It's been a rough fall for me. I've had a few personal losses. My eldest is struggling at school. The needs of my students feel intense and disconnected. When I am in the classroom, I've found that I'm distracted, tired, agitated. Phoning it in. It's not a good feeling.
I think we've all been there, for one reason or another. Most teachers I have the privilege of knowing tend to think of others first; namely, the children in their care. They lovingly prepare learning environments, sometimes reaching into their own pockets to create a beautiful and stimulating space. They give generously of themselves, striving to be fully present with their students and offering their personal time for planning and reflection. Their first priority is always the children: Observing their wide range of needs and working tirelessly to address those needs.
This fall, however, I'm reminded of the teacher's needs. That I cannot fully meet the needs of my students unless my own needs are met, as well. That it is not selfish to engage in self care when that means I am better able to serve the children in my classroom. I'm reminded that teachers and children together create a learning community, and that the challenges of one of us affect all of us.
It requires a certain courage to recognize and honor your own feelings of depletion. Taking a good look at the hard parts can be uncomfortable and exhausting. But being honest with ourselves is an essential step in avoiding burn out, which is a very real danger in our profession.
What is it - besides teaching - that excites and inspires you? What does your heart find beautiful? What ideas carry the spark of risk and adventure? My wish is that all teachers of young children have the freedom to connect with what makes them the unique and alive people that they are. After all, we are only as good a teacher as we are a liver of life.
I think we've all been there, for one reason or another. Most teachers I have the privilege of knowing tend to think of others first; namely, the children in their care. They lovingly prepare learning environments, sometimes reaching into their own pockets to create a beautiful and stimulating space. They give generously of themselves, striving to be fully present with their students and offering their personal time for planning and reflection. Their first priority is always the children: Observing their wide range of needs and working tirelessly to address those needs.
This fall, however, I'm reminded of the teacher's needs. That I cannot fully meet the needs of my students unless my own needs are met, as well. That it is not selfish to engage in self care when that means I am better able to serve the children in my classroom. I'm reminded that teachers and children together create a learning community, and that the challenges of one of us affect all of us.
It requires a certain courage to recognize and honor your own feelings of depletion. Taking a good look at the hard parts can be uncomfortable and exhausting. But being honest with ourselves is an essential step in avoiding burn out, which is a very real danger in our profession.
What is it - besides teaching - that excites and inspires you? What does your heart find beautiful? What ideas carry the spark of risk and adventure? My wish is that all teachers of young children have the freedom to connect with what makes them the unique and alive people that they are. After all, we are only as good a teacher as we are a liver of life.
