Tag Archives: Teacher wellness

Teacher Wellness

Are You Out of Focus

Finding One’s Central Understanding of Self

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FOCUS

This is an update of a previous post. In 2020, educators are experiencing major changes in their profession. The way we teach made a major shift or swerve to e-learning. Teachers and administrators are pushing through but it’s been a difficult change. so, during the pandemic lockdown of COVID19, it is a great time to focus on yourself. Find one’s central understanding of self (FOCUS) while getting through a time of changes and uncertainty.

As a kid, you were told by a parent or teacher to “FOCUS!” Your mind wandered off somewhere while you were in class or your mom was telling you something important. You were thinking about something special you wanted to do for yourself or with your friends. As a child, there are no inhibitions to focus on yourself or what makes you happy. A child’s days are filled with self-discovery.

Growing up and becoming an adult with responsibilities changes the concept of focusing on yourself and what makes you happy. Sometimes, adulthood means losing focus of your true self. Are you out of focus? Think about it for a moment! What images of you come to mind? So now look at the word, focus in a different light. Think of it this way: Finding One’s Central Understanding of Self.

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Are You Financially Fit To Quit 

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It is Spring 2020, and many educators are making a significant shift because schools across the nation closed due to COVID19. The way we teach completely changed within days. Before this shift, some teachers and administrators thought of exiting the field of education. Now, people have time to reflect, and more educators may leave the profession. First, think long and hard. Ask yourself a question. Are you financially fit to quit?

Teachers and administrators know it is a difficult job. Sometimes you have those “nobody told me” moments. The workload and demands are heavy. The expectations and responsibilities continue to increase while resources decrease. The idea of walking away becomes more constant. 

Stress and Burnout Stats

Stress and burnout rates among educators continue to increase each year. According to Edweek, in 2018, 44% of new teachers leave within five years. “Citing low pay, widespread disrespect, and potential opportunities in other fields, frustrated public school teachers walked away in record numbers in 2018. This data is according to a Wall Street Journal report based on U.S. Department of Labor figures. (Think Progress, February 2019). Not only are teachers walking away, principals and assistant principals are running out of the door also. Do not run until you know you are financially fit to quit.

Let’s walk through a process to see if you’re financially healthy enough to walk away from the classroom or school. We have attached a Financially Fit worksheet (PDF) to use during this process. Or you can grab some paper and a pen or create an Excel or Google Sheet on a laptop.

Are-You-Financially-Fit-to-Quit-Worksheet

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Are You Contributing to Chaos in Classrooms? 

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Chaos in Classrooms

We see more and more articles and social media posts from teachers and administrators, citing stress and burnout. Many educators state the job has become too overwhelming, and it’s time to walk away. The reasons for walking away include blaming student behavior, too much paperwork, too many directives, and unsupportive colleagues and administrators. We hardly read about how some educators are contributing to the chaos in classrooms. This post is not to place blame but to drive self-reflection among educators. As we look inward, let’s take a look at these areas: behavior management, teacher-student relationships, classroom systems, and routines, learning styles, and emotional intelligence. 

Teachers say that they want to perform the duties they trained to do. Unfortunately, some college and university teacher training programs do not adequately prepare future educators for what takes place in K-12 schools. Whether it’s an elementary, middle, or high school, students come with a variety of social-emotional issues or traumatic experiences. In the trenches, things get real, and theory heads out of the window. A new, inexperienced teacher may become weary and begin to wonder if he or she should remain in the profession.

Also, experienced educators are overwhelmed by the same issues. All teachers have a bag of tricks for an array of situations. However, the skills that worked five to ten years ago may not work now. It’s time to learn different methods for a different generation of children. Certain actions and misbehaviors lead to more frustration and chaos in the classrooms. Then, the chaos pushes out the wisdom and experience that is needed to mentor the newer teachers. Soon there is no one left to blame for failing schools.

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