This time of year, students are trying teachers more and more, and teachers are thinking to themselves, I think I'll call in tomorrow. I need a break. Of course, as an administrator, I'm trying to keep my campus staff attendance % up because when it comes to student success, no one, and I mean no one, is as good as the classroom teacher in working with their students.
In researching some ways that teachers can take care of themselves and still help our students achieve success, I found the following strategies:
1. Call a trusted colleague and vent, cry, and laugh. Whatever you enjoy doing that makes you feel good about you. Everyone even a Teacher of the Year experiences a tough day or two and it is "OK" to feel this way, just don't let it overwhelm you.
2.One of the most simplest things you can do is to breathe. Almost like meditating, just sit for a minute and practice some slow breathing.
3. Focus on building a sense of family with your students. Nothing feels more comforting than seeing your students laugh with you. Share some personal stories, some fun time, it's okay to step away from the lesson plans for little while to work WITH your students.
4. Prioritize your day. Do you have a ton of papers to grade, lesson plans to write, and papers to copy? Make a list (my husband LOVES this strategy) and stick to it. You'll get ahead a little at a time and realize that you are in control.
5. Take time for you. Teaching day by day and then taking it home on the weekend creates "Teacher Burnout." This is a dead end for you and for your students. Spend some time with your family, friends, or hobbies. You'll come back energized and looking forward to another week.
Keeping these strategies in mind, will help you the most valuable asset in the classroom, the teacher providing what every student needs, a person who is investing positively in their future.
