I have a friend and former student in teaching. She recently wrote a post asking how to avoid burnout. Here is my response: Randy Grauerholz Well, it certainly isnt easy now-a-days. However, I found that this was always my calling and it certainly was a passion of mine. My focus was ALWAYS my students first, and I would fight tooth and nail for them. In dealing with parents, no matter how mean they get, try your hardest to kill them with kindness. If you become angry, they win. Though it is not a battle, your maintaining a professional and positive attitude will deflate them. And, if there is no end in sight, you can end the conversation with, I am sorry you dont agree with my reasoning, but I respect OUR right to disagree. Thanks so much for calling (or coming in.) For your own sanity, you need to end confrontation when there will be no meeting of the minds. And by doing it professionally, you come out on top. When dealing with administrators...try to remember that they were once in the classroom. The longer they are out, the more they forget. You need to remind them of what you are dealing with and how you are trying to accomplish what they want. DEFEND yourself to him and anyone else by firmly stating that standardized tests do not define your students and most certainly do not define you. Your love for teaching and music is reflected in each of your students and THAT is what defines you. As teachers, we must have thick skin and hold true to our beliefs as to what is right for students. You are fighting an uphill battle, Mary, but are young enough to do so! I left teaching at 55, when things were changing for the worse. However, my wife was already retired, and I was certainly ready for retirement. I have no regrets and truly relish my 33 years in the classroom and ALL the extra-curricula activities I was involved in. That is what gave me the greatest joy, especially the musicals! Hang in there, my friend....you are in the worlds most noble profession and it needs people like you in the classroom. XOXOXO
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 15:07:34 +0000
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