Dear We are teachers,
I really, really, really don’t want to go back to school. This is my 7th year teaching high school bio. I usually charge for the first part of the break (alone time, movies, sleep) and then socialize and party for the second part. But this time I have no energy, and thinking about school starting next week makes me want to cry. I don’t think about quitting and I generally like my job. Is it possible to show motivation without what?
-Don’t do it
Hello DMM,
Have you ever tried to remember your “why”? (Thanks, boy!)
First: can we learn to love our jobs AND our free time? Two things can be true! Not being ready to go back is normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re flawed or shouldn’t be a teacher.
Here are some of my favorite ideas for boosting energy and/or self-motivation that don’t require a huge lifestyle change or commitment. (Note: These are very different tips than I would give to someone who has actually been burned.)
- For the rest of the break, try to get in at least 10 minutes of outdoor time every day. Better yet, try this teacher’s recommendation for a bush bath if that’s available to you!
- Schedule a lesson on something you absolutely love the first day or two back. Pickleball? Wrapping up? Assembling charcuterie boards? That’s your lesson plan now. The kids will love the break from the monotony and you’ll love the electric zap right into your teaching heart. (And your AP asks how this relates to content, it says community building.)
- Bring something back to school that will solve your problem. Are you cold during the day? Bring a warm blanket. Are the long, dark days getting you down? Get a healing lamp or a cheerful houseplant. Do you hate your coffee cold? Get a cup warmer! Control what you have it can be control will feel empowering, even if it’s small.
Dear We are teachers,
I checked my email during recess (I know, I know—that was my first mistake) and realized that teachers will be held to the same cell phone standards as students. They have to go during the day, out of sight, and there will be consequences if we break the rules. Unlike students, we will be allowed to use them during lunch and during our meeting times. Am I looking for drama where there isn’t any, or is this confusing?
-Sixty Continues Sixteen
Dear SGOS,
I heard about this happening. No, I don’t think it’s the opposite. But I always think, “I get their thinking. I don’t find it lacking in forethought. “
The reality is that teachers need access to their cell phones for very different reasons than students do. Kindergarten. Caring for elderly parents. Family emergencies they need to deal with. School emergencies (usually part of district safety plans). Communication with doctors or hospitals. It is foolish to equate teachers’ phone access needs with students’.
Now, are some teachers on their phones for irrelevant reasons when they should be teaching? Should teachers try to turn off the phone while teaching? Yes, and yes.
A more appropriate leadership would be to say, “We understand that teachers need access to their phones. And we hope that whenever you’re on your phone during school, it’s because you need to be. But please try to remember that if we tell students not to use their phones because they are a distraction, we should be modeling the same.”
Can I raise this issue with my supervisor? No. Let him play. My guess: no one will pay attention to me in February. But for now, adjust your settings so that any important numbers that need to reach you can bypass the do not disturb feature.
Dear We are teachers,
I have a student that I struggled with all last semester. His behavior is the three D’s: rude, disruptive, and disrespectful. I know I didn’t treat him right, and I really need to fix my relationship with him when we go back to school. But I don’t know where to start. Do you have any tips? The student is in the 8th grade.
—The Grinch Had a Change of Heart
Dear TGHACOH,
First, I think it’s good that you showed up and decided that it’s up to you to fix the relationship. Yes, 8th graders are cruel sometimes. But he has the advantage of a fully developed frontal cortex. He doesn’t do that.
Actually I think the best start is to talk to him privately and be completely honest, as you were in your question to me.
“Hey, Sam. I wanted to discuss something with you. I was thinking during the Christmas break that I didn’t treat you well. I am very sorry for that. I am an adult, and I should have modeled better behavior. I want you to know that I will try harder this year, especially when it comes to giving a blank slate. Do you know what that means? Is it okay if I check in with you from time to time to make sure I’m trying harder? Thank you.”
Knowing this type of teenager, there is a strong possibility that he will frown and look at you like, WTF, lady. That’s right. If you are sincere in your efforts and really try to do better (and this is about relationships and not the basics that are beyond your control), things will turn around.
Do you have a burning question? Email us at [email protected].
Dear We are teachers,
My first grade teacher recently told our group that she won’t be back after recess. I can’t stop thinking about everything I need to do to prepare for his long-term career, not to mention how upset I am that my co-worker suddenly left us during the holidays. What things should I do now, and what can wait until later? I feel like this is wasting my break.
—This Couldn’t Happen?!
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