Teachers burn out. Teachers are leaving the profession. Teacher shortage. It's in the news yet again, that teachers are leaving after only 2 or 3 years in the classroom.
The government decides this is not good, so takes a look at "possible" solutions. "Let's give performance-based pay as an incentive", "Let's get the new recruits in the classroom sooner", "Let's attract the lawyers and engineers who want to give up their 6+ figure-pay to be in a classroom of 25 students all at different stages and states of learning." Surely that will work?! Then the government has a grand idea of a round table discussion and looks at options of recruiting new teaching staff quickly and if that doesn't work, perhaps we should consider incentives for the teachers who are already in the profession.
In 2020 teachers were sent home with their mobile classroom to continue educating their students via zoom. I headed to Officeworks and picked up a new office chair and pink headphones and at home, I cleared off the kitchen table and set up my "classroom desk". Our hours were longer as we tried to find viable methods of teaching, coaching and connecting with each individual student on our class list and it was hard to define the line of work and of home. We became isolated from our colleagues and although meetings were held online, 'mute', 'freezing' and 'slow connections' hindered the flow of collegial support. We were concerned for the wellbeing of our students through this period and often neglected our own; after all, we couldn't go further than 5kms, couldn't visit family and friends and shops were closed for non-essential items.
Over 2020 and 2021 there was no certainty. We went in and out of remote learning and students' attendance in the classroom fluctuated. One moment they were there, the next they weren't, then a few year levels were and a few more added and then they were gone and so it continued. Parents said they had a higher regard for their teachers after they had spent a few hours, days and/or weeks home-schooling. It's now 2022 and there is still uncertainty around global pandemics and whether or not students will remain in the classroom for their learning for the rest of the year.
So how are you doing?
Stop for a moment.
While you are sitting here, stop and listen. Time yourself for a few minutes if you need to. What can you hear? How do you feel?
Right now I can hear rain, the heater going, cars driving past on the wet road and my husband making a sandwich. Our dog just stretched and groaned before putting her head back down.
In my posts, I'm want to focus on helping you, the teacher, feel grounded again. I want to give you tips that are practical and simple to get your life back. It is up to you to take responsibility for your wellbeing. All the best programs, the best intentions of leadership, family and friends can only go so far. Don't be hard on yourself. The last few years have been tough for educators so I encourage you to take a step and then take the next one when you're ready.
Tip #1 Take the notification for work emails off your phone. Emails are not urgent and if they're important, you need to have the emotional energy to respond. Try to avoid reading and responding to emails after hours, especially when you’re at home. You need to have space from your workplace to be you and to enjoy being with your family and friends.
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