This has always been a subject very close to my heart especially after reading Gabby Stroud's book "Teacher". It stirs up a lot of emotions and I wonder what the answer is. How do we protect/prevent teachers from burn-out? How do we impart a love of teaching/learning to our graduate teachers? What causes teachers to burn out?
1. What causes teachers to lose their passion for teaching and burn-out prematurely?
There are so many reasons: work overload, disenchantment, toxic environment, lack of support, unrealistic expectations (from parents, leadership, government, community), work/life imbalance, ________________________ (fill in the blanks with other reasons.)
2. How do we (those of us who are experienced and still in the profession) help the graduate or struggling teachers discover a reason to stay?
Many teachers leave after 5 years of teaching which means that somewhere along the school calendar year, teachers lost their hope for changing lives of students or perhaps, they found another more lucrative or rewarding way of being happy/fulfilled in their career. Had there been a way someone could have circumvented their departure? It is so important to get alongside your colleagues, support them and ask them, "Are you OK?" Build positive relationships with your colleagues and regularly check in on them.
For those of us who are less inclined to admit that we are struggling, there are times we need to signal that we need help staying afloat. If we are that duck that looks like it's swimming along but underneath the surface we are paddling furiously, we need to reach out. Don't be subtle! We can be so well-practised at pretending we are fine that when we give a little smile or chuckle alongside our, "I could be doing better" throw-away line, people will miss the cue.
3. Is there a solution? I am not sure there is only 'one' solution but there are a lot of suggestions and resources that can help the school and/or the staff collectively and/or the individual.
Know your own limitations and strengths. Admit you can't fix it on your own. Someone recently said to me, "You can not change the [situation] unless you have the authority to do it." Be realistic about your 'power' to effect change. Get a support team around you. "United we stand, divided we fall, and if our backs should ever be against the wall, we'll be together"....
Collaboration.
Collaboration is an integral part of the workplace. When I was doing my Masters, learning about collaboration was eye-opening. Establishing a collaborative workplace might seem daunting and difficult but there needs to be a way to make it work if there is to be a healthy workplace environment.
Here's some important things to remember:
1. We share the same vision. Self-explanatory and a very important point is to make sure the vision, the reason for working on the project, is clear to everyone and agreed upon.
2. No one is in charge and it is voluntary. In other words, take turns and actively listen to your colleagues. Don't just hear them while waiting to jump in with your next pearl of wisdom. Be humble.
3. Trust and vulnerability. <-- Ponder that for a moment. How does it make you feel? A group of colleagues trusting each other, being vulnerable and being accepted for their valuable contribution.
4. Have fun in the collaboration but recognise there may be conflict. Be honest about it and work through it. If you agree to disagree, accept it and move on. Don't dwell on it or mutter under your breath that it's not fair.
When a staff is collaborating together, they are building positive workplaces which affects staff morale and even students' learning outcomes. It is so important to your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your colleagues that your workplace is a thriving and creative place to be. Although you might not have the authority to change the workplace, you have the power, the kindness to make a difference. Walk alongside your colleagues. Show them kindness and support.
If you are struggling, there are many resources and people who are there to help you. That is part of the reason why I have started this blog. If you need help, please reach out.
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