Stress.
Photo by Rick
Teaching can be stressful. Very stressful. In fact I read somewhere that at the moment more and more teachers are considering leaving the profession and the main reason given is stress. Look, I’m not saying it’s all bad because I have had some great times in the classroom and I know lots of teachers who find the whole thing incredibly rewarding. But………..
Let’s face it, if you put 30+ kids in a room with one adult and the adult has to teach them all, there is a huge potential for stressful situations. That’s one of the reasons why, as part of any program to reduce this possibility, you must amongst other things, plan effectively.
When I first started teaching I was aware that some lessons were more stressful than others but I didn’t go home feeling totally drained and very stressy - that came later. (that’s what you call career progression).
If you are new to teaching your gonna find that some classes are good and some are not so good and you’ve got them timetabled every week for the next year! For example, when I first started teaching Year 7 was a doddle. The kids were keen to please and learn and the discipline problems were minimal. I put this down to the kids being new to ‘big school’ and young enough to be impressed with the teachers presence. (note - my recent experience with Y7 shows a massive change in their behaviour. Read more…..) However, for my example, this shows that traditionally Y7 would usually be a good number. In contrast, lower ability Years 9,10, and 11 can rate higher on the stressometer and need to be handled differently (back to planning again).
Build a support system around you. This could start with other teachers within your department who maybe get together at break and lunchtime. This offers a time to share problems and get support from others. There’s nothing like a good bitch, about someone who has bugged you, to help vent some aggression. You realise that you are not alone and all teachers, regardless of experience, have problems with kids some time or other. It’s surprising how the same names of kids crop up in conversation.
Teachers often get so wrapped up in their little school bubble. They eat, sleep and talk school. I don’t know how they can relax when they get home? a bit of marking? planning? This is not my idea of any life so, unless Oftsted has sprung a surprise visit, I don’t take books home. All that school bollocks comes second to my home life. Do what’s right for you. If you are dedicated and enthusiastic put in some extra hours but watch the clock. There are other things in life apart from school. What’s the point of being a super teacher but having no life. You could turn into a boring school, school, school nerd. More than one marriage has broken up because of the stress of this type of devotion to work. Relationship beware!
Sometimes stress can be caused by the people that you work with. I have been lucky with most of the Head of Departments I have worked with, but there are some power-crazed individuals out there who can easily make life miserable if they take a dislike to you or if they’re just gits to everyone. There is a fine line between effective management in working relationships and work place bullying. Some people cannot handle the power they are given. Bullying, sexual harassment, racism and intimidation are not things of the past so if you think someone is attacking you with this shit, tell someone before it gets worse. We all have rights. If you’re not sure of yours, check with the union.
If things are getting out of hand in any way, it’s probably time to ask someone for help.
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