My teaching experience in Georgia has been quite a different experience compared to Massachusetts. Juggling thirty-two students in each class, having to write all new curriculum for three classes, receiving twenty-two observations, and my own two young children, I feel like burn out should be my middle name! However its not because I learned one very important thing this year...
So my final piece of advice would be to take care of yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I find that eating right, getting rest, exercising, drinking lots of water, and just taking care of myself has allowed me to keep my sanity. When I feel better, I do better.
My first year at my school I could not believe the turn over rate, ever year we have had at least thirty new teachers. I remember in NTI for my county it was said that a large percentage of teachers quit after the first year. The burn out rate is incredible but I have realized that we can not give these kids everything they need unless we are complete. So that is my final advice to take care of yourself and I wish I was boarding the plain now :)
Happy Holidays!
I agree. I got into teaching because I felt like I can make a differences. If we give up on these students now, they will not have anyone to help them to the finish line. I want to just adopt all my students and let them know that everything will be alright. Teaching has burned me out, but like you say if you have balance, then anything is possible. Thanks for this!!!
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