Sometimes I describe teaching as learning how to stand in the middle of chaos and be perfectly calm. Just having the sound of the classroom and music going on for almost eight hours a day would be enough to send a normal person into the insane asylum. All jokes aside, it’s extremely important to learn how to take care of yourself. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help combat teacher burnout.
- Balance – As a music teacher, sound is part of our job. Even if all your students are well-behaved, raise their hands to speak, etc, there is still the sound of music going on and on (and on) all day long. Take time to sit in a dark quiet room. Balance the sound and stimulus with the absence of sound and stimulus. If you want, you can listen to relaxing music, but for me, I just need total quiet at the end of the day.
- Professional Development – Professional development has a bad reputation. I love professional development. I find that it allows you time to assess what you are doing in the classroom. It gives you an opportunity to discuss ideas with colleagues and share your stories. It makes teaching music feel more like a team sport rather than being isolated on an island somewhere. Over the years, you will build confidence which will help you feel more prepared and healthy.
- Rest – Everyone needs rest. Even God rested on the seventh day. I don’t understand why our society feels that teachers grading papers and lesson planning all throughout the weekend is acceptable. Take at least a day or a day and a half, if you can muster it, and DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR JOB! Oh, and get some sleep.
- Get a Friend – Someone recently told me that there were really no friends in the work place. But I’ve worked places where it was an administrative goal for all the teachers to have a best friend at their school. Even if you don’t feel comfortable talking to a work colleague, find someone at home to talk to whom you can trust. Sometimes just being able to vent to someone about your day is all it takes to see things from a different perspective and get back on track.
- Go Against the Rules – It may be difficult to follow the dress code all the time. I’ve spoken to people who love uniforms and to those who flat out refuse to do it. The schools I’ve worked at didn’t allow me to die my hair an unnatural color, to wear form fitting pants, to wear spaghetti straps, or open toed shoes. Sometimes I’ve had to wear the company shirt. This can really mess with someone’s confidence if they happen to have a personal style that doesn’t fit into the dress code. If that’s you, use your breaks to go a little crazy. Develop a personal style or die your hair that crazy color you always wanted to. Paint your nails, whatever makes you happy. Go against all the rules and remember who you really are: a vibrant quality person who has a fashion sense.
- Remember Your Why – Remember the reason why you started to teach. Post a note from a student up on the wall where you can see it as you work. Take time each day to really enjoy teaching and to enjoy your students. Have a good time. Become that fresh, open person who once started teaching years ago. Post positive phrases around the classroom, in your car, and at home. Listen to podcasts that inspire you. Keep the ember of passion for teaching burning by becoming proactive in your pursuit of your original goal.
I hope these tips will help you. The world needs teachers like you. You never know what student really needs you out there. It’s hard to see how you are affecting others, but I am sure you are. Be a light in their life, just like that special teacher in your life was a light to you. Take it day by day or moment by moment if you have to. Keep breathing and keep striving towards your purpose. You can do it.