If you were on social media at all, 2022 was ripe with negative teacher content. Posts and videos showing emotional teachers in their car crying over student behaviors or packing up their rooms as they not so quietly quit! Man, that was rough to watch! Admit it, we all have been there. I personally spent a few LONG nights thinking about my life's choices and searching the local job board for something I could do instead of being in the classroom. Then I snapped out of it! I do NOT want to be like that! I left my job on purpose nearly 8 years ago to get out of the toxic corporate work environment and be more 'present' with my young family. I certainly wasn't young, my kids were, but I digress. Now that I reflect, did I trade like for like and simply step into another circle of hell? It's possible. How do I improve the situation of teachers in general? I can't. Plain and simple. People come and go from this profession for a variety of different reasons. There is no shame. You do you Boo. How do I improve the situation for MYSELF and my teacher besties like you? That I absolutely can control. It starts with the work vibe. A good work vibe is essential. It really doesn't matter what "work" is. If you think back to a job you loved it was probably one of two reasons. You REALLY liked what you did...OR...you tolerated what you did and your co-workers made it awesome! Then you moved on because of money, family obligations, etc., etc. Rinse and repeat until you found what stuck. For me that was the allure of a pension and summers off. I won't lie. Again, as I did 8 years ago, find myself knee deep in problems, albeit different problems. This time it's not a long commute or crappy doctors yelling at me. It is unrealistic testing demands, pushy parents, crazy student behavior, and absent admin. Now what? Do I move on like the thousands who will this year? Absolutely not! The grass is NEVER greener on that other side. I want to stay. I want to create and maintain a vibe at school and on my platforms that promote positivity! Can I still blow off steam to my teacher bestie? (girl you know who you are!). That is a must! Can I make content that highlights what we need to improve in education with humor and a tiny sprinkle of seriousness, heck yes! Will I find myself in situations either complaining to complain or participating in online content that drags everyone and everything down in the process? Absolutely NOT anymore! My goals for the new year are simple. I will continue to spread joy through really freaking funny kindergarten stories. To make digital content that helps teachers who just need that extra boost to make it through the week. Show people how to work that side hustle on TPT or Etsy in a real and attainable way. Most importantly, I will NOT get caught up in the water-cooler drama anymore! This year I will walk away from anything that doesn't promote a positive vibe. Unsubscribe from it. Delete it (or them). Whatever it takes, in the name of positivity and good mental health. As always, I need awesome people like yourself along for the ride. Let's do it together and make 2023 a great one! Love you, bestie! Mrs. R
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2023
Categories |