Dear We Are Teachers,
I really, really, really don’t want to go back to school. This is my 7th year teaching high school bio. Normally I recharge for the first half of break (alone time, movies, sleeping in) and then am social and festive the second half. But this time I’ve had little to no energy, and the thought of school starting next week makes me want to cry. I’m not thinking of quitting and I generally like my job. Is it possible to manifest motivation out of nowhere?
—Don’t Make Me
Dear D.M.M.,
Have you tried remembering your “why”? (I kid, I kid!)
First: can we normalize loving our jobs AND our rest time? Two things can be true! Not being ready to go back is totally normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re defective or shouldn’t be a teacher.
Here are some of my favorite ideas for boosting energy and/or motivating yourself that don’t require a huge lifestyle change or commitment. (Note: These are very different tips than I’d give to someone who is truly burned out.)
- For the rest of break, try to fit in at least 10 minutes of outdoor time every day. Better yet, try out this teacher’s recommendation to forest bathe if that’s available to you!
- Plan a lesson on something you absolutely love for the first day or two back. Pickleball? Crocheting? Putting together charcuterie boards? That’s your lesson plan now. The kids will love the break in monotony and you will love the zap of electricity straight to your teaching heart. (And your AP asks how this ties to content, say it’s community building.)
- Bring something back to school that will solve a problem for you. Are you freezing during the day? Bring a heated blanket. Do the long, dark days get you down? Get a therapy lamp or cheerful indoor plant. Do you hate your coffee going cold? Get a mug warmer! Taking control of what you can control will feel empowering, even if it’s something small.
Dear We Are Teachers,
I checked my email during break (I know, I know—that was my first mistake) and saw that teachers will be held to the same cell phone standards as students. They need to be off during the day, out of sight, and there will be consequences if we break the rules. Unlike students, we will be allowed to use them at lunch and during our conference periods. Am I looking for drama where there is none, or is this deranged?
—Sixty Going On Sixteen
Dear S.G.O.S.,
I’ve heard of this happening. No, I don’t think it’s deranged. But I do always think, “I do get their thinking. I do not get the lack of forethought.”
The truth is that teachers need access to their cell phones for very different reasons than students do. Daycare. Caring for elderly parents. Family emergencies they’re required to act on. School emergencies (they’re often a part of district safety plans). Communication from doctors or hospitals. It’s silly to equate teachers’ needs to access their phone with students’.
Now, are some teachers on their phones for unimportant reasons while they should be teaching? Should teachers generally try to remain off their phone while teaching? Yes, and yes.
A more appropriate leadership move would be to say, “We understand that teachers need access to their phones. And we trust that any time you’re on your phone during school, it’s because you need to be. But please try to remember that if we’re telling students they can’t use their phones because they’re a distraction, we ought to be modeling the same.”
Would I raise this point to my own administration? No. Let this one play out. My guess: no one will care by February. But in the meantime, adjust your settings so that any important numbers who need to reach you can bypass the do-not-disturb feature.
Dear We Are Teachers,
I have a student I struggled with all last semester. His behavior is the three Ds: defiant, disruptive, and disrespectful. I know I haven’t been fair to him, and I desperately need to repair my relationship with when we go back to school. But I don’t know where to start. Do you have any tips? The student is an 8th grader.
—The Grinch Had a Change of Heart
Dear T.G.H.A.C.O.H.,
First, I think it’s great that you’ve reflected and decided it’s up to you to repair the relationship. Yes, 8th graders are ruthless sometimes. But you have the advantage of a fully developed frontal cortex. He does not.
I actually think the best start is to talk to him in private and be completely honest, just as you were in your question to me.
“Hey, Sam. I wanted to chat with you about something. I was thinking over Christmas break that I really haven’t been fair to you. I’m really sorry about that. I’m the adult, and I should have modeled better behavior. I want you to know that I’m going to try harder this year, especially when it comes to offering a blank slate. Do you know what that means? Is it OK if I check in with you periodically to make sure I’m trying harder? Thanks.”
Knowing this type of teenager, there’s a strong chance he’ll frown and look at you like, WTF, lady. That’s OK. If you’re genuine in your efforts and really try to do better (and this really is about the relationship and not underlying factors beyond your control), things will turn around.
Do you have a burning question? Email us at askweareteachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear We Are Teachers,
My 1st grade partner teacher just told our group text that she isn’t coming back after break. I can’t stop thinking about everything I need to do to prepare for her long-term sub, not to mention how mad I am that my coworker just quit on us right in the middle of the holidays. What are the things I need to do now, and what can wait until later? I feel like this is ruining my break.
—This Couldn’t Have Waited?!