Okay so I just typed an entire blog and it got lost in cyber space- so here I go again. Since I have been having a brain dead week, this thread will just continue.
I believe that teachers have always given way more than they got in return. Taking work home, sponsoring clubs, and coaching all seem to be in a days work. In our arena CTO's have been around for a long time. All this to supplement the classroom education of students. Unfortunately in this climate money has become tight, basic salaries are being cut, & I fear we have not reached bottom. In addition most teachers are asked to do more planning, be more creative, challenge students more in the course of the day. Parents are stressed with daily life and the volunteerism and support does not appear to be increasing. (I had 2 parents for open house!) The thought of pay for student performance gives me the shivers.
So what are we do to? Well I can honestly say that I have never worked harder at a job, and I have had more than a few jobs in my working days. As my program ramps up, I find that weekends away at workshops or CTO competitions have taken time away from home, with no financial support from my employer. Yet I am expected to continue extra offerings for the continuation of the program.
Having said all this, I truly believe that each of us has to make our own personal decisions as to what we choose to give beyond our basic curriculum. Our family responsibilities and personal financial situation must come first. In addition, we must be pro-active to ensure that what we are asked to do beyond the classroom is what we really want to do.
Agreed. We are constantly being asked to do more with less. I always took work home last year, only to find it consuming my entire sanity. I too have never worked harder at a job in my life, but at some point you have to separate school from home. I don't think it's being selfish, as a matter of fact I think it's made me a better teacher. Teaching isn't a job...it's a lifestyle, but when I come home most days I do a pretty good job of leaving my school issues at school. I think it's important to not spread yourself too thin. We all do so much at our schools and for our schools that before we know it we are practically living there. Remember the priorities. Family first!
ReplyDeleteThe work load is overwhelming. It's difficult to balance the classroom and HOSA responsibilities. As I understand it, HOSA is practically like a second job. Drawing the line is difficult. What do you do when additional responsibilities are added to an already overly full day? How do you separate school from work when you are required to go to workshop after workshop, club meetings, etc? I have no answers to offer. Hold on for spring break, then hold on for summer. I agree with Hal, FAMILY and EMILY first!
ReplyDeleteI also, agree with the fact we are ask to work harder for less compensation and do more with less time and funds. I have always found it very hard to juggle the amount of time I spend at work and the amount of time I spend at home. I have found that if you do not find a balance then you get lost and very frustrated and confused. I think you should always allow time for yourself, in order to rest and have time to reflect in order to do a better job. If you are always just doing instead of being able to sit back and make sure things are going right then I think, what's the point. I get so much out of watching students grow. I think that even in hard times students can be taught how to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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