Stop Trying To Please Your Place Of Work

Last week was super hectic. We had a long week of school last Monday through Thursday. Then Friday was suppose to be a day for the teachers to catch for this year, and unfortunately we got dealt a PD class for the whole day. Now, granted, we had a lot of fun, but by the end of the day, we were dead tired, like for real for real.

We honestly could have used that day for our mental health, to get done all the extra stuff that is being asked of us, and to do some good house keeping with our curriculum. But we never got that chance. Instead we were force feed a PD that we really didn’t need.

So instead of coming into work all stressed out and trying to catch up, I took my time coming in. I went to Wal-mart, got the much needed supplies for my students to make my day to day go smoothly. I also took my time making sure I got breakfast in me. I am asked to be at work by 7:30 am, but I don’t have my first class until 8:50 am. I needed that time this morning to get my bearings and help set my students up for success. I didn’t need anymore Hoorah pep talk Professional Developments. I need help! If it doesn’t save me time in the classroom, or assist me with my students in anyway, or take some of the heavy burden from my plate, I don’t want it!

For students to have a safe and caring classroom, teachers needs need to be met. But unfortunately, more tasks and delegations get added to our plate. When the state wants to implement a new policy, it falls on the teachers. When the Admin has a new grandiose idea, it falls on the teachers. But when do we actually get time to lesson plan, prepare, and teach our students? Very rarely. Use your family time and your time to do all the extras. That is why my district alone has over 200+ open teaching positions. We can’t keep teachers in the long term, by forcing more upon them.

So next time you think you need to please your boss, ask yourself; “would my boss do the same for me?”. If you want to last long in this career of teaching, in Texas, you need to put your needs first, because no one else will.

Cheers.

-E