I’ve always struggled with an impossible workload and the ever-present feeling I’m not doing nearly enough. And after an OCD diagnosis and a major case of burnout contributed to my decision to leave the classroom last February, I’m passionate about encouraging those still in the classroom to practice teacher-self care and remember taking time for yourself is so important. But I catch myself struggling to practice what I preach.
Something that often goes unaddressed in teaching and is certainly not covered in teacher preparation programs: managing and navigating office politics.
Sometimes, and we can be VERY guilty of this ourselves, we get so involved in what’s going on in our classrooms, we forget that part of our teacher life exists in the professional world, and we need to focus on building productive, professional relationships with our colleagues.
If you’re like us, you’re mistake-averse. Our desire to be “mistake free” only increased in our time in the classroom.
While it’s tempting to write these days off as a waste of time, a wasteland between the end of your summer and the beginning of the chaos that is a new school year, there are a few things you can do to make the most of them.
Mid-summer is here, which means back-to-school sales are starting, and the alluring smell of freshly sharpened pencils beckons. The appeal of a fresh start with brand-new supplies never goes away, and if you’re like us, back-to-school shopping is an annual highlight.