I don't know about all of you, but the start of this new school year has really been a wild ride. In honour of World Teachers' Day tomorrow I just had to make sure I get this post out.
Lately I've been feeling really overwhelmed and stressed at work. There's this crazy expectation for us teachers to suddenly fulfill two roles when we're still just one person with the same few hours in the day as before. With the new way of doing things most teachers are expected to be online or virtual teachers while also still fulfilling traditional teaching roles in the classroom. I still have to mark books, plan lessons, prep resources and create a Pinterest worthy classroom on top of having to create virtual lessons, review and give feedback on my virtual submissions and answer endless questions from bewildered parents struggling to juggle their own lives and their children's education.
Our administration also seem to have forgotten that there's only so many hours in the day and the never ending work load is taking a serious toll on our mental health and well-being. But we simply get told: That's just the way it is now. I'm struggling to cope with all the extra pressure and added expectations and I'm also so concerned about my kids. This isn't what school means to them or what school should be. I know many may be struggling with behaviour problems or a disinterest in learning and it's clear to see why. The way I've explained it is that for most children the most exciting part of their school day is not learning that a collective noun is the word used to name a group of things, or that double facts can make addition easier. No, the most exciting part of their day is experiencing their learning with their friends.
A friend of mine was telling me how she took her kids to go back to school shopping at the start of the year. They hadn't been inside a mall in over six months at that point and were so excited for things to go back to normal. When she told them that the school was allowing them to take a game with to keep them occupied at break time, they were so excited! Until she explained it had to be a game they could play by themselves or with a friend so long as they didn't have to share anything. "So we won't get to go outside and play, or share our games with our friends? But then what can we do?" This was the heartbreaking response she got. For 6 long months they had been stuck at home and were so excited to go back and play with their friends and for things to return to normal, only to be struck with the reality that this is our new normal and that school isn't the same anymore.
So yes, teaching is so tough on a normal day, in normal circumstances. But right now, it's almost unbearable. The late nights, endless emails and messages. Neverending changes that result in doing things three, four and five times over. And toughest of all, not getting to enjoy teaching for what it is. We can't give our kids hugs when they're having a bad day or a high-five when they solved the problem. We can't all play and be silly or put our heads together and share in our learning the way we did before. Despite all these challenges I've tried to make the best of it. To take the time to celebrate the small victories in class. To not put too much pressure on my kids and to lower my expectations because I know that for the most part, they're doing the very best they can in the worst of circumstances.
And as for myself, I'm trying to take it day by day. And I couldn't do it without my amazing team and my teacher friends. They're the ones who are there to support me when I'm drowning, when I feel like a complete failure. When I burst out in tears they're there to dry them off and give me comforting, supprotive words. Teaching has never been a solo endeavour and now more than ever I know we truly need each other. Through the good and the bad, through differences and disagreements, we need each other. To be there to support each other when we're down and praise each other for our triumphs. I am so appreciative of their camaraderie and this wonderful bond that we share.
Here's to all the teachers! Never forget all you've achieved and all you've overcome. Support one another, work together and hold your heads high! Be proud of your efforts and never forget that while teaching may be tough, you are tougher!
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