burn out

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Home : 2002 : January : 26

burn out
By Cathy-Dee

I don't know if teacher's work longer than in the past. I think it's not so much the hours that are different, it's what we do now that has changed. Computers are now a big part of our careers which opens up projects, research,
etc., that teachers simply didn't do in the past. And overall education has become much more "individualized" so teachers do more planning quite often to meet the needs of all those students. I've been out of school now for a few years, I don't remember my elementary years that well, but as far as Jr/Sr high went, I remember many of my teachers working late after school. I often

rode my bike in the neighbourhood and would see a teacher's car in the parking lot and on weekends too.

I do know our lives overall tend to be much busier. We are a very social generation and that can lead to other stresses as well. We don't want to spend hours at work.

While it's commendable that you do spend long hours at school, it will add to that burn-out feeling. Why not try setting aside at least 2 nights per week where you leave the school no later than 5:00 p.m. And leave at least one day on the weekend free from any type of school work. Although we do have to put in extra time - no one - including first year teachers - should live at their schools. You need your own life too.

The first year is always the hardest - next year things should be easier and so on. The hardest years generally are the ones where you switch grades because you have a new curriculum to deal with. I think you can easily keep your ideals and still have a "personal" life, you just need to give yourself a bit more time.