How can I perform better in my role as a teacher?

I love being a teacher. However, there are so many parts to teaching that I am losing my ability to connect with kids and be the best teacher to them. There are constant absences, quarantine, school interruptions for activities/sports, etc. I feel like if I taught a small group then I could really teach them and make a difference. I also love my coworkers and principal. I could not imagine leaving the place that I currently work. I am wrapping up the school year but I want to finish it strong and not just survive the year. What tools could I use to help me focus on what is really important and be a better teacher?
Asked by Bologna
Answered
05/04/2022

Thank you for this question. Teaching is a difficult job without a pandemic, so it is understandable that things would feel even more difficult trying to teach during COVID! I appreciate that you want to finish the year strong, and it shows your dedication to your craft. As important as that can be, it is also a good reminder that you need to also take care of yourself! There is a self-care assessment your therapist can provide to give you specific ideas about self-care if you do not know where to start.

 

Now, let’s dive into your question a bit more.

 

You stated you don’t feel like you are connecting with the kids, and this is affecting your ability to the best version of yourself at work. There are a lot of reasons why this might be occurring, and you have named a few of them, mostly related to the pandemic. These variables are out of your control, and that can be extra frustrating. One thing I would recommend here is to try and return to the things you do have control over. By focusing on things that can you control and letting go of things you don’t control, you have more bandwidth in your brain to work with and that helps you be your best self. This is easier said than done, though. A few things you can try to help with this include grounding and mindfulness techniques. These can be done quickly and free, which makes them perfect for the classroom. The other good thing about these techniques is they are useful for everyone, so you can do them with your students and that can also help foster a connection in the classroom. A few mindfulness techniques include noticing the 5 senses, doing paced breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Some grounding techniques include naming all the items in a specific category you can think of, such as naming the states or all the colors you can think of, counting backwards by 7, and saying a positive statement while tapping your fingers together. For example, you might say “I can do this” and tap your pointer and thumb, then thumb and middle finger, etc. and saying one word for each tap. This can bring you back to the present moment and remind you to be in the moment with your students.

 

Another thing I would try is to think about why you liked being a teacher in the past and what values you get from being a teacher. What is the why behind your behavior? What motivates you and drives you? Do you enjoy seeing a kid read for the first time or make a new friend? Can you be active in looking out for the times those things happen? What are the smaller behaviors that bring you joy in the classroom? I would try and look out for those small joys throughout the day very mindfully. Another way to get motivated and focused is to learn something new. Novelty releases those good feeling chemicals in your brain and it can get you excited to try some new things in the classroom, too.

 

Lastly, it sounds like you have a good support system in your co-workers. Have you spoken to them about your difficulties? Having someone who understands your point of view and is going through something similar can help you feel less alone. They also may have tips that have helped them in the same situation.

 

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your school year and that these suggestions are helpful in your journey!

(PhD, BCBA-D)