Dear, we are teachers.
I’m in eight years of teaching in high school, especially this year, and I take me very seriously. I needed tangible tips and tricks to see me until the end of the school year. Things like “remember your “why” or “find positives” are actions that I can do (ideally based on research) to relieve stress, reinspire and thrive. Any ideas?
– Exciting seeking motivation
Dear DSM,
I had to make sure I didn’t ask myself this question in a lively way. Spring is beautiful – new growth, nature, warmth, Wait and wait– But it may be rough for the teacher. Where does all this energy from students come from? Why can’t they let go? Why are there so many chats?
I’ll digress. All said: I feel you.
Here are some things I’ve tried to use:
- Set some boundaries. The end of the school year may be the high energy of the students. Setting some clear boundaries for your students and yourself can give you time to breathe. For example, I tell my students that they can expect to respond 48 hours on weekends within 24 hours of the week and I often don’t reply to emails after 5pm, make sure you make some room for yourself.
- Find personal joy. A few months ago, I mentioned how important it is to take up some space to find something that brings you joy. Having an active and fulfilling life outside the classroom helped me have enough energy and patience to manage things in the classroom.
- Find a happy person Project or event (This is easy to rank). The end of the school year is an ideal time for students to do some reflection, engaging and enjoyable. Is there a project that is really fun? ski? Curated project? A (short!) podcast? Some novelty and creativity can extend the second wind by the end of the year. They can also bring out the best of our students when we need reminders.
- Implementation Thank you for your practice In your classroom and in your life. I hear you don’t want something “pleasing”, but the focus of gratitude exercises are based on research. Headspace and Calm both offer educator or school courses and have a gratitude meditation that I really like. I also did them with students and sometimes let them diary for a minute at the beginning of each course. This is a great way to breathe when classrooms and the world gets messy.
- Plan something to celebrate the end of the school year and count down! My second year of teaching was… hard. I made a countdown chain and wrote a little notes every day or quoted the past two months. Finally, I attached a $20 bill to get something to treat myself well. I made it ready for work place. You can also end each week, two weeks, and so on. These little spiritual tips can help us break down longer into something that feels manageable.
As we approach the end of the school year, I’m going to give you (and all the teachers!). I believe in us!
Dear, we are teachers.
My principal just told me that the enrollment did not add up as they expected, so it is possible that I would move from third grade (the grade I was initially inserted into teaching) to kindergarten or first grade combinations. I taught second grade this year, so these are new to me and I didn’t make sure until August. I am a planner and I already need too many plans in the first few weeks of the school. I feel very anxious and don’t know what I will teach for another three months next year. How can I complete it?
-up in the air
Dear uita,
Your anxiety is completely understandable. Classrooms are already a vibrant space, so adding instability over a longer period of time is tough. First, go to the government again. Try to stay calm, but share with them your concerns about the assignments that are so late in the game. Even if this situation is completely out of control, this may be the best, and it’s best to be open to your concerns. If you want to know, please know as soon as possible. You can also try contacting the current K or 1 grade teachers in the school to get to know their classrooms.
Second, can you make any crossover plan? You can now start figuring out any start yearly events that are easy to scaffold or adapt? Do you know any class specifications or routines you want to keep? I know these are two completely different teaching tasks, but please do your best. Something helps!
Finally, if you’re willing to be a little lighter, I’m wondering if this might be a gift. Great planand Real, real rest from teaching is healthy. Is there anything you can distract yourself? Last minute trip or accommodation? A new hobby? Even PD opportunities for early primary schools may be great! You can even connect with people who can help you plan and adapt to your time.
At the end of the day, remember that you can do this. Whatever happens, this anxiety is temporary and eventually you will know and be able to plan.
I know it’s hard. I’ve sent you a lot of support. I trust you!
Dear, we are teachers.
I know interviews should help both parties decide whether the job is appropriate, but it is difficult to really understand the culture of the school until you actually work. I want to make sure I’m asking the right questions – a person who goes beyond the surface and really shows how to support teachers, how people collaborate and what the everyday atmosphere is like. Have you found any preferred questions to reveal red flags or green flags during the interview process?
– Find the flag
Dear ftf,
What an amazing question! Some people spend so much time preparing to be asked questions that they forget what they want to know.
Here are some questions I really like. The question about “new” teacher support is always critical and often overlooked, so it is nice to consider it.
Here are some other questions that interest me:
- What is the retention rate in your school? If the school always loses people, that means it.
- How do you support teachers’ professional development? Do they provide PD funds and/or time? Will they bring PD to school?
- What are my expectations outside the classroom? Some schools may want you to work all day in “going all out” (I’m talking about here), or there are certain events they want you to attend. Know about those people.
- What are you most proud of in school? This question gives insight into the values of the school. Are things that they value and prioritize match what you want in the school community?
- How do you provide feedback or support teacher growth? If the school has an assessment, find out what they look like and decide if you can accept the process.
- Can I talk to the current teacher? If possible, you can learn about culture by asking the people who helped it!
These are just some ideas to consider. In advance, I suggest you imagine what school culture you want. What do you really want? Do you want more teachers in the community? Do you want a school that values social and emotional learning? Understand your hopes and find out how close you are to the people in your new school.
Good luck, I believe in you!
Do you have a burning problem? Send us an email at AskWeareTeachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear, we are teachers.
When I returned from spring break, I was surprised to find my principal’s “See me in the office right away” email. He explained that he thought my “resignation” email was “inappropriate, unprofessional and sent negative messages to our school community.” That’s what it said: “It’s spring break – hooray! We did! I’ll reply to your message when the school resumes on April 21.” I don’t get it. Should I pretend I prefer staying at school during rest?
– Break the message
