Suggestions that I have read include:
- Clarify what is expected of you.
- Ask for help. This is especially important if problem behaviors are causing the stress. I found this quote on another blog and thought it was quite true, "When a child's behavior is unmanageable and teachers are not supported in finding special help and assessment for the child, learning opportunities for all are diminished. It is also agonizing and extremely stressful." http://teacherswithburnout.blogspot.com/2008/01/stressed-teachers-cant-be-expected-to.html
- Talk to other teachers. The simple act of sharing your feelings can often help. Other teachers may be able to help you problem solve some matters and relieve some of the stress.
- Try to maintain communication with administrators. Unfortunately some administrators impose rules, procedures, or requirements without consulting those who must carry them out. Voice your concerns. Teachers who feel they have no control over what is being required or strongly disagree with what is expected can quickly develop burnout. http://www.ericdigests.org/2004-1/burnout.htm
- Take time off from work, use your sick days, and take that time to recharge yourself. Teachers need to take care of themselves, if they are to take care of others.
- If coworkers are dragging you down, ask for a team building meeting or a transfer.
- Take a class to gain fresh ideas.
- Make a firm decision to keep work at work and eliminate taking the job home. You will never fell refreshed if you carry the stress home with you.
- Exercise or do some other enjoyable activity.
- Find some way to bring more humor into your life.
Remember, it is easier to prevent burnout than it is to recover from the results. Children deserve the best teachers we can give them, so take care of yourself!
1 comment:
Burnout is a kind of job depression caused by feelings of helplessness – uncontrollability. When funds are already low and incoming check too few, it is easy wonder if it is possible to succeed and to fear that no matter what you do you can’t.
Burnout is a motivational problem. Teachers often feel at odds with "the system". Perhaps they can't teach in the manner they feel best; or perhaps they don't agree with the manner that standardized tests are used. There can be many situations wherein teachers feel that they must perform in ways that diverge from how they would prefer. It is easy to become discouraged, and blaming yourself.
It is imperative to that teachers manage their motivation. Giving yourself rewards is helpful. You need to reward yourself for small steps and small successes. Important to reward yourself for getting started, for doing a little bit, for getting started again, for doing a little more.
We’ve all heard about the power of goal setting. This is when it is vitally important. But it is easy to set impossible goals and negative goals.
The problem is that when motivation is damaged, it is very difficult to revive.
For considerable information about burnout, burnout quizzes, what causes burnout and what to do about it, as well as info on self-management, visit my site at docpotter.com.
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