A TEACHERble Moment

As a teacher, the idea of finding “balance” seems like a foreign concept to me. It’s not just because I teach English (no pun intended), but striking a balance between work and personal life feels almost impossible, especially in the teaching profession. During challenging times like these, it’s important to take a step back, or maybe even a few steps back, from the job demands.

Here’s my “teacherble moment” on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Bring On The Balance

Maintaining balance is key for your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. How else are you to sustain your energy and perform your best on the job? You simply cannot without balance.

As a teacher, I’m always on the move. Right now, I’m already thinking about next month lesson plans and test prepping, even though it’s only Tuesday and after school hours.

I struggle to disconnect and leave work at work. I have been told, well fussed at, countless times that I should only work during designated hours. But as a teacher, I’m always working. It’s a necessity okay.

For me, working looks like this:

• Preparing for upcoming readings.
• Strategizing for future lesson planning.
• Reviewing textbooks for key information.
• Researching online for additional materials and resources.
• Visualizing the flow of today’s lesson in my mind.
• Selecting specific educational standards to emphasize.
• Anticipating students’ reactions to today’s lesson.
• Printing necessary handouts for the day and upcoming week, accounting for absent students.
• Recording attendance and updating absent students on missed material.
• Adjusting today’s PowerPoint presentation to include new content or updates.
• Providing the class with an overview of current progress and upcoming tasks, considering various factors like school activities and absenteeism.
• Collecting and grading student assignments.
• Creating PowerPoints for visual learners.
• Organizing students into small groups for collaborative activities.
• Gathering state testing materials.
• Managing and analyzing available data effectively.
• Monitoring and managing activities on Google Classroom.
• Ensuring an adequate supply of pencils and paper.
• Engaging with and supporting a diverse range of student personalities.
• Updating the date and revising agendas, objectives, and standards.
• Interacting with students and checking in on their progress and well-being.

It’s highly probable that there is something I overlooked, but you understand the gist, right?

Be Kind To Yourself

Even a light switch has to be turned off, just like televisions, cars, alarms, and yes, even you.

Your profession does not solely determine your worth, and it should not consume your entire existence. It is an element of your life, and maintaining a healthy balance in this regard is pivotal, just as it is with any other aspect of life.

1. Establishing a schedule can truly make a difference.

Allocate time to complete tasks each day, and then start fresh the next day.

Avoid attempting to cram too much into a single day.

Remember, you are just one person.

2. When grading papers, it’s important to remember that not every assignment requires grading. Create space for this in your grading process.

Imagine this: You have a class of 125 students who each turn in around 3 assignments per day from Monday to Friday. That adds up to a 1,875 pages of papers to grade. The sheer volume of work is just overwhelming!

One approach to managing this workload is to incorporate some of the assignments as practice and review materials. This can help lighten the load and make the grading process more manageable.

Don’t forget to take breaks! It’s essential to give yourself time to recharge and relax before diving back into the pile of papers.

Your well-being is just as important as getting through these assignments

3. Give Yourself Grace

Tomorrow is a new day, which is why our work hours are set at 8 hours, not 24. You will have the time to accomplish what needs to be done, but only if you prioritize self-care. You deserve it.

While taking care of the job, take care of you while you’re at it!

Lesson Closure

I am not suggesting in any way that you should simply walk away from your job. You have a commitment and passion for what you do.

However, it is important to remember that while we may love our work, we also need to remember to love ourselves.

If we lose our balance, who else will be able to perform our duties? That’s why we must establish and maintain a balance that is healthy.

You and I are capable of achieving this!

Homework Assignment

For your homework assignment, please visit the link https://www.verywellmind.com/maintaining-balance-in-your-lifestyle-3144738 and listen to Dr. Elizabeth Scott’s advice on how to achieve additional balance in your life.

I typically expect an ‘A‘, but I am willing to make an exception for a ‘B‘ if it is earned through maintaining a sense of balance.