Choose three of the five questions to repsond to:
- The article emphasizes the importance of discussing burnout with trusted individuals. How comfortable do you feel sharing your challenges with colleagues, supervisors, or mentor? What support systems are currently available to you?
- Self-care is highlighted as a crucial strategy. What self-care routines do you currently practice, and how effective have they been in mitigating stress? Are there new self-care strategies from the article that you are considering implementing?
- The article suggests setting boundaries to prevent burnout. How do you manage work-life balance, and what boundaries have you established to protect your personal time?
- Engaging in professional development is mentioned as a way to rekindle passion for teaching. Are there areas of professional growth you are interested in pursuing to enhance your teaching experience?
- Considering the strategies discussed in the article, what is one actionable step you plan to take in the next month to address or prevent burnout?
1. The self-care routine that I currently practice is pretty straightforward. I've started taking more classes at my local rec. center which have be surprisingly effective at mitigating stress. They give me something to look forward to during the week and it's been nice to meet new people at different classes. One self-care strategy I would like to try and implement more in my life is to try and read more for fun. This is something I really enjoy doing, but don't always have time for.
ReplyDelete2. I have set several boundaries to protect my personal time since I started teaching. One of the biggest boundaries I've set is not checking my email after 5 o'clock and not having my school email on my phone. I started doing this in college, and it's really helped me to maintain a work/life balance. I also don't take any grading home with me ever. While this does require me to come in to work a little earlier to get everything done, it's easier for me to keep track of things. If I have to do work outside of school, I try to go to the library or somewhere quiet.
3. I have not considered engaging in professional development as a way to rekindle passion for teaching, but I do think that it's an interesting idea. There are lots of cool professional development opportunities for socials studies teachers to have hands on experience like in museums and historical parks. I think if were to attend a professional development to enhance my teaching experience, it would be one of those.
ReplyDeleteThis time around, I'd like to focus on taking it easy! In reflecting on the first half of the school year, I was set on doing things right and getting adjusted to a new school district. Now that I know what is needed of me, I think I can finally breathe and pave my own way. The goal is to find a healthy balance.
In the next month, I plan on having a well-needed conversation about where I was, where I've been, and where I would like to be for the remainder of the school year. I think a conversation about stress and work pressures is something that we all can relate to, so why not open up and talk?
ReplyDelete1.Comfort in Discussing Burnout & Support Systems
I feel somewhat comfortable discussing challenges with my mentor and colleagues, especially when it comes to managing workload and student needs. Having a mentor has been a great support system, as we frequently reflect on instructional strategies and assessment practices.
2. Current & Potential Self-Care Strategies
My current self-care routines include taking short breaks when possible, setting aside time to unwind after work, and engaging in hobbies that help me relax. These have been somewhat effective, but I could improve by being more intentional about self-care. From the article, I’m considering incorporating mindfulness or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, to help manage stress more effectively.
3. Work-Life Balance & Boundaries
I try to maintain a work-life balance by setting limits on how much time I spend on lesson planning outside of school hours. I also make an effort to disconnect from work-related emails in the evenings. However, I can still improve in this area by setting firmer boundaries around personal time and ensuring I take breaks throughout the day to recharge.
1. I feel comfortable discussing burnout with my team and my mentor. I feel more comfortable advocating for myself and speaking out than I did as a first year teacher. The biggest support that I have in place currently comes from my team and my coaches. If I need any extra support with lesson planning and execution and/or behavior management, they are always willing to help where they can.
ReplyDelete2. The self care routines that I currently use include traveling when I can, reading, writing, and spending time with people who know me outside of my work identity. The strategies that I use have been very effective with mitigating stress. I’ve been able to learn how to cope outside of the work day with these strategies. The strategy that I would like to try from the article is creating a sleep schedule and sticking to it. I know that a huge portion of my previous burnout came from when I was feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Learning to have a better sleep schedule can make a world of difference.
5. During my very first year in the district, I was making it to school everyday at 7am and then leaving at 6pm. Going into my second year, I make it a habit to leave on time. I also prioritize getting all of my work done and grades in during my plan and during any free time I may have during the school day. I try my best to not take any work home with me, especially on the weekends. I also have planned days out in advance so that I do not have to be at school so early every single day