The Educators' Scoop

Ellen Moir (1990) of The New Teacher Center writes, "After six to eight weeks of nonstop work and stress, new teachers enter the disillusionment phase... The extensive time commitment, the realization that things are probably not going as smoothly as they want, and low morale contribute to this period of disenchantment. New teachers begin questioning both their commitment and their competence. Many new teachers get sick during this phase." Furthermore, by November, kids haven't yet demonstrated their learning in a way that matches our output of energy and effort. We can't get see the results of all that hard work. This is what makes us say to ourselves, Is it really worth it to work this hard?

What would happen if we devoted time and energy to tending to our physical and emotional needs?

Self-care is best when it’s planned proactively. That means taking the time to schedule important things for yourself and not overcommitting so that you do have time for you.

It’s important to note that self-care isn’t always spa appointments and bubble baths. More often than not, healthy long-term self-care is about setting limits, making positive time for yourself, and encouraging yourself to make good choices. It might mean waking up earlier to go to the gym, spending time reading your favorite book, or saying “no” when asked to lead an extra after school club.

To add more self-care into your life, choose a few activities that you think will help you. Don’t try to do them all. Stick to a few that you know you can commit to. Make a plan for yourself and reassess as you go.

Lashanta is a first-year Math 2 teacher at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Here is what her coach, Paige Laurain, has to say about her:

When you visit Ms. Richardson’s classroom, you walk into a welcoming and warm space. It's bright, decorated with thoughtful and intentional messages, and instantly makes you want to put your best foot forward to learn.

In her classroom, you will see her students engaging in productive struggle, having academic conversations, and working hard! She is always looking for ways to support her students and make her content engaging. I'm so thankful to be working with Lashanta this year because she is one of the hardest-working teachers I know! She intentionally plans lessons, dedicates time outside contract hours to tutor and support scholars, and continuously assesses the quality of her instruction and students’ understanding. As her coach, I am energized after every class I see or conversation I have with Ms. Richardson. She comes to each coaching session ready to engage, is reflective and thoughtful, and is open to trying new strategies.

From Lashanta: "It brings me much peace to be living within my purpose as a teacher. It has been a challenging journey to achieve this goal, as someone who had to face several challenges to my academic performance and job security. It took all of those obstacles to help me find my calling. I withstood the turbulences of home life, poverty, health, disabilities, and indecisiveness to achieve more than I imagined I would in my adulthood. Sometimes, I look at my resume in awe remembering a night during my childhood when a bullet could have gone through my room while I was asleep, and none of this would be. Because of my experience, I can relate to some of the obstacles that my students currently face. I know that if I could achieve despite those obstacles, they can too.

If it wasn't for mentors and coaches who saw my potential, educational programs such as TRIO and loving parents, I would not be here. I am now a first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a first-year teacher. They helped change the trajectory of my path. They advised me in my mission to dispel generational curses by providing access to opportunities, scholarships, financial aid for me and my family, and other resources. Now, my goal is to pay it forward and be the asset to my students that my support system was to me. I have found purpose and passion in helping youth navigate through the "ebbs and flows" of life, as I did while achieving academic excellence. I have found teaching to be the best way for me to serve youth and live out this purpose."

Thank you, Lashanta! You are truly an inspiration to me and your students!

Zachary is a middle grades teacher at Union Academy Charter School in Union County. Here is what his coach, Christina Rose has to say about him:

When I initially met Zachary, he shared that it was his mission as a teacher to not only teach to the best of his ability, but to create an environment where every student is valued and honored for their uniqueness. From the moment you step foot into his classroom, it is clear that he aims to live up to that mission on a daily basis. In his Health & PE classes, Zachary has dedicated himself to providing rich learning experiences infusing literacy skills and a focus on Wellness.

Zachary states, “My colleagues and I are doing the most important work, and it is important that our students see us well, and we must all embrace the notion that achievement is a product of Wellness. When students are well, they perform well in all areas of their lives.” And, with this mindset Zachary has committed himself to staying abreast of the latest research and science on the topic, relies on data to drive teaching and learning, and is highly reflective.

I commend Zachary for his determination, zeal, and innovation. He brings profound perspective, transformative power, and great joy to this great career field.

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