Rest, Recoup, Recover, and Rejunerate
Though I am a strong advocate for student achievement, I also do my part to advocate for teachers. I have been in the classroom with our ‘wonderful’ children for many years and have communicated with their ‘wonderful’ parents. Most teachers love their jobs. Some simply love the joy of seeing the faces of their students light up when “they get it”. Some love the idea of changing the world one little one at a time. Still others merely enjoy the sheer delight of teaching, as they impart knowledge to others. Sometimes though, teachers just merely need a break. They often need time to rest, recoup, recover, and rejuvenate. This down time strengths master teachers and stimulates more creativity and intensifies the pleasure they find in the craft.
My heart bleeds more for those teachers who are teaching in schools where the focus is not on student achievement than those bogged down with paperwork and red tape, given that student achievement is the solution for many ills experienced in schools. Stringently involving students in rigorous instruction will create the catalyst for long term social change in society at large. Rigor, the process for involving students in the rigidity of instruction is the best answer for combating immediate challenges such as truancy, inappropriate behavior, and low achievement.
In addition, involving youth in rigorous instruction is a slow yet lasting solution for society ills such as familial violence, homelessness, gang involvement, and premature pregnancy. Social programs are necessary tools for putting Band-Aids on the problem while they do little to create long standing solutions to the problems.
Many administrators make the grave mistake of making their focus the problem, which does nothing for finding and solidifying long term solutions. Instead they as well as their staff are exhausted, day after day after day, to no avail. These are 10 more tips to deter teacher burnout before it intensifies.
o Take as many of your breaks, vacation days, and personal days to reflect on your own life instead of running,
hurrying, and exhausting yourself. Get at least a bit of actual rest.
o Read a good book. Stock up on your favorites, reading favorites bring new insight.
o Go somewhere with your family, travel. Spending time with those you love brings focus.
o Spend time by yourself as well, a pleasure many of us avoid. It is a pleasure to actually enjoy your own company.
o Listen to yourself ‘think’, it is God talking and directing you.
o Most importantly look in the mirror and ask yourself “Am I happy in my current teaching position? …in my current
position in life? Do something to change those things that bring you dissatisfaction.
o Be thankful for your family and all your blessings. Gratitude will alleviate many inner ills.
o Above all, pray without ceasing.
