How Hard Can It Be? Year 3

[rocknrollgirl]

Hey V,
I have been teaching HS for 22 years, and I used to be in the same exact boat. Then about 6 years ago, I got very ill and required emergency surgery about 1 month prior to the AP Bio exam. I was completely freaked out and rushed to try and get back to school. In the end, the kids that were destined to do well did well, and the slackers...well they did not.

I learned from this experience, that my students need to be actively engaged in their education too. I still give them 110% while I am in the building, from
6:30 am to 3pm, but I carry less of their "stuff" home with me. That is not to say that I do not have days where I am in tears after a parent phone call, or frustrated beyond belief. I have just gotten better at compartmentalizing.

Now I leave and go train at the end of the day and vent it out that way.

I am not sure how long you have been teaching, but it may get better. The weird thing is, as I let go, I think I am actually more compassionate and caring than I was before. Old age I guess.

[Veronica]

Thanks RnR! I've been teaching 19 years.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Just speaking here as a mom first and as your friend second: thank you for caring enough to internalize your worries and concerns about your class BUT you can't take care of your class if you don't first and foremost take care of yourself and listen to your needs and your limits. So worry about you first and them second.

[rocknrollgirl]

Thanks RnR! I've been teaching 19 years.

Veronica

I can tell from your posts that you teach younger students, I am sure that makes it harder to separate yourself from them. They are lucky to have you, but you do need to save some time to refill your cup.

Just like on an airplane, put your own mask on first and THEN help those around you.