this is a widely common phenomenon. Loads of testing and lack of support only add to this, and the main culprit as to why educators are leaving the profession every day.
HELP is available! Consider the following:
Emotional support. There are plenty of fellow educators around you that are feeling the burnout too. Some schools have started Walking Clubs for staff (before and/or after school) as a means to get exercise and vent frustrations at the same time. Also, if you have an EAP benefit (employee assistance program) use it!
Budget your time. What are you contract hours? Work by them!
Plan share. Lesson planning is a BEAR - If possible, utilize other grade level staff willing to breakdown the load.
Nervous System Regulation. (What? Huh?) Never heard of it? IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Check some out here: (The ABCs and 123s of Nervous System Regulation (youtube.com)- simple breathing techniques and body movements to control your stress levels and block the cortisol from flowing. This is helpful for all stress modes of life.
Affirmations. Words are powerful, like song lyrics. Sometimes giving yourself the right message is all you need to recalibrate your vision and get through the day. Here’s a bunch, just for you 61 Best Positive Affirmations for Teachers (goodgoodgood.co)
For more info - check out this article from Positive Psychology about Teacher Burnout - Teacher Burnout: 4 Warning Signs & How to Prevent It (positivepsychology.com)
Your job is challenging, every day. Your role has changed so much over the years and the list of things-to-do just gets longer. We, at FEULS, see you and are here specifically to support you. Thank you for teaching and providing our children with the tools they need to be successful members of our community. You are our HEROES.