I have never been one who asked for help. Going through school my parents often could not help me, so I learned how to figure out and do things on my own. As an adult, that's usually how I solve problems, too. It was no surprise tome that when i started teaching I liked to tackle things on my own. This year taught me to ask for help when needed, and talk with my team regularly. I am happy that this turn of events happened because I would not have been able to navigate this post-Covid year by myself.
Some professional goals I have for myself after induction are to continue to grow as a professional educator and to continue to learn how best to help my students. In order to do this, I am going to try to develop a system that will allow me to differentiate for all students with ease. I want to always remember that no matter how long I have been teaching, there is always room to learn and do better. In order to do this I will sign up for professional developments, and work with my team and prior classmates to talk ideas and strategies.
Teacher burnout, to me, refers to not only the exhaustion that often comes with teaching, but the feeling of defeat and lack of passion - and it's a real thing. During my credential program, our professors warned us that may teachers do not make it past their 3rd year of teaching, and I did not believe them. I remember talk with classmates, saying, "That won't be us." But oh, it was us. Just this year, my 3rd year, I have thought about changing careers multiple times. If it hadn't been for my amazing grade level team, I probably would have quit months ago. Many days, I go home, eat dinner, and fall right to sleep, and still, it is not enough.
In the future, in order to personally sustain the energy it takes to be passionate in my profession I intend to practice self-care. Oftentimes, teachers tend to take their work home and the lines between work and personal life become blurred. This year has taught me to maintain those lines and also to not feel guilty about it. I will continue to maintain those lines, and lean on my team during working hours in times of stress.
Take time for yourself. Find a positive outlet, something you enjoy doing that will help you relieve stress. You are going to be stressed and overwhelmed at times and that's okay! You are not alone. Find a teacher buddy, lean on your team. There are many teachers out there who are more than happy to help and support you.
Do your best to keep work and personal life separate. If you must stay after school, give yourself a time limit so that you do not use personal time being overwhelmed. You cannot be your best teacher if you are not first your best self. You cannot take care of your students if you do not first take care of yourself. As much as we want to be, and are expected to be, superheroes, we are human. Treat yourself with kindness and give yourself grace.