Earlier this week a blog post came through my twitter feed from a teacher who walked away from the profession. I recommend you read the post first. Don’t worry, I’ll still be ranting when you get back.
The raw emotion in that post struck a chord, the ugly side of our profession that we don’t talk about all that much teacher burnout.
It’s the feeling of being constantly exhausted but not being able to sleep. Where it seems to take forever just to make the to do list let alone accomplish any of the tasks on it. When a small set back suddenly becomes the worst thing ever.
I hate being one of those teachers counting down the days until the holidays.
But here I am.
15 more school days.
I have no idea how people with young children do this job because come holidays the plan is to fall into an exhausted heap for the first week.
A lack of sleep (not helped by midnight earthquakes) and a very busy week ahead: a large sporting event, learning conferences and less then two weeks out from school-wide production. It’s all totally do-able and like other teachers I’ll just suck it up.
And that’s me for the week.
Teaching the Teacher 
Hi Stephanie,
I will admit I cried over that post. Another great teacher has left the profession. I hope he goes back to teaching.
As a teacher with a 9 and 11 year old I can tell you I couldn’t do this job without an incredibly supportive husband who only works part time. In the 15 years I have been teaching I have noticed that teaching and prof dev has to change to reflect family commitments. This is why you don’t see many people with children on twitter and at conferences. Teachers with kids often aren’t the innovative, thoughtful teachers that you are. There just isn’t time. For me I couldn’t keep going without the support of my GP and his medication when the going gets rough. I think as a teacher it is important to constantly assess your life and prioritize what is important. One of my GP’s told me to get a hobby that was scheduled in and I couldn’t duck out of. I think this was the saving of my teaching career. One night a week away from work and teachers to be normal.
I think the amount of PD you do and the innovation in your class is fantastic. You are going to be a very successful teacher and rise as far as you want to. Keep reminding yourself of the great things you are doing. It is no bad thing to be aware of how much you need a break to revitalize yourself so long as you look forward to going back to school again.
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That article was difficult to read. Many of our teachers struggle with this realization and lack of satisfaction in their profession. We have a string of variables that can make and break our spirits, especially if they line up just right.
Thanks for the moment of reflection.
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