Among all of their endless strengths, teachers and educators in general are really good at telling it how it is. Over the last couple of years, unfortunately, this has resulted in a lot of talk about some not so enjoyable topics, like teacher burnout, feeling unappreciated, and contemplation around leaving the teaching profession altogether. It's tough to blame them as, ever since the pandemic began, their workloads have increased and support has waned. If nothing else, members of the education community have (in a large sense) realized how dire the situation has become and educators have become much more comfortable with sharing their own thoughts and displeasures with the sacrifices they've made throughout this time, including many of which (like these) that are brutally honest and sometimes heartbreaking.
Let's kick things off with this reminder about the importance of disconnecting. There simply aren't enough hours in the day (or in the weekend) for you to be worrying about pleasing everybody. So, don't feel bad about intentionally setting some time aside to unplug.
Also, remember that, despite all those attempts to contact you, some of them might be to thank you. Though it's probably not 100 percent of the time, there are usually more people, including parents, colleagues, administrators, and even strangers who do know how hard teachers are working.
And, as everyone wrestles with the best course of action amid the most recent COVID-19 surge, know that you're not alone. Plenty of educators around the world are struggling with how to react to what's expected of them. And, it's nearly impossible to find that balance between feeling safe, feeling appreciated, and feeling effective.
We know that a lot of that anxiety stems from new needs that both students and other school personnel have. Though it's natural for teachers to want to help everyone, it's not exactly possible—especially in this climate and with co-workers seemingly leaving every day. You can't fix everything on your own.
But, as educators return to school buildings after some time off, those fears are likely as strong as ever. You may want to leave but you probably also want to do everything you can for your students. As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, that likely means first ensuring they're all in a good place when it comes to social-emotional strength.
You've also no doubt heard how important mental health is and seen suggestions for how to preserve your state of mind. While we're not experts in that field, it's easy to see that teachers are burned out and a bit hopeless. So, here's a reminder that plenty of people have seen what you've done.
Plus, there will always be those who can find the bright side—even if you can't at the moment. We learned a whole lot throughout the remote learning period and most of those lessons spanned beyond academics. Remember, almost everyone is a better problem solver now and many are also much more skilled with technology.
Along those same lines, it's certainly been hard but educators have probably learned more about staying connected and prioritizing relationships than people in any other profession. Even as most learning continues to happen in school buildings, this ability to adapt and continue building connections is crucial.
And, though it's certainly not as easy to educate as it used to be, it's still possible for teachers to make and solidify those connections with students. You never know—it might make their day to hear their name, receive a welcoming greeting, or share a story.
Despite the reasons behind it, building relationships is a huge part of education now. Without SEL opportunities, many more students would continue to struggle with the effects of the pandemic and remote learning. But, at the same time, it's just been adding another thing on to teachers' plates.
Though you may not be teaching remotely anymore (unless there's plans to return), we haven't forgotten how challenging it was. It may not have been a feat of Olympic proportions but it was something no teacher had ever trained for. You all deserve gold medals for you commitment and composure.
But, if you can't get your own medal, just know that you have support and admiration from just about everyone. We hope things start to get better again but, more than ever, teaching continues to be among the most difficult (but, still, sometimes) most rewarding professions on the planet. Try to remember a high point the next time there's a low one.
How do you feel about the current state of education and how the general public is perceiving or treating educators? Is there anything you'd like to add or anything you might disagree with? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts with our community. As always, thank you to every educator, administrator, and support member who continue to go above and beyond for students, parents, and each other. And, thank you to those who were able to find the words to share some extremely important messages for all of us. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more.