As a parent and educator, I’ve learned the importance of developing a good relationship with teachers. The teaching profession is extremely challenging. Not all teachers are fully ready each day. Since they are professionals, it comes with understanding that each day with students and parents can be unpredictable. It does bring on mental struggles! After all, teachers are just like anyone else. They have families which can sometimes be unpredictable. How do they manage dealing with a host of personalities, attitudes, delays, workload, and schedules? Teaching can be stressful even when things are going “good”! Stress brings about depression and anxiety for many teachers. Teachers are not immune from them and can be more susceptible.
Read this article by Jennifer Flink.
Note: It takes a strong school leader to ensure that school “life” for teachers removes stressful situations.
I agree that it is so important to “buddy up” to help alleviate some of the pressures of teaching. The article reference having a colleague come into the room to cover the class so that you could get a break. I might take that further and say that it is also therapeutic to talk with your buddy and debrief at the end of a long day. Sometimes it is just having a listening and sympathetic ear rather than having any tangible assistance.
YES! It is so important for teachers to have a buddy system.
Teaching can be a challenging profession at times. It is absolutely important to have a strong support system in your coworkers. No one else truly understands the stressors like a fellow teacher and having that buddy to lean on can make a world of difference.
I agree. Having a “Buddy” while teaching, helps with so many other things you deal with. They understand what you are going through. I also think “Get Moving” and “Prioritize Mental Health” were great sections in this article as well. Our mental health is connected to exercising and making sure our health is in good standings. We have to take time to love ourselves and take care of ourselves before we can take on all the issues that come in a classroom setting. I was once told that you cannot pour into someone else’s life when your life is empty.
Having a buddy to talk with and debrief at the end of a long day is a good way to alleviate some stress. It helps to know that you are not alone. Sometimes just having someone to vent to is much more helpful than actual physical assistance.
Buddying up is a very useful form of teaching, and also can be a stress reliever. Having someone you trust looking over your work or while you work can be the exact thing we need sometimes to help us out of a rut or to get more out of our students.
Teacher Buddies are so important! Sometimes, teachers become overwhelmed and just need a few minutes to refocus. Also, I agree with the article that teaching can lead to anxiety and depression. Sadly, our families are the ones who usually suffer. We put on our best act while at school, but at home we either withdraw into ourselves or explode.
I agree that it is nice just to have a listening and sympathetic ear rather that have tangible assistance. It’s also nice to be able to have an uninterrupted lunch with your colleagues without your students.
I agree! I also like the part where it discusses the importance of mental health and getting help. As a mother of two small children I have learned the importance of mental health. It’s okay to seek help when feeling overwhelmed with both family stress and work stress.
My Reply
I agree with you that taking a mental health day is importance in maintaining stressful days. It is not the time to grade papers, create plans, or browse the internet for work related. Prioritize. Take the time to recharge when you feel overwhelmed. After all, It is part of the days set side as sick days.
It is very important to have a “buddy” or someone to listen while you vent. Often, teachers need to vent in order to tackle a task they may deem unfair. I feel it is very important for one to have at least one person in their corner to help with the stresses that come with teaching.
I agree. There are some days that are harder than others, sometimes it is a great mental break to just step out for a moment to collect my thoughts and regroup.
I don’t know where I would be without my teacher buddies. My husband is not in education so he struggles to fully understand my struggles on a day to day basis. Yes, it can turn into a gripe fest at times, but having someone who is going through the trenches with you really helps with the stress level!
I agree! I share a trailer with the music teacher, and she is definitely my ‘buddy’. If one of us needs a breather or bathroom break, we are always there for each other. We also share how our day was after the kids leave and it helps to have a listening ear.
I agree that stress among teachers is a very real thing, and a very relatable thing. You have to find ways to cope with the stress or it will burn you out and hinder your growth as an educator. Now of course it’s normal to feel certain aspects of stress throughout the day just as a human being let alone an educator, but to constantly have stress on your job and in your life is not a good thing. The strategies listed in the blog are gold when it comes to coping in my opinion. Especially the “Buddy up” and “working together” aspects. I firmly believe in teamwork making the dream work and I feel that you can accomplish more together than alone.
I agree with GET HELP. I was there. In that place that no one wants to be. It wasn’t fair to me, my students, or my family.
I have struggled with depression and anxiety most of my adulthood, so when I entered into the teaching profession I was already a good friend with them both! For a long time I really thought that if I was spiritually right with the Lord, I wouldn’t be having these issues. However, I found out quick that depression is REAL and sometimes it can only be treated with medication. Over the years, I watched other women struggle with depression and I’ve tried to share with them what has helped me. Like the article discussed, I learned to set boundaries on school time and home time. After 22 years, I rarely EVER take work home to grade or do. Now that’s not to say that I won’t look on Pinterest or something like that for something fun for my kids to do, but I try to keep my home time and school time separate. This sometimes causes me to stay a little late at school to finish something up, but guarding my time with my family and making time for hobbies can be very important to not only my home life, but to my school life too. When I allow myself to step away from the craziness that students, parents, and paperwork can sometimes bring, I have refueled and rested and ready to face another day at school. When I take time out for myself, not only am I a better mom, wife, and friend, but I am a better teacher.
I agree with you. I too have several friends that are now on medicine for stress or depression. That does seem to have helped them. I also have one friend who refuses to take medicine and is suffering. It can be very hard to save time for other things with the pressure you feel from school.
I agree so much with this article! I think one of the hardest things about dealing with depression and/or anxiety as a teacher is the fact that we always have to be on. You can’t have an off day! There is too much to get done! Testing is right around the corner, objectives must be taught, cumulative folders need to be checked, Tier folders need to be updated, lists have to be made for this or that, parent conferences need to be scheduled, and let’s not forget the endless grading because online grade books must be kept up to date. All of this while trying to keep up morale in your classroom because like it or not, we set the tone for the class. It can be a positive environment for learning or a negative one, and students need a positive one. I am so thankful that I have a “buddy” teacher that I can cry and vent to when things get too stressful. This is why I like the idea of a buddy who can take over for a few minutes so that some clarity may return. Also, I know teachers joke about taking “mental health days”, but sometimes they are necessary. I don’t think this should be abused, but I see no harm in taking a mental health day once in a while. As teachers we just need to make sure we keep things in perspective and try to be there for our fellow teachers because at the end of the day we are all in it together.
I can agree with this article. Many of my coworkers are on some type of medication for anxiety, depression or nerves. I have watched many of them struggle at some point in their career because of those disorders. I have only been teaching five years, but I can see how easy it would be to let this career over-take your life. As the article stated, teachers should find others things to enjoy other than teaching. Teaching can consume all of the teacher, but if we plug into other activities maybe it would keep teachers from being medicated. Self-Care is very important in everyone’s life; especially a teachers!
Just this week, I was talking with a colleague about how other adults do not seem to be as stressed out about their jobs as teachers are. Many of the people I saw over Christmas break seemed to be able to relax and pace themselves at work, accomplishing a list of tasks that proved their worth to their employer.
Teachers seem stressed for very good reasons. First, we are dealing with people’s most prized possessions: their children. Second, we are held to extremely high standards with constant pressures and distractions. Third, teachers are held accountable for students’ test scores when those same students and their parents are not held accountable for them. Fourth, most teachers care very deeply about their jobs and are doing their best all day every day, and that leads to burnout. I agree with the points in the blog about partnering, investing in a hobby, and taking time/asking for help. We are teachers- not superheroes. There is only so much that we can do, and too many of us are trying to do it all alone.
Last week a teacher friend and I was discussing the affects of stress on teachers. Teachers are constantly being monitored by administration and by parents. Teachers are probability the most stressed out people in America. So much is expected as to time, money, and resources. I do not think any other profession has the constant stress level that teachers have.
There are a few things I have had to learn to do in order to alleviate some of the stress I feel as a teacher. One thing is I had to give up having complete control over every little thing in my classroom. I started delegating tasks to students left and right! I realized that the world will not end if my center materials weren’t cut out perfectly. Bulletin boards and door decorations can be created by 7 year olds. Older students can listen to my students read. My students can sort papers, sharpen pencils, organize the classroom library, etc. I found that by giving my students more responsibility and more choice, I was also giving myself a much needed break. It is tough teaching every single subject without an assistant. In my district, second grade is the only grade that is expected to do this. Grades K-1 still have teacher assistants. And grades 3-12 are departmentalized. So, we, in second grade, had to figure out ways we could get it all done with no help and still try to squeeze teaching anywhere from 5-10 standards per day in. I get tired just talking about it!
This article is spot on with some of the pressures teachers have to deal with in their day-to-day life. It is very important to have a buddy at school. Not only can your buddy relieve you when you need a bathroom break or just to take a breather, but also you buddy is there to listen and help you with the many stresses you may encounter. I’ve learned over the years that it is very important to foster good relationships with your coworkers. Teachers deal with enough stress and not getting along with your co-workers should not be one. We all have to support each other!
I can relate to this oh so well! I have suffered with anxiety and depression for many years, but when I entered the teaching field it only got worse. I remember breaking out in a horrible rash that covered the entire top part of my body. I went to the doctor and he told me it was a stress rash and I needed to lighten my work load and get my anxiety under control. It was a nice suggestion, but it doesn’t exactly work like that. It is always nice to have a teacher friend who can relate to what you’re going through.
This article is a great read for all teachers. The Buddy Up idea is something I always try to do in order to go to the restroom, talk to another teacher about school or non-school things. Sometimes we all need to talk to another adult to get a better perspective on things. The number 1 thing that I go by is having a life outside of school and doing things that enjoy: Hunting, fishing and gardening are just a few examples of those things. In today’s teaching world and environment it’s so easy to get caught up, consumed and stressed out. Having a good balance of mental health and school is vital to be a productive teacher and a healthy one.
This article is so true! I remember when I began teaching, I was ready to quit the first year! I had a baby that I did not want to leave each day. I was trying to lose weight. I ended up going to the doctor to find out why I felt sick and upset every day. The doctor told me it was depression. So I tried different medicines until I found one that did not make me nauseated. I had to start out with a very low dose since the 20 mg was too much for me. By talking to other teachers, I understood what I had to do the next year. So I upped my game of teacher bluffs, and it worked! Teaching actually became enjoyable. Nineteen years later, I am teaching, driving a bus (which relaxes me!), and teaching online on the weekend a few hours. Middle schoolers are a challenge, but Just love them like Jesus!
P.S. Find you a mentor teacher or buddy like this article states for adult learning and guidance.
I fully agree with this article. There is a great deal of stress – especially now that I’m a mom with an elementary child at home. I look back at my earlier years of teaching and I feel like I was a better teacher then because I had more time to devote to my classroom, and now I just can’t do it without sacrificing time with my family or sleep or both. There are many many many of my friends and coworkers on medication and there’s no shame in that, but it is a shame that it’s so common in our profession. I agree with many points in this article. Several of my teacher friends have started going to some exercise classes together after school which I think fits the buddy up rule and the get moving rule from the article and it sure does help my mood! I do think it’s important to invest time in yourself and a class like we go to is only 45 minutes out of the day and we can take our kids, so they can play together as well. It works out all the way around.
I absolutely love this idea! We have a teacher night once amonth, but this would be a great way to get fit mentally and physically.
As a teacher and a mother of three, the job never ends. Teachers are monitored closely and seem to have no rights when it comes to their classroom. We are reminded daily that scores must be up, students must work from bell to bell, and above all test…..test…..test!! It is no wonder teacher’s have anxiety or depression.
I can relate to this article as a mom of 4 young ones at home with only 2 of the 4 school age and about 60-70 high school students at any one time, I definitely experience my fair share of stress. Things I have to do is write it all out between school stuff and home life, I always feel better when I know what is going on and when. The more organized I am with school and at home, definitely alleviates my stress load. Things I have changed recently, is making sure I am taking a little time for me even if it is just to walk for 20 minutes. I also have been coming into work earlier as I find having some quiet time in the morning allows me to be better prepared for the day and I can enjoy my coffee in quiet.
This article is truly enlightening to me. I jotted down each thing you recommend, and I plan to include it in my life. For me, the biggest thing is allowing teaching to consume me. I now see, it is not selfish to have other interests and to have hobbies just for me to relax, refocus, and unwind. Thanks!
I am unfortunately not surprised to hear about the high rate of teacher depression/anxiety. Teachers have so much on them and are expected to do a perfect job every day. I agree with the article that teachers need to seek help. Teachers must take care of themselves if they deal with these issues. If nothing else, I agree with finding a buddy to help with the stress of being an educator.
I agree so strongly with “buddying up.” I’ve worked at a school where I had great, positive co-workers/friends by my side, and it was so nice to have those people there to just let out stress to when needed and boost each other up. Even just having that little bit of adult time during classes is so refreshing. It can be very hard interacting with moody freshman all day! On the other hand, I’ve had the opposite. I’ve been the newbie on the block with no one really to chit-chat with during class change, and I could tell a major difference in my mood by the end of the day. Honestly, I wasn’t really any fun to be around by the end of the day. Having those positive co-workers to share with throughout the day is really imperative to making the day go better, in my opinion anyways!
I definitely agree that teachers need “buddying up.” I’ve worked in a place where I got to be right across the hall from some really positive co-workers who turned into great friends I’ll have forever. These people helped build me up on days when my moody freshman felt like too much to handle and were there cheering me on when I had those teacher high days where I felt like I was really on my “A-game.” On the other hand, I’ve also been the newbie on the block and haven’t had anyone to share the good and bad times with, and the days felt so long that way. By the end of the day, I was honestly zero fun to be around and stressed to the max. Having that outlet of someone to share with throughout the day, whether it’s school-related or just life-related, is so important to having, maybe not a stress-free, but definitely a stress-less environment.
The idea of “Buddying Up” is a good one. It has been a tried and true method; that discussing the day’s experiences with a peer is a great stress reliever. Many good suggestions were brought out in combating stress by others posting comments. It’s not a one size fits all situation. Different things work for each of us but it is worth sharing them. There’s no use in “reinventing the wheel” so to speak if something somebody else does works for you. Good administrative support provides an environment for lower stress as well. Bless the good administrators.
I completely agree! You have to have a good support system of other teachers to be able to make it through and lighten your load mentally and physically! Most of my co-workers, including myself at one point, have been on or are currently on some type of medication to manage anxiety. I have been able to get off of my medication and found other ways to cope that this article mentioned. Investing in other sides of myself has been the most helpful in managing my anxiety without medication. Before, I would stay at the school way too late and still bring loads of work home. I learned that I had to let some of the least important things go from time to time and focus a little more on myself and my family.
I have been teaching for 20 years and have seen this first-hand with so many of my colleagues. I have worked with many teachers that are on anti-depressants due to the stress of teaching. I believe that tip number 5 is very important. Teachers who isolate themselves become overwhelmed with the profession much more quickly. Several of my teacher friends and I started a Bunko group many years ago. We get together once a month. This helps us enjoy each other outside the work place as well as, listen to each other so that if anyone is becoming too overwhelmed we can help.
Yes! It absolutely helps to have a buddy!
I find many things in this article to be very true. Having a teacher buddy that you can rely on to be a positive, supportive person when you need a break, need to constructively vent, or even need a shoulder to cry on can be instrumental to surviving as a teacher or in any other profession really. I also find that it is also very easy to get so caught up in trying to do my best and to squeeze in everything possible with such limited time constraints, that I end up staying at work very late on a regular basis, which in turn makes me start to dislike my job. I like the idea of putting a time limit on myself.
There are many good ways to help relieve teaching stress taught in this article. A few that stuck out to me were the buddy system, get moving, and establishing a routine. I know from experience that having a buddy you can ask to watch your class for a quick second will help alleviate anxiety that may come up in a moment. Sometimes, it just makes sense to take a minute to breath (or wipe away a few tears) and having someone you can trust and who your kids will respect makes a world of difference. Getting in a walk each day will help also, but of course if you’re like me, you need to have a routine or schedule in place in order to set your workload aside and go for a walk :). All three of these strategies are very helpful!
Yes I totally agree. Having a buddy system in place is a must to survive and thrive in teaching.
I think it is incredibly important for educators to be open to new ideas. Outside suggestions may seem odd at the time or even unwelcome, but if you are under stress frequently then what could it hurt? I have tried to learn how to accept feedback and make proper adjustments from my superiors/colleagues in order to make the job less stressful and more efficient. Of course, with every new email comes a new task or hat for you to wear as an educator. I enjoyed the article!
Anxiety and depression for teachers is definitely real! I have experienced this myself. I taught in the public schools for 12 years, and towards the end, I could feel myself spiraling down with each passing year. I was completely burnt out mentally and physically. Almost to the point that I disliked my job. And that was a place I didn’t want to be, because I was and still am very passionate about reaching my students and exuding that love of teaching for them. Having some teachers I could lean on for support was the one thing that kept me going as well as the need to reach out to my students. And I also think setting boundaries for projects, paperwork, phone calls, or whatever the task may be, can ease some of the stress of trying to “do it all.”
I agree with you…stress and anxiety unchecked have the power to take the “joy” of our profession easily.
I agree teaching is such a stressful profession. I have had many colleagues that have to be on anti-depressants. I think the “buddy System” is a great idea. Many of my teacher friends and I get together once a month outside of school hang out. This is so helpful because we can share our frustrations and encourage each other. No one understands the stress teachers face except teachers. Therefor, it is important to listen to each other and support and encourage each other.
I agree with this article. It is very easy to become stressed. I also agree that having a buddy is an incredible help. At my school most of the math teachers have the same planning period during the day. We get together and work through whatever we are going through on a weekly if not daily basis.
I think the only way to survive is by having those teacher buddies! They are a huge source of stress relief, collaboration, and help! They are often the only people who truly understand the pressure and stress that teachers have on them on a daily basis.
I agree with this article! So important to have a teacher buddy!
I believe having a good support system, whether it be a buddy teacher at work or friends/family, is important. Just having someone to talk with and/or do things with to relax is a must for teachers. Having buddy teachers who are in the trenches with you will provide that sounding board for ideas you might just need to get out your head in order to make sense of a situation that they can understand.
Everyone needs a buddy at school: someone to attend workshops with, carpool with, have lunch with staff development days. However, one must be careful that the buddy does not hinder the work. Sometimes after school, I need to be alone and work. Hanging around chatting can waste valuable time. Exercising is a grand idea, but who has the time? My schedule is already maxed out. Where do I get time to exercise? I have to settle for sitting outdoors to grade papers or plan. Recess can be a great chance to catch a breather while monitoring students as well. Medicine is never a good plan for stress in my opinion. If one is stressed to that point, it is time to change jobs or places. Do not stay somewhere you are unhappy. Life is too short to be miserable. Move on and find peace. Just my opinion! Teaching requires a lot from us daily. It is tough on a good day. If you are stressed, it is almost impossible.
I totally agree with this blog. Everyone needs a work friend. Someone who will listen, assist, and encourage. Life is stressful enough without misery at work.
A misery work environment is just a miserable life. Totally agree with your statement.
I agree with this article! I think one of the hardest things about dealing with depression and/or anxiety as a teacher is the fact that we ALWAYS have our brain turned on. Our profession doesn’t allow us to miss a day away from our students. I’ve found that missing a day just requires me to work even harder when I return to my classroom. You can’t have an off day! There is too much to get done! Testing weekly, objectives must be taught, student folders need to be checked and updated, Tier folders for behavior and academic need to be updated weekly, lists have to be made for this or that, parent contact, and the endless grading. We must test, test, test, and test! Our lesson plans, newsletters, and grade books must be kept up to date and posted online weekly for parents to be up to date on weekly information and grades.
I’m thankful that I’ve always had a “buddy” teacher that I can go to when things get too stressful. It’s nice to have a buddy to give you a pep talk, a different perspective, or just be a good listener. As teachers we just need to make sure we keep things in perspective and try to be there for our fellow teachers because at the end of the day we are all in it together. It’s a stressful job, but the end result is rewarding! And so worth it!
I agree with this article! I think one of the hardest things about dealing with depression and/or anxiety as a teacher is the fact that we ALWAYS have our brain turned on. Our profession doesn’t allow us to miss a day away from our students. I’ve found that missing a day just requires me to work even harder when I return to my classroom. You can’t have an off day! There is too much to get done! Testing weekly, objectives must be taught, student folders need to be checked and updated, Tier folders for behavior and academic need to be updated weekly, lists have to be made for this or that, parent contact, and the endless grading. We must test, test, test, and test! Our lesson plans, newsletters, and grade books must be kept up to date and posted online weekly for parents to be up to date on weekly information and grades.
I’m thankful that I’ve always had a “buddy” teacher that I can go to when things get too stressful. It’s nice to have a buddy to give you a pep talk, a different perspective, or just be a good listener. As teachers we just need to make sure we keep things in perspective and try to be there for our fellow teachers because at the end of the day we are all in it together. It’s a stressful job, but the end result is rewarding! And so worth it!
This topic is very dear to my heart. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder 8 years ago. Before seeking help through my primary care physician, I would come home from long, stressful days of teaching and just cry for hours. I was not coping. I was burdened with many things (worries over my students, lesson planning burdens, physical exhaustion, etc.) and unable to contribute to my family life. I finally talked to my doctor. She prescribed anxiety and depression medication. Coupled with an exercise routine and journaling, I eventually started to work through my stresses and responsibilities in a healthy way. I still continue these healthy practices and routines. Following this way of life has made a big impact in my teaching and in my personal life. I think teachers should definitely be honest with themselves over the way they are dealing with job-related stresses, and seeking manageable coping strategies is part of that process.
I found this blog’s insight extremely helpful and true. As a teacher of three courses and sponsor of four clubs, stress is a daily factor of my life. I am a very independent person, but I have come to appreciate the benefits of having a “buddy” as the blog suggests. Exercise and prioritizing are two of my favorites. These have assisted me with maintaining and surviving the anxiety and stress my life often times presents. Without some level of mastery with some or all of these suggestions, I don’t believe one could survive the walk of an educator.
I couldn’t make it without my 2nd grade team. Our hall is amazing at supporting each other. We all pitch in if someone is out sick or has personal things weighing them down. We have teachers’ nights out once a month. It is a great way to get to know each other outside of the school setting. We will meet and eat, go bowling, or have potluck at someone’s house. No one knows the struggles we deal with daily better than the ones dealing with it too. I couldn’t imagine going to work every day without such a strong support system.
The stress level for teachers is a real issue. I have been through the steps of seeing a doctor and even tried years of medicine. Even though it helped, I personally didn’t like the way I felt on medicine. I know it works for a lot of people, and I think that is great, but I chose other options and it has worked for me. I’m not saying that I never have “anxiety attacks” but I have learned how to cope with them and when I keep an eye out for my mental health I can help avoid it (sometimes).
I believe that my diet and exercise has made a huge overall impact on my stress levels. Being able to exercise, especially on difficult/stressful days, helps me burn off some “steam.” It is hard to exercise after a long day of work, but it is necessary for my health. I also like the idea of setting a schedule and investing in other sides of yourself. I have learned to set an alarm for me to leave school. No matter what isn’t finished, when the alarm goes off, I go home. I am finding that there is more to me than just wife, mom, and teacher. I have hobbies and interests that help me feel more like “me.” Invest in yourself whether that is through exercise, schedules, or finding new hobbies. Good teachers leave education every day because they are burned out. Invest in yourself!
Having a great support system in places definitely makes the job go smoother. I have found myself recently struggling because I don’t have a good support system at my currently location, nor does anyone that works here it seems; teams aren’t really teams, etc. It could be very beneficial to teachers if the team they are joining were part of the interview process in some way. Possibly a planning meeting with applicants to see if they fit into the team or if they felt the team was right for them. This could help in creative cohesion and harmony and support systems.
I agree that teachers need to “buddy up”, if at all possible. It’s nice just to have someone to listen and talk to you about things. One thing that is nice is just having an uninterrupted lunch break with your colleagues, while someone else watches your students at lunch, even if it is once a month.
Depression and anxiety are real, and it comes in waves. One year for a teacher may be completely free of depression and anxiety, and the next year everything that can possibly go wrong, does. Having a teacher who understands is huge. I also think it is important to let administration know when things are starting to get overwhelming. I have had some wonderful principals in the past who helped me think through my responsibilities, and come up with a plan of action that was doable. (Especially in my first few years of teaching).
I have also personally started doing yoga (from an app on my phone) every morning and that has helped A LOT! It is a way to start the day with relaxation, stretching, and “getting my mind right.” I think that is a great way to keep our minds rested and the improvements physically are an added bonus!
I agree stress is hard. I have anxiety and have for years. Routines and self care are important. I have decided in the last year to start a new hobby to relieve stress as much as possible.
Teacher stress is very real and very ignored by many in positions of power. My teacher buddies make life bearable when my students become too loud and too disruptive. I play tennis to help relieve stress. I also make time for myself which is easier now that my children are older. (My stress level was much higher when I had smaller children.) As testing becomes a bigger and bigger priority, the stress levels are increasing. Administrators really need to watch for teacher burnout because teaching is a critical field with a critical shortage.
I totally agree that teachers must have a coworker they can vent with. In many of the post individuals stated that; venting or talking with others is the key to less stress. Personally, 98% of the time, once I talk about my stress or get things off my chest, I feel so much better. It also makes me feel like I am not alone.
I fully agree that you should always have a teaching buddy. Not only to ask and seek advice, but for a someone to eye roll with. I know you know what I mean!
I can relate to this post in so many ways. Always wanting to please everyone especially in my work environment. Education is rapidly changing and the demand is greater by the day and the expectations of educators is, at times, unrealistic. Balancing work like and home life can cause major anxiety and fear. Am I doing enough?? Am I good enough??
I love where it talks about other sides of yourself. Teaching is so consuming! You have to spend time doing something very different from what you do at school. It really helps you to be able to unwind and focus on something besides school. If you don’t take this time, you can find yourself talking and thinking about school all the time and it will burn you out.
Having a teaching buddy is so important. When I taught Kindergarten, my teacher buddy helped me so much with planning activities and reaching struggling learners. Being that I’m the only librarian in my school, sometimes I find myself wishing I had a buddy that does what I do.
Having a “buddy” system is essential to being a teacher. A teacher needs someone that understands what they are going through to talk to about things that happen during the day or week at school. A “buddy” can even help you at times when you feel consumed with work that you just can’t seem to get through or helping with things that you may not understand.
With virtual learning and all the new changes in education with COVID, teachers’ stress level has really skyrocketed. A “teacher buddy” is more important more than ever for emotional support and technology support; virtual learning is new to me.
I agree with the article and strongly believe it’s important to have a “teacher buddy” to support you and to give you that feeling you’re not alone. There is a great deal of stress with the profession and it’s good to have someone that understands you and what your daily life is like.
With virtual learning and all the new changes in education with COVID, teachers’ stress level has really skyrocketed. A “teacher buddy” is more important more than ever for emotional support and technology support; virtual learning is new to me.
Stress can become the undoing of so many things in the career of teaching. A teacher needs to remember to take time for himself/herself, and to take time for family. Self time and family time are times for recharging. Spending time with friends and family can bring need joy and relaxation in to a teacher’s life. Having a buddy in the workplace also helps. Your person is what I refer it to, is a person in which you can confide negative thoughts to and know it won’t leave the room. This is a plus on relieving a stressful situation at work.
I am seeing more and more teachers suffer from mental health issues, such as deppression and anxiety. Most of it is work related, especially during this pandemic.
Exercise has been really helpful managing my anxiety from work. Two days a week a group of 4-5 get together for cardio dance. We forget the worries of the day and have fun together!
I do not know what I would do without my teacher buddies or my administrators for that matter! My teacher friends and I continuously check on each other! My administrators are absolutely the best at helping our staff! Today, for example, they set out a snack table for all staff members. They are constantly doing “little things” in attempt to make our day less stressful. We as teachers must take time out for ourselves as well! We have to remember that our health and well-being must come first. Our students suffer when our health and well-being suffers. Our mood sets the precedent for our classroom. When we’re stressed, the students recognize it and feed off of it! We must find those teacher buddies and have conversations! We are all in this together!
I love my teacher buddies and my administration. My co-workers are all so helpful and we actually like each other. We are a small community and all our lives are intertwined; we go to church together, children are friends and play sports together, etc. I think having these relationships and seeing that we are all in the same boat is extremely helpful. My administration understands that happy teachers get better results in the classrooms. They have fun activities and lunch dates planned throughout the year which relieves stress and keeps our work environment fun.
Had it not been for my teacher buddy I’m not sure that I would have made it through my first year teaching. Even now as a veteran teacher, having a teacher buddy is still such a blessing. I have also started investing in myself by leading a healthier lifestyle. I have noticed such a change in my attitude!
Oh man! I thought I was the only one to have Sunday night stress! I agree, wholeheartedly, with this article. My colleagues and I have said, “You don’t ask a teacher IF they are on anxiety medicine, you ask which one”! It is so important to have coworkers to support each other, even if it’s only to vent every now and then! I am lucky to be in a school that has great people, both co-teachers and administration, who totally support and understand the stress we are all under!
Had it not been for my teacher buddy I’m not sure that I would have made it through my first year teaching. Even now as a veteran teacher, having a teacher buddy is still such a blessing. I have also started investing in myself by leading a healthier lifestyle. I have noticed such a change in my attitude!
Teacher buddies would be my number one! Without my group of work friends I wouldn’t enjoy my job as much as I do! We work so well together and we do life together outside of school. We are a true representation of a TEAM.
Another great way to separate the workload is to establish a set routine. I decided when I had kids of my own, that I would not bring my work home. I had to draw a line between my work and my home time. That has been so wonderful in my ten years of teaching. It gives me the mental break I need to be recharged for the next day.
I agree that you need to have a buddy when you are a teacher. Sometimes you just need some. one to talk to or to vent with. Relieving the stress does. help in everyday life as a teacher
I am a teacher who also has kids in the same school. I think it is important to build a good relationship with your child’s teacher, but do not be overbearing and contacting them all the time. Even if I am friends with my kid’s teachers outside of school, I don’t necessarily expect any special treatment because of that. Having teachers I friends with is a necessity for getting through the school year in my opinion. Friends in the workplace gives you someone to lean on in tough times and laugh with in good times. We all need others to help us out so we can all perform our best.
Building relationships with co-workers is an important aspect of having a successful school year. These relationships make the job more fun, help alleviate stress, and assist with teaching effectively. If I am having difficulty reaching a student, one of my buddies usually has an idea.
It is difficult to be a teacher and parent. Next year my daughter will enter the same grade level that I am currently teaching. My challenge will be to not overthink or overcontact her teacher this year. It is a struggle because I want the best for her but I also have to be fair and understanding of my colleague who is an expert of her own classroom. My goal is for us to communicate openly and consistently so that we can provide the best year possible for her and for all of our students.
The two things that stand out to me in dealing with teacher stress are the buddy system and being active. My first year teaching was a hard one to be sure! I was in a challenging district and I was a first year teacher. I remember being overwhelmed one day on the verge of tears and a 6th grade seasoned teacher happened to be coming by my door. She called me to the door and told me to go outside and get myself together. She watched my class on her activity period for about 10 mins while I got myself together. Twenty four years later that has stuck with me and I will forever be grateful for her. I think when teachers know other teachers have their backs, it makes all the difference. We don’t feel so all alone, like its all on us! I also made running and working out a top priority to relieve stress and just overall physical well-being. My husband being a teacher too gives me a great sounding board at home as well.
Not only is teacher workload an issue, but so many teachers (like myself) are parents, wives, husbands, etc. We put so much energy into our roles as teachers, but then we want to have enough energy (mental and physical) to go home and be what our families need. We so often get exhausted during the school day trying to meet the needs of every single one of our students (and administrators). We have to know the curriculum inside and out (and build it- in my case), attend to students’ emotional needs, write lesson plans, modify lesson plans as needed, know the expectations of the MAAP test, analyze data, and get students to show growth on the MAAP test. Then you have school activities that are a necessary part of the elementary experience, but that take away a lot from the classroom. But the expectations are still there. Show growth on the MAAP Test! It can definitely stress teachers out!
I did not realize how stressful teaching can be until I became one. There are so many tasks that need to get done on a day-to-day basis. I also didn’t expect to be more than a teacher. For some students I am a parental figure, a nurse, a counselor, or a friend. The relationships built are what makes it worth it to me. Having a dependable support system within the school and community helps and can make all the difference. I definitely lean on coworkers for support and advice. I don’t think I could do the job without them and student relationships.
Stress on teachers is at an all time high post pandemic. Teachers have had to learn how to adapt to ever changes circumstances. Teachers have had to change their teaching methods due to this. They have had to change their classroom set up because of this. Teachers are constantly having to deal with illness among students and themselves as well. Which causes lots of absences and lots of work on the teachers part in reteaching and getting assignments to students after they have missed. Teachers definitely need a buddy or even a professional to talk to during these especially stressful times.
The article Stress for Teachers leaned heavily towards counseling and medication. Many teachers go that route, and if they need to, then that s what is best for them. It is hard to find a good work/home balance for sure.