Comments on: 7 Things That Will Rob You of Your Joy as a Teacher

By: Katherine Garrison

Katherine Garrison — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:30:07 +0000

I still struggle with #1 even after taking classes. I put in a system that I can do and admin didn’t back it up. I put in the system admin liked and I failed. It feels like the one area I pray and seek His help and wisdom on the most and yet hear nothing.

By: Chelsea Grissom

Chelsea Grissom — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:20:52 +0000

I need encouragement in a reset. I get focused on doing everything the ‘right’ way that when it’s a process, I have a hard time starting it. My principal is awesome but I am overwhelmed with where to start and feel like I don’t have time to really sit down and make a plan. When I know what to do, I become afraid that if I don’t get it right or am vigilant enough that all my progress will be lost, I won’t be successful, etc. I feel like I’m trying to just survive and do the best I can, but my anxiety seems to get in the way every time.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 30 May 2016 13:26:29 +0000

I am a seasoned pre-k teacher and have loved it through criticism and difficulty. But, this year has been devastating both physically and emotionally. The stress is so bad that I have developed facial tics.
I am a Christian and trust God daily to get me through each day at school, but exhaustion keeps me from doing virtually anything at home.
Parents are my greatest difficulty. Their expectations are way over the top, and they do not like to hear anything but praise about their child. A parent complained to our director that I was negative about his child simply because I told them that I felt like the child would benefit from a hearing test.
The straw that broke the camels back was when one parent flat out said that her child acts the way he does because I don’t pray for my students. This completely devastated me.

By: TT

TT — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 20:31:12 +0000

In reply to Noemi. This comment is very helpful to me as a new teacher. Focusing on parents, school boards, or home life of students can be so draining . Being a teacher has shown me all my warts and prickers and has driven me to my knees for strength and support from God. What a learning experience this has been!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 20:30:33 +0000

By: Faith Ripple

Faith Ripple — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:44:19 +0000

Sometimes, team building activities in my classroom are less about the kids and more about the teacher. Kids get stressed out just like adults. Sometimes when things aren’t going well, it is time for a reset in your classroom. Planning activities that can let our hair down for a few extra minutes or that will give us back a sense of common ground can be just want the doctor ordered to get our class chaos and control issues controlled. When I see that my kids are getting out of control, sometimes it is less about what I’m not doing and more about where they are. I teach in a school with really high rigor – all core classes are pre-AP or AP classes. The work load is only compounded second semester as a majority of my students start college classes as freshmen in high school. Sometimes we all need brain breaks to release the tension and get back to even keel.
I started this post by saying it was more about me, the teacher. During second semester, I start to face the burn out of the same students doing the same things. I need to see my students in a different light. I need to remember they are humans who don’t just turn work in late or whatever other trait is getting under my skin at the moment. If we can team build, it reminds me of their other shining qualities and I can come back to center and keep going til Spring break!

By: Susannah

Susannah — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 02:54:34 +0000

I’ve been thinking about focusing on positive happenings in my class instead of always stressing about how to fix the problems. I think I tend to let the problems overshadow all the good things that happen. Staying away from negative discussions is huge for me too! I feel worse after hearing a lot of “dirt”.

By: M Keith

M Keith — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:57:19 +0000

So thankful I found this website! I do not work with a lot of believers and often feel alone in my journey as a Christian teacher. I love the encouragement I’ve found on this site! #5 is probably my biggest struggle as a wife, mom, and teacher. I’ve found that when I do have my priorities straight, I’m a lot less stressed.

By: Noemi

Noemi — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 06:05:15 +0000

Focus only on things you can control.
You can’t control what a child didn’t learn in previous years, what their home life is like, how parents will treat you, or how the school is run. You can only control what goes on in your classroom. Make each day count.

By: anita

anita — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 06:41:28 +0000

In reply to ME. Wise words. Thank you.