my advice....

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Home : 2004 : October : 13

my advice....
By Beth

Well, you found out what most young teachers (including myself, it's my 5th year) find out. You really can't trust anyone. I don't know what grade you teach, but I'm in middle school and I can tell you that the teachers act
like they are middle schoolers most of the time. I too, keep to myself, don't eat in the teachers room, and try to be as vague as possible when my co-workers ask questions about how I'm doing. I am friendly, but it is all small talk and all an act. I save my real feelings for my friends & family.
Honestly, you are at risk for burning out! Definitely make a to-do list & prioritize.

You should not be spending 12 hours at work, even as a 1st year teacher. Pick a time to leave and stick to it. I used to say, "whatever's not done by 5:30 will be there tomorrow". You can always spend 10 more hours coming up with a more creative lesson or grading more papers or planning more lessons... but then you are tired and sometimes sleep & relaxation is better for you and your students than doing 1 more thing. Then go do something fun... go to the gym, get a pedicure, meet a friend for dinner. A teacher with a life outside school is a happy teacher. I love my job, but it doesn't define me.

As for the isolation, use your lunch hour to do something you like. Call a friend, e-mail someone, read a magazine, a book (non-teacher related), write in a journal, take a drive if you have time, sit in a park & enjoy your lunch. You need it and deserve it.

You obviously love the kids and are doing a good job in the classroom, you really can't worry about gossipy women at work. It's really sad and pathetic that the s can act worse than the students. It will take a long time until you get a read on everyone at work. I just now am realizing who is trustworthy at work and even now I'm finding that certain people I have trusted have broken that trust by relaying our private conversations to other people. Professional relationships at work... Personal Relationships outside of work.

Keep up the good work.