Last week, I didn't think I was going to make it. I thought I was going to give up teaching forever because of a couple of hard days that seemed like an eternity. Students drawing on their faces with highlighters, being outright disrespectful, purposefully talking while I'm talking... these are just some of the things that happen to us teachers every.single.day. And so, I am posting this blog just as much for me to reference as for you to reference. So...here ya go. Here's what to do when teaching gets hard:
1. Have Fun
If you are a human being, it is necessary to just have some good old fashioned fun. We spend SO much time, in school and out of school, planning lessons, making activities, thinking of new and exciting field trips, meeting standards, doing other things that aren't necessarily in our job descriptions, etc. Sometimes our job can be fun, but most times it can be just downright STRESSFUL. So, go on a bike ride. Go out for ice cream (I recommend caramel sundaes from McDonalds). Eat at a new restaurant. Go out to coffee with a friend. Read a non-school-related book. Do something kind for someone else. Take a bath. Seriously, WHATEVER makes you feel like a human again, do that. For the sake of yourself, and seriously, everyone else. Just do it.
Did you do this step yet? DO IT. NOW.
2. Cry
1. Have Fun
If you are a human being, it is necessary to just have some good old fashioned fun. We spend SO much time, in school and out of school, planning lessons, making activities, thinking of new and exciting field trips, meeting standards, doing other things that aren't necessarily in our job descriptions, etc. Sometimes our job can be fun, but most times it can be just downright STRESSFUL. So, go on a bike ride. Go out for ice cream (I recommend caramel sundaes from McDonalds). Eat at a new restaurant. Go out to coffee with a friend. Read a non-school-related book. Do something kind for someone else. Take a bath. Seriously, WHATEVER makes you feel like a human again, do that. For the sake of yourself, and seriously, everyone else. Just do it.
Did you do this step yet? DO IT. NOW.
2. Cry
It may feel like you need to hold it all together and that everyone has it figured out, but you may just need a good cry. Let it all out, sista. Let it go, brotha. This step is also good if accompanied by some chocolate.
3. Do something for someone else
I know this seems a little backwards because we do this all day, err'day. HOWEVER, I think it's a little bit different when you are at home, thinking about someone different you can serve, someone who you don't technically have to serve because it's our job. It's just different, and it helps. It reminds us that the world is bigger than ourselves. That maybe other people also had a bad day. So, bake banana bread for your neighbors. Volunteer. Send an encouraging note. Write something kind about someone on social media. Do anything that isn't about you. Trust me.
Just trust me, OK?
4. Pray/Reflect
Don't worry! If you're not spiritual/religious, you can still complete this step. Think about things, even if they're really small, that you appreciate about your job, your coworkers, your students, or your subject. Sometimes I literally pray, "Thank You for the sunshine." Does that have anything to do with teaching? No! But it does help me get through hard days sometimes.
If you are Christian, remember that thankfulness is the key to Joy - the key to the Father. When I start to feel really bitter and down and hateful towards myself and everyone else, I realize that often it's because I'm seeing all of the challenges and obstacles instead of the blessings and the wonders that God has placed in my life. Choose to see the beauty, even when it's really, really hard.
5. Remember Why You Do It
Teaching is hard. Why do you do it anyway? Is it because you want to help impoverished kids have a safe place? Is it because you want students to be passionate about your subject? Is it because you want to be a positive role model?
Are the hard parts of teaching worth it? Are you willing to suffer and work through the rough parts of the journey in order to see the ultimate success? (even if it's really really tiny success?) Have you seen any kind of fruit from your work? Even in the smallest possible way? Has a student thanked you?
Think about the good. Pull out those kids' notes telling you how much they appreciate you.
Remember who you are - that you will not be broken down by the hardships of teaching, but instead you will use it to motivate you to push your students to be the very best that they can be. Because, sometimes, YOU are the ONLY person who can give them that hope!