We all know there are many forms of strength - physical strength to move our bodies with force and momentum, and then our mental strength that thrives on our emotions and deep thoughts. Lately, as the end is in sight I feel all forms, every single tiny bit of strength being withdrawn from my body. I have the relief and security of a job, my KPTP is done, I'm awaiting a Praxis test result, I've started packing for when my fiance' and I move, and I am slowly retiring my duties in the classroom. I should be completely relaxed, right?? I'm not quite sure why I have felt so exhausted. I found an interesting article on
Burnout - the side effects and what causes it to happen. I love this profession, and I'm not tired of teaching. I just think the stress and pressure from all of the outside influences on top of my responsibilities of school have been building on one another, and I'm just suffering from the effects of my whirlwind of a life. I hope I'm not the only one out here feeling this way! Here's an article on Burnout that directly discusses the effects of burnout on an educator:
Teacher Burnout (Just a quick thought - on the discussion board many claim that teacher burnout comes from the lack of organization, which I think to a point is true, but not the sole reason for teachers to suffer from burnout.)
My fiance' is also suffering from burnout with his engineering work, so we've both started keeping each other accountable for our eating habits and exercising habits and it has made a great difference, we've also been praying together before we go to bed every night. I just want this semester t
o end well, and I want to pass and complete all the necessary requirements so that I can teach with no worries in the fall! I have to smile at this thought: in my job interview I was asked how I would cope with burnout, and my personal response (which some may think inappropriate) was that I would pray for added strength and read my Bible and meditate on those things. The principal smiled at me and nodded his head. I know that not everyone would agree with that, but I wanted to be honest in my answer, and I think that when we interview we shouldn't hide who we really are. (I was still hired!) We all have different ways of coping, but we need some type of coping mechanism to get us through these difficult times. I think the weather also has a great impact on the students and teachers alike. It's April and cold, and it has snowed a little bit on and off... I'm so ready for some bright sunshine and warm air. I love the quote by Albert Camus. I have to remind myself that even though I'm exhausted, and tired, there is still a flame that shines brightly, even if my surroundings are dim.
I hope you all find the invincible summer within your souls to brighten your days and to get you through these next few weeks.
Live long and prosper, friends.
Ms. A
Amber, I was just trying to remember this quote you posted on strength ... wanting to share it with my mom yesterday ... I attempted to paraphrase, but now I have the real thing. Thanks for posting! Good timing. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt always seems impossible until it is done - Nelson Mandela
ReplyDeleteAmber, I think a lot of us are in the same position and can understand your increasing exhaustion very well. It is especially tough when you start to come down off the mountain of stress that your body has become accustomed to and your body is slowly deflating. We will all join together for a huge sigh of relief when this semester is over. As far as your test scores, I am sure that you passed this time as life has begun to line your ducks up in a row and we are all pulling for you. Just remember as you come down the mountain and relinquish your teaching duties, to look back and enjoy what you have meant to your students, as I am sure you have made a difference in their lives. I also agree that you should totally be yourself in an interview (unless totally inappropriate behavior occurs) and I appreciate what you said to your interviewers question. We all seek guidance somewhere, some are just more bold to express where.
I know that this last stretch seems endless, but we'll be graduated, liscened teachers before you know it! The information you found about teacher burnout was pretty interesting, and caused me to look up some information as well! I was mainly interested in how to fix burnout, and I found a site with a bunch of tips from teachers that I thought was very helpful!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite tips from the site was this, "Try acting the way you would like to be feeling. There is a psychology school of thought that holds that we begin to feel the way we act. Go around smiling and looking happy and enthusiastic and see if you start to feel that way. It is certainly worth a try." I know that may seem a little obvious (or ridiculous?)but I actually do this on a regular basis when I get "burnt out" on life in general, and it's crazy what a difference this makes!
I would like to let you know how impressed I am that you're still hanging in there. Completing the KPTP, teahing multiple units, getting a job, AND planning a wedding is a lot to take on within one semester! I think it's amazing that you have been able to handle it all, and you've done fantastic work! So proud of you. : ) Keep hanging in there, we're going to have an excellent end to our semester!
Ms. Skidmore
Reply from Chris:
ReplyDeleteIt is quite obvious that we are not the only ones suffering from burnout. As I walk around the building I can see that tired look in the faces of many of the teachers. It is true that we have had an extra burden of KPTP and other class requirements, but we get to back off and co-teach. They have to make sure all the loose ends are tied up and it has been interesting to see it play out. Some of us will leave on our last required day due to other obligations and others will stay until the kids are out for the summer. Either way, the relief of completing this long journey is almost here. As far as coping with burnout, I can’t really say how I have done it in the past. Burnout was ever present in the military and I guess I just always pushed through. We all have the ability to cope and fight our way through the tough times when all we need to consider is what we are fighting for.