Therapy Thursday | August 17 – Geography & Math Made Easy

TEACHER TALK

We all need other teachers to talk to and problem-solve with; other times, we simply need a listening ear. Teaching is tough! We all have so much on our plates and so bandwidth to achieve all that we are asked to accomplish. I can honestly say that all the teachers I have worked with and met walked into the classroom to make a difference in kids lives and their futures. there are days when things seem possible and then more often days when we just don’t know how much more we can give to our profession. How can we as educators be an encouragement to one another during these difficult times? While we all need a shoulder to lean on one once in a while, it is important to abstain from falling into the trap of ongoing conversations focusing on the negative. This can lead to blaming, rehashing complaints. While we need to let each other vent, we also need to add into the mix of the conversations way to problem-solve to reach a solution to the situation. How do we do this?

📌 The system can often pull us down and drain our energy pool. When they are feeing stressed and lacking hope, offer praise to your co-workers. We often feel like complaints from parents, administration, etc are flying at us from all angles. We as educators need to offset those negative message with positive ones by providing positive encouragement. Fill someone else’s cup. Be there when someone needs a listening ear and find someone you can go to when you need to talk. Sometimes we simply need help and kind words.

📌 Collaborate with one another, even if its across core disciplines. If you teach social studies, reach out tot he language arts teacher and she what they teaching. Work together to see how you can connect and create interdisciplinary lessons. Plan together. Not only can this reinforce the concept(s) being taught, but it can feel like a team effort and can take some of the pressure off.

📌 Be willing to share professional skills, knowledge, expertise and ideas. At time, we run out of good ideas and feel like we are at a dead end. Be willing to help other teachers and provide ideas of effective strategies that you have found work.

📌 Tell other teacher you appreciate them and provide a simple thank you, whether verbal or a simple note in their box. Goodie appreciation bags or morning drink of their choice are always appreciated and can start off someone’s day on a positive note. You never know, it may just put a skip in their step.

📌 If you find someone else is burned out and you have a little bandwidth, offer to take on a small task to lift the heavy weight off their plate. Does a teacher feel unorganized and your strength is organization, help them get organized.

Oh boy, do I realize how busy we are! However, it is important to take a moment to connect with other teachers around you, not only so you can feel supported, but so you can provide support to other when needed. Just having support around you can make all the difference in the world.

As teachers, we are often overworked and pulled in too many directions. We often put others before ourselves and it is hard to learn to take care of ourselves. Addressing mental health is part of self-care for our minds, bodies, and souls. Remember, if your cup is empty, you can’t fill someone else’s cup. Here are 27 FREE COUNSELING OPTIONS FOR

TEACHERS https://www.weareteachers.com/free-counseling-for-teachers/