I actually had another post I was working on, that was more fun, but I happened across an article, Move On Before You Burn Out, and I felt inspired. I'm talking about when teachers have pulled out all of the stops, used all their tools from their very extensive tool bag, and are still left feeling...blah, empty, deflated, or maybe none of these. What if you have "exceeded your potential" in a current job. Sometimes we just need a change, to better ourselves. Change is good, scary yes, but most of the time it is good for a person. I have had a few of these changes in my professional life.
The first time I incurred one of these changes, I actually asked my principal to let me move grades. I had been teaching the same grade for 4 years, and was ready for it. There was nothing that happened, I got along with all of the other grade level teachers, but there did seem to always be tension and bickering between a few. Now, there were 11 or 12 teachers (not to mention paras); I do not really think anyone would expect any less when you have that many women working so closely together. Am I right? This was my first move. I made lightly of it saying that I had "graduated kindergarten" and went on into first grade. All was good, and I loved first grade!
My next "change" came when my son was to begin Pre-K. I taught at a, hands down, FANTASTIC elementary school, but it was not in the county we lived in. I wanted my son to go to school in the county we lived in, paid taxes in, played sports in, and went to church in. I pursued a job at one of those elementary schools and was hired at the school we were zoned for...SCORE! It was so bitter sweet leaving a school and people I loved so much. I cried when I told my principal that I had even put in an application- before I was even hired. I knew I had to do it though, for my son, so I could be closer to him. I cried and cried and cried packing up my classroom and turning my key in. My friends/co-workers had been with me from the very start of my teaching career, seen my belly get huge, and watched me waddle down the hallway carrying my son. This kind of change is hard. You know it has to happen, but you are walking into the unknown, which is scary and uncomfortable.Remember me saying that I graduated? Well, I "graduated" again, to second grade. Nothing is as tough as a person imagines in their head, right? My first year was rough, and I constantly had to stop myself from comparing one school from the other. There were only 4 teachers in my grade, it was different. We all brought something different to our friendship. We were so tight knit- and let's not forget to mention our classrooms were a brisk walk away from the rest of the school, so we did in way stick together. At some point we heard through the grapevine that we were "stuck up". Hah, I mean come on now, we are all grown-ups. I'm pretty sure they could have come up with something else to describe us, awesome would work. We had the best time, our lunch recaps were ones to write home to mama about! Had it not been for my co-workers, I can't say that I could have stuck it out. Now, this next part doesn't really make a difference in the post, but apparently this post has turned into my professional life story and this was a very profound moment for me. If you know me then you know that:
1. I'm a rule follower.
2. I'm strong and pretty much keep my emotions in check 99% of the time.
3. I respect my administrators and others in authority.
The short story is that after a peer team "walk-through", we (myself included) had to debrief. I was belittled, made to feel inferior, and I cried in front of my peers and administrators. I was so embarrassed and mad at myself for crying in front of them. Maybe I did forgive, but it is something I will NEVER forget.
After three more years, and my son moving to a private school, I was in a rut. I had the empty, deflated feeling and I knew it was time for a change. I truly enjoyed the "art of teaching." Also, if you have not already heard that "art" is currently becoming lost in mumbo jumbo blah blah blah from those who earn the big $$$ but have spent little time in a classroom. What teacher hasn't questioned their self and their choice of profession at one time or another? I was almost at the "burn out" stage of teaching. I prayed big time for a change to come my way.
My newest change is a biggie. I am moving on, and I feel like I should be more nervous than I am. I am moving from the public school system to the private school that my son attends. I am ecstatic, even though you may not be able to tell because remember I keep my emotions in check. This year is the first in a while that I've felt genuinely excited for the new school year to get started. Things will be much different for me. I have to adapt and learn an entire new curriculum. I am not scared. I am not nervous. I cannot wait to finish organizing and setting up my new classroom. I cannot wait to teach this new curriculum and combine it with my past 11 years of experience. I am beside myself to be excited about being able to "teach." I once had an administrator tell me I was a natural. When I'm in a groove, I feel like a natural too.
Once I was told that in order to better yourself, you must be able to make yourself uncomfortable. When one becomes too comfortable, then it is time for a change.
What have you moved on from in order to keep from burning out? Teachers, are you looking forward, moving on, or letting go? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
What have you moved on from in order to keep from burning out? Teachers, are you looking forward, moving on, or letting go? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
#imreallynotburntout #neededachange
#forwhatitsworth
#forwhatitsworth
