Online Teacher Health & Well Being

While it is great to work from home and be online it can also get lonely. One of the best things about working for CalPac is the amazing group of educators that share your same passion for supporting students. Don't get stuck on your own island. Take some time to know your department members and chat on hangouts. It makes things feel less isolated.

It's 6, 7, 8am and you've opened your computer. You have emails to get through and messages to respond to before jumping into meetings, grading and tutoring sessions. Before you know it it's 2pm and you are dragging. You suddenly realize you've skipped breakfast and lunch, and there is a sad cup of half full cold coffee sitting on your desk.

This scenario is a common habit of our online teachers and we want to encourage you to avoid it. Make sure to balance out your day with breaks to stretch and eat. Avoid saying just one more because before you know it the sun has set and that same cup of coffee is looking even sadder.

Message your work buddy when you stop for a lunch break and remind them to eat too. It's important!

It is all too easy to be plugged in 24/7, especially when you connect your email to your phone. However, being constantly on is going to run you into the ground. We recommend setting clear office and work hours and sticking to them. Turn off the email, text, hangout and voice alerts on your phone after 5pm and over the weekend. We promise the work will always be waiting for you the next day.

There will be plenty of days where extended work time is needed (we're all teachers we know), but being good about powering off after hours gives your mind the break it needs to jump back refreshed the next day as well as the energy to power through those longer nights.

Plus setting boundaries with students helps you avoid those late night texts and messages. Avoid responding to these student messages until the next day and build up student responsibility.

There is a lot to juggle as an online teacher. Add in the heavy stories you hear from families and it is easy to feel the stress pile on. Don't let the stress bottle up and don't feel like you are doing a bad job if you can't get through all of it or need help. It will take time to fully learn the systems and get the process down. Your department chairs, colleagues, and administrators are here to help you succeed. Reach out to any of them when you are feeling overwhelmed and talk things out. Two heads are better than one when coming up with solutions or sharing concerns. We are in it together!

As long as you are giving your best each day, making your contacts, and supporting students you are doing the best you can!

Hey, we've all had those days where we want to throw our hands up and run away. Little Johnnie pushed one too many buttons, or that parent that never responds just accused you of providing no support. Or maybe even a well intentioned colleague said the wrong thing and it got under your skin. These days happen, which is why it is important to always think back to your why. Think of all the reasons you became a teacher, all the lives you have made better, and all the good you are doing. To help with these bad days consider making a folder of good notes from students and colleagues. Look back on these on your hard days and remember you are amazing!