Stressed out teachers

[Duncan]

One of the things I have noticed in the last few years is the increase in the number of requests I receive to speak to teacher's groups throughout Canada and the USA on Managing Teacher Stress. The only other topic that comes close is Coping with Toxic Parents. It bothers me as an educator and a speaker that ours is such a stressed out profession. We used to have such fun teaching, The sad reality is that I make my living talking to teachers on such negative but necessary subjects. Hang in there! Mike Moore
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?easeup
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?edtoon

There is a certain spirituality in the workplace that teachers need to get in touch with. The stressors that affect teachers (burn out, hard to handle students, friction with other teachers, problems at home, etc...) need to be dealt with on a level that doesn't involve grievance or conflict negotiations. Going the "union" route to solve a problem is not only confrontational, but it erodes the spirit. Teachers need to ask themselves why they became teachers in the first place, and find a way to focus on it.

[jazzie56]

Unfortunately this year my school is full of negative vibes. Mainly the principal is the driving force behind it. Our school has never really functioned properly but the spirit and attitudes were more positive. Now everyone is turning against each other and no one knows who they should trust. Some individuals are just bailing out and leaving the school and causing more problems. No one wishes to come and sub at our facility.

[SLP]

With all the due process cases in special ed, it's a wonder there are any of us left. I know at least 4 teachers who have left the public schools because of the stress of testifying in due process cases. They were very dedicated experienced teachers who had just had it with the stress.

[javamomma]

Teachers are becoming more stressed because we are constantly asked to do more and more, and yet there is not more time to get it done. I physically cannot get all my work done in the confines of my work day that I am paid for. I either stay late in the afternoon or come in on the weekend (my usual choice). When I first started teaching I did not mind the extra time. I used it to change bulletine boards or other type house keeping. Now I spend 2 hours a week after hours just trying to get in the required things. Bulletine boards? They are generic and can stay up til the cows come home.

[SLP]

Whenever I have a student teacher, I assign them to do the bulletin boards as part of their responsibilties. They usually have a "craving" to do them and they come up with some great ideas too.

[hassell]

I teach in Tn. My team mates and I are so stressed due to all the added intereventions we are doing with our struggling kids. NCLB is the worst thing to ever happen to education. Just this morning I had a child crying because he dad was shot in a drug deal gone bad. The child knows he dad was buy cocaine. How are we supposed to teach a child whose mind is on his dad lying in the hospital? This is a weekly accurance at our school. This child needs hugs and understanding especially today. He will not be able to focus on his education. Yet, we are responsible for making sure he is at or above grade level. WE have so many interventions for our struggling learners, yet nothing extra for our advanced kids. Administration preaches "don't let them fall", yet it is humanly impossible to teach 3 different interventions, the second grade curriculum and advanced in one day. I wish we could go back to ability groups. Then if I had a class where most kids were within a 6 mo. academic ability level of each other, I could help them achieve so much more. I am searching for a new career, I can't keep going like this.

[FrazzleDazzle]

It's not that easy, babaganoosh. If one quits their job, one no longer gets a paycheck, which one needs to pay for food and shelter. If one is stressed out by teaching and is not qualified to do anything else, one might need training to switch careers-- which of course also takes money.

[Chef Dave]

I was an elementary teacher for 17 years. I taught in rural, suburban, and inner-city public schools in Texas. I also spent 7 years teaching at private international American schools in Saudi Arabia and Beirut, Lebanon.

After returning to the states and finding that I couldn't readjust to a teach-to-the-test mentality, I opted out.

I pursued a degree in culinary arts and spent 5 years working in the hospitality and food service industry.

I am now again working as a teacher - but this time I'm a chef instructor at a high school.

Not only do I love my job, but I feel re-energized and re-motivated as a teacher. The old passion for the job is back ... i.e. I can't believe I get paid for what I'm doing.

Sometimes teachers who are stressed out just need to make a change in their lives. It could be something as simple as making sure that you take personal time for yourself. It could be that some teachers might need a change of teaching assignments. Some teachers may even need to do what I did. By stepping away from the classroom and doing something else for a few years, teachers can gain a totally new perspective on their jobs.

One of the reasons I'm back in education is because the hours are a lot better.

As a restaurant manager, I was under contract and my employer didn't care whether I worked a 50 hour work week (which is the industry standard) or an 80 hour work week. Since I was under contract, I didn't get paid overtime.

In addition to having to work on weekends, I also worked all holidays. My days off shifted from week to week depending upon the schedule of other managers and whether or not certain employees "called off."

My new schedule is much better. Although I typically work a 60 hour week, the good thing is that when I go home, I rarely have to take work with me.

I also like the fringe benefits I get as a chef instructor.

When I was an elementary teacher, I kept a six pack of soda and a box of granola bars in my desk drawer. As a chef instructor, I have an ice cream machine, a soda fountain, and a walk-in refrigerator and freezer stocked with food. If I stay late at work and get the munchies, I can make just about anything for myself from shrimp pasta Alfredo to a bacon cheese burger with fries!

How cool is that? (GRIN)

[Boxcar]

i want an ice cream machine! You are so lucky. I bet the kids love your class too. :)

[Chef Dave]

i want an ice cream machine! You are so lucky. I bet the kids love your class too. :)

Since I'm not a core academic teacher I don't have to worry about testing.

Since my class is considered a fine arts elective, I typically only have students who actually want to be there.

The ice cream machine in our student operated restaurant is a soft ice cream dispenser. We carry chocolate and vanilla. We also have whipped topping, toasted pecans, and chocolate syrup! :)

[EricDNA]

We are stressed out over the crazy testing pressure put on the kids and the teachers. What ever happened to thinking skills and hands-on stuff? Once we stop having fun and playing, I think the system is broken and no-one knows how to fix it but blaming teachers is easy! What happened to it takes a whole village to raise a child concept? God help us all!

[leafy seadragon]

This is a little negative. The reason we often become stressed out about teaching is because it is important to us. We really want to do a good job and make a difference. There are many pressures and I have times when it is very difficult but overall I try to remember the great moments. Everytime I have a good moment I write it in my journal. I used to write when I was stressed and not when I was happy. I decided to go the other way, so that when I am stressed I can have something to read to remind me why I love my job.

[Chef Dave]

Having previously worked as an elementary teacher prior to working in the private sector and later becoming a high school chef instructor, I would like to add a positive note to this thread.

Teachers have an incredibly generous vacation schedule. Four days for Thanksgiving. A week and a half for Christmas. A week for Spring Break. Three months off for the summer.

When I owned a B&B Inn, I worked every day for nearly three years. I put in an 84 hour week. I had no sick leave or vacation.

When I became a restaurant manager, I worked a 50-60 hour week that included weekends and holidays. As a restaurant manager I only got 1 week of vacation per year. I had no sick leave.

Yes - teaching can be stressful ... but the benefit package (primarily personal leave, sick leave, and vacation), is EXTREMELY GENEROUS compared to jobs in the private sector.

In addition to wanting to teach, part of the reason I came back to education was because of the vacation schedule.

I haven't had a summer vacation since I last worked as an elementary teacher back in 2001.

Despite the fact that I still have to take a course about Arizona's constitution and still have to take a state test for knowledge of secondary teaching, I'm looking forward to the coming summer.

It'll be great to have the time to revamp my curriculum and rearrange my office while also having time to simply sit back and relax.

[kingrichie]

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

[mopar]

I think admin plays a big role in the positive attitude and direction of the school year. However, the staff also play a big part. Try having different people provide lunch or breakfast on Friday for the staff. This rotates and everyone takes a turn. Or try awarding staff for a job well done with a little thank you. These go a long way to help staff morale and don't need admin to begin!

[Boxcar]

That is a good suggestion.

[teach1027]

I think that the No Child Left Behind act and all the pressures for schools to perform, is a major factor in teacher stress.

[Chef Dave]

I think that the No Child Left Behind act and all the pressures for schools to perform, is a major factor in teacher stress.

I tend to think that the supporters of NCLB have an ulterior motive. If you take a look at the conservative backers, a lot of them have previously supported the concept of school vouchers - which has largely failed in all fifty states.

Studies have shown that where school vouchers have been used, 90% of the students have actually stayed in public schools.

NCLB is a tool that can be used to justify school closures - especially in low performing public schools that are located in impoverished areas. If successful, we will begin seeing an increase in the privatization of schools via EMOs, educational management organizations.

http://www.ednews.org/articles/4809/1/NCLB-experiment-not-trustworthy-of-education-renewal/Page1.html

[javamomma]

Well, my job my be less stressful than the private sector, but it is not a piece of cake. I have to keep my students on task from bell to bell without the liberty of doing anything fun. I fear we are going to have a generation of students that backlash at some point. I am also the parent of a K student, and they cannot even work in a nap anymore due to the curriculum demands. :/

[mopar]

Teaching has become stressful. I can see a few good changes coming out of NCLB but also a lot of damaging changes to education.
I think that the politicians need to get some teachers on board with the accountability of students and teachers. Let teachers weigh in with their opinions. It might help make NCLB more manageable for the teachers and less of a stress factor.

[ginger11]

The reason we often become stressed out about teaching is because it is important to us. We really want to do a good job and make a difference.

Sometimes it is hard to a good job when there are people that are setting you up to fail. The attitudes of most of the people I work with are crappy because of the admin. We do not get recognitation for the good things we do, or the good ideas we have...it's always you should have done this instead.

[mopar]

Could you try recognizing other teachers by passing around flowers or a small trophy to teachers you see doing a good job. Sometimes it just takes one person to start the idea and it catches on.

But without administrative support, it is hard to keep the staff working together.

[ginger11]

I would like to. But it is almost like any suggestion I make to the principal just gets shot down. I just try to stay out of her way and do what it is I am supposed to be doing. It's just hard to do it sometimes when you feel unappreciated.

[kingrichie]

When I feel stressed, I just think of all those people working long hours, weekends, boss in thier face, 2 weeks vacation, 2 hour commute, punch the time clock, etc..
It's not so bad. :rolleyes:

[mopar]

Just keep winter break on your mind and keep your classroom door closed. Try to work with your grade level team to keep your spirits up.
I have had that administrator before and the cheer really feel on grade level teams. I happened to be part of a rather cheerful team and we banded together and started special recognition just for us. I can't say that the school ever caught on until the administrator left...but she didn't last too long...so who knows what would have happened.

[Chef Dave]

I would like to. But it is almost like any suggestion I make to the principal just gets shot down. I just try to stay out of her way and do what it is I am supposed to be doing. It's just hard to do it sometimes when you feel unappreciated.

It takes a minimum of two people to have a conversation. If your building administrator doesn't want to listen,. there's no point in talking to her. As you have already noted, talking to her is an exercise in demoralization.

The best you can do under this situation is to do what you're already dong. Stay out of this person's way. Focus on your classroom. Take care of your students as best you can.

Mopar's suggestion about trying to raise the spirits of other teachers is interesting. I once did something similar. I wrote anonymous poems about each teacher and left that person some homemade cookies. The teachers appreciated the poetry and cookies ... but in the end nothing changed.

The building administrator was still indifferent. The faculty was demoralized. Nothing changed.

Unless you're a team leader who needs to inspire her grade level or unless you really feel compelled to lift the spirits of your colleagues, I would suggest that you focus your time and energy on your classroom.

[Boxcar]

I think things like the poems and cookies are a really nice idea. Even if you aren't trying to make a change, I think it is a sweet thing to do.

[ginger11]

I am not the team leader. The team leader is very good friends with the principal. So I have to watch every step I make or I will have hell to pay.

[3rdgradeteach]

Wow...I had it bad a couple of years ago, but the one teacher is gone now so it has become ALOT better. I am the type they like to keep around because I am always wanting to keep the peace and smooth everything out. So, I bring in treats and cakes and coffee creamer for the teachers...it seems to work out fine, but then again I don't have so many to work with either...it can really be a tough situation. Good Luck!:cool:

[mustbcrazy2teach]

Hi Everyone!

I am relieved to find out I am not the only one who is feeling the pressure of testing, and the lack of support from the "powers that be." I have been teaching for 6 years, and work in a choice school, have never had a mentor, and this is our first year having a social worker-which is only there 2 days a week. We service ALL children except ones who cannot be in due to health (feeding tubes, wheelchairs-etc.)

Today I hit an all time low as many of my students fell apart in class as one had just opened up about violence in the home-I had asked if anyone wanted to share what was stressing them out, so maybe we could understand each other better and not fight as much...the next thing I knew everybody was talking and crying. I got the social worker in ASAP, but was "talked" to by administration and told my job is to teach the subjects nothing else.

My question is HOW, how do we do that when so many kids are coming to school with empty tummies, no sleep, and violence in the home, as well as all the other drama? We have no breakfast program-am I suppose to buy snacks all the time?

The answer I got was that IF I was engaging enough I could just say that we weren't going to talk about it, and move on to something and the kids would have forgotten all about it. That the drama of their lives can be left at home.

Yeah-that's why my one who was upset was banging her desk top down and had gotten into a screaming match in another room-because I am NOT engaging enough. I have also been told that, "We will see who the engaging teachers are when the test scores come back."

I guess I am trying to figure out if I need another grade, school, or maybe a different field. Is there an answer to the how question? :confused:Any advice???

[3rdgradeteach]

Mustbcrazy2teach...well...you said a mouthful there..just in your screen name...
When I read what happened in your classroom I felt joy in my heart....even though the "powers that be" do not like it...you have unleashed some of the frustrations that these poor kids have to endure....I'm sure most of them went home feeling a thousand times better. I think you gave them a litte piece of heaven in your class.....
I know admin thinks that it is all about the counselors to help these kids, but I don't think they are involved enough to help. You are the frontline for these kids and I think you did great (despite the politics once again!)

[Spectre]

We hate you, Chef Dave!!!

No...not really. Just say that we are somewhat envious. I have said before, on a different forum, and I say again - you have found your niche!! You get to work in the two areas that you excel in. How great is THAT?

Chef Dave makes some good points. He does that now and then :)....

There are a lot of stressers in the education world and yes, we are losing some of our best, brightest and most seasoned because at times, it just gets to be too much.

But change can be a good thing.:D Really. While I am having some struggles with my school situation, I have found that dealing with 8th graders instead of 6th graders has been good for me these past 2 years, screwy as that sounds...:confused:

I am convinced that if and when I return to grade 6 (and I might not), I will be ready to do that. I will have a new perspective or, at least, a renewed one.

Many of us work too hard and, sometimes, it is our own fault. Part of the trouble in my current school is that we are under the proverbial gun because we have not made AYP in two years and the dreaded year number 3 approaches. Our staff is being trained and meetinged to death, told to use all kinds of literacy techniques, special "effort" rubrics and other time consuming special tasks. Me? I close my door (we have to keep ours locked) and do what I can to support my students and do my job - teaching science. I have been doing this for over 20 years and, at the risk of sounding boastful, know as much /more more about how to do it well than anyone else in my building, including the principal, a former science teacher. I refuse to leap through the hoops they put in front of me and the beauty of it is, "they" don't know. "They" are so busy filling out paperwork, dealing with behavior problems, covering their own behinds, that I could be teaching voodoo and they would not know.
I used to grade everything the students did, in details. I felt I had to. I felt driven to get work corrected and back to them the next day. That meant being up nights till unearth hours. I no longer do that. My students have to wait a day or more, don't get as many things "graded" to detail, but they still learn and they still have a teacher who isn't stumbling through the motions, exhausted and rung out. I think both they and I benefit from that, don't you?
None of us was hired to martyr ourselves. Why do it?

To please the educrats? They care less about you and about the kids. To raise the stinking test scores? Killing ourselves won't do that.

Pity sakes, y all (whoops - I'm f ron north carolina you know), TAKE some time for yourselves, Don't leap through every hoop that the "suits" put in front of you.

Yes, I am encouraging a little mini-rebellion, perhaps, but I think it's one that might save your health, your sanity and maybe your career.:eek: One of my many nicknames in life has been Spartacus. I live up to the name, too.

I've recently taken up a hobby I delved into as a youth - model car racing. I still do my other hobby, kayaking (yes, I know I am crazy) and my other one, digital photography. Where do I find time?

I take it.

If some things don't get done to specs or don't get done at all or on time, the world will keep on turning. Trust me. It will. The suits cannot find their butts with both hands, a map, a GPS and a flashlight. They have no clue what is going on as they have their own demons to fight. Don't let them intimidate y ou.

Make a change, if you need one. If you cannot find the "right one" for you, come to North Carolina. I guarantee I can find you a job here.

Develop an outlet, outside of teaching. Have a life. Don't let teaching be all you have. Yes, our job is vital, but we don't need to let it consume us. It took me many years to realize that.

Don't let that happen to you.

Peace!

[wordseater]

Well, I'd like to know if there, in the US, it's usual to be at the same school for some years...
Here in Portugal we don't find a stable palce... I've been teaching for 11 years and always jumping from school to school... It's a really stressful life!!

[ginger11]

I guess I am trying to figure out if I need another grade, school, or maybe a different field. Is there an answer to the how question? :confused:Any advice???

If you love what you do now then another field isn't what you really what. Right now I am having problems with one certain teacher and the administration...I'm trying to switch schools and I have only been teaching 2 years.

[tracyc508]

[QUOTE=Spectre;12706]We hate you, Chef Dave!!!

I refuse to leap through the hoops they put in front of me and the beauty of it is, "they" don't know. "They" are so busy filling out paperwork, dealing with behavior problems, covering their own behinds, that I could be teaching voodoo and they would not know.


There's a really good point made here. I think it's important to remember that sometimes our administrators need to mandate something for political reasons, sometimes they may not believe what they are implementing is the best but they have no choice because they too are under fire from the state Department of Education. I have come to realize that the best thing to do is steer clear of the office, close my door, and take care of my students the best I can for the time I have them and hope for the best. I must admit though, that I am truly lucky to be currently working under a decent administration.

[ginger11]

Decnet administration...I have no idea what that is. I wish I had that.

[Bananas]

Decent administration...I have no idea what that is. I wish I had that.

I am very grateful for mine! Common sense with support!

[MrsR]

I agree that many aspects of teaching are stressful today. This is my first year teaching and I go home every night extremely stressed over the day's events. It is not my students, it is the other teachers on my team. I feel like I am in high school again. When we are in meetings there are whispers and note passing, in the halls there are eye-rolls to each other about another teacher. There is all this gossip behind certain people's back and I am sick of it. I try to stay out of it but it is very hard for me, I am a special education teacher and I work with 5 teachers on my team and about 100 students. In theory I should only be working with the students with IEP's and 504 plans, but I do not, I work with all the struggling students too; which also makes it stressful. Three of the teachers that I work with do not acknowledge the fact that there are struggling students in their classrooms and therefore do not modify their work at all, which leaves me to do it.
I completely understand where everyone is coming from, I have been rethinking teaching as my career these past few months, just because of the adults that I work with, and that is very sad.

[upnorthteacher]

Mrs R-
I hope you don't let this group of teachers get you down on teaching completely. Perhaps you could apply for a transfer to another school or try to get a job in a different school system. I know how negative coworkers can make life very difficult, but there are places where people are cooperative and work together. I am very fortunate to currently be working in a school where almost all of the teachers are dedicated to making our school a better place, and we really are like a family. We have bridal & baby showers for each other, donate money and sick days when people are having health problems or other difficulties, and enjoy socializing together as well. Good luck finding a more positive environment in which to work.

[Bananas]

I know how a negative staff member can put a wrench in what we try to do. It can really elevate the stress level. I have found from my experience that it gave me the opportunity for growth in setting boundaries and dealing with confrontation. While unpleasant to experience, it can serve a purpose.

[Boxcar]

Sometimes you just gotta go to work, talk only to the students, and go home. On certain days, it is the only way to stay sane.

[Bananas]

To stay sane, one must be sane to start with.:)

[Boxcar]

LOL.

That is a good point!

[dsmms]

If we were really sane, would we have chosen this career field. Somehow I think that it is the insanity that sustains us! Ha!

[Brit]

the thing I find most stressful (other than the fact that I am a very new teacher and don't know what I'm doing yet) is that we are so often called on to be parents as well as teachers. Is it really my job to find a way for every child in my room to eat a proper breakfast, get enough sleep (I have one child for whom this meant mean pulling up a pillow on monday mornings, because he just doesn't seem to sleep on weekends, and being little, he fell asleep wherever he was), are emotionally supported, and have appropriate after-school care?

I can bandage boo-boos. I can solve "emergencies". I can be mindful in my teaching and marking soas to bolster self-esteem. I can teach group-work and social interaction skills and encourage good playground interaction. But I have had some kids where they don't eat before school, they don't always dress for the weather, they don't get enough sleep at home, they only have junk food in their lunches. they never see another kid outside school hours, spend their free time in front of the TV, watching inappropriate shows (I had a grade 2 once tell me their favourite show was CSI) or playing inappropriate games (another kid told me he loved Halo and Resident Evil).

Now, I have my share of amazing parents, and I've seen teachers who have gone out and bought school supplies (backpacks, shoes, etc.) for kids whose family didn't or couldn't supply them, which I have yet to have to do, so I know I'm not really that badly off. But teh fact that any of this happens anywhere at all?!!! I am not the mother of 43 children, thank you VERY MUCH! I am their teacher. there is a difference, and I can't be both. THAT is what stresses me out.

Oh yeah -- and puke. puke stresses me out.

[dsmms]

I had a student yesterday that turned green, literally, and said she felt like she was going to puke. I immediately sent her to the nurse. Nurse called mom, and mom says, "Oh, try to stick it out. Call back if you start feeling worse." Translation: Call back when you really do throw up all over the place. Aaaaaaarggggh!:vomit: