Every year, the new school season comes upon us: the cornucopia of orange, brown, yellow, and red leaves; the crisp points of sharpened pencils; the smell of new books; and the palpable, hopeful optimism that creates a giddy anticipation of a new beginning. Ah, August, the true "honeymoon phase." For teachers, being able to experience this year after year keeps us euphoric. That is, until two months in, when the glamour and magic of teaching fades, and the veil of happiness rips to reveal this reality: We are teachers, and we are in the trenches. How do we survive this inevitable cycle of highs and lows?
Get Organized
Much of the stress that we feel as teachers during this time of the year results directly from poor planning. I know that it's hard to admit, but it's true. We wouldn't be so overloaded with benchmark testing, lesson planning, student reports, and grades if we gave each item on our to-do list its proper attention. One strategy that helps me keep calm during these tumultuous times when new items are piled on my plate every day is keeping a detailed calendar. If I have 33 students and a deadline in two weeks for individual benchmark testing, I aim to test six students each school day until the target date, and write their names on my calendar. Padding the schedule this way allows room for student absences, technology hiccups, and any last-minute surprises. I complete the task well before the deadline, which avoids a stressful situation. I also allot myself one hour a day (either before or after school) to work on administrative tasks. During this time, I can read and respond to e-mails, complete upcoming lesson plans, research media supplements, peruse the Internet for cool bulletin board ideas, and grade and file papers. A little organization goes a long way and keeps the pressure at bay.
Keep the Fire Burning
After several weeks, school is buzzing with activity and teachers are trying to keep ahead of the game. Administrative walk-throughs are happening; district mandates are being handed down at a rapid pace; evaluations are being scheduled; and students have settled in, ditching the happy-go-lucky teacher's pet routine. In short, the gritty day-to-day drudgery of reality has replaced all the glamour of teaching. We feel isolated from our peers, overworked, and frazzled. We have the blues, and everybody knows it. It's visible in our half-hearted efforts and every snarky, sarcastic remark. So, how do we keep the teacher blues away? By keeping everything in perspective. Take some time to reflect on why you decided to become a teacher in the first place. Focus on what brings you the most joy in your career. Is it the colorful canvas of imagination that you help students paint each day in your classroom? The eager, smiling faces of your students? The idea that you're changing the world one young mind at a time? For me, it's my love of learning something new every day that helps keep my fiery passion for teaching burning bright. Each day is a new opportunity for me to gain new information about my students, my craft, and myself. I relish these moments, and surprisingly enough, I find that they lift the burden of paperwork and deadlines. Find what fuels you, and you're sure to sail through the year with an inner peace that can't be disturbed, regardless of how rocky your path may be.
Make Time for Yourself
One of the greatest lessons a person can learn about life can be found on an airplane. I'm sure you're familiar with the "affix your oxygen mask before assisting another" guideline. They tell you to take care of yourself before trying to help another person because you can't truly provide assistance if your own needs have not been met. This is definitely a lesson that can be used in schools, especially in October, when tensions are high and taking care of yourself can mean different things. For some, it means going on mini-vacations throughout the year. For others, it's making time for one social night a week.
For me, it means setting clear boundaries that separate my work life and my home life. I schedule my time at work to end one hour after students leave. And, when the clock strikes 4:30 p.m., I officially transition from being Ms. O'Brien to Cynthia. No grading papers. No creating lesson plans. No reading reports. My time at home with my family is sacred. I need the rest of the night to defuse; regroup; and, most important, recharge my battery. This is not to say that I do not field the occasional late-night call from a parent or read a work e-mail. It happens. But, overall, once I drive away from my school, I leave the stress of my workday there so that at 7:30 the next morning, I can be the best 4th grade teacher possible.