The Stress Of Teaching

THE STRESS OF TEACHING IF YOU ARE A TEACHER AND YOU FEEL STRESSED-OUT YOU’RE NOT ALONE! Two hours of work and it seems like you’ve been there all day. Finally, it’s time for a break, you sit down for coffee and doughnuts, but it's not very relaxing because everybody is griping about the extra paper work; the difficulty controlling the students; trying to keep their attention when they don't want to learn; fielding complaints from angry parents.................... But as you walk back to the classroom you can’t help thinking about those overdue bills that you just don’t have the money for - and, where was your teenage daughter till 2 am? • • • • • • • • Teaching is one of the most stressful jobs there is! Are you feeling: • Tense, anxious or depressed? • Tired all the time? • Unable to sleep or relax? • Not enjoying teaching - or life in general? The modern teacher faces tremendous challenges that were unheard of even 20 years ago and the work can be the biggest single source of worry and tension. Almost every teacher at times has felt upset, stressed or depressed A recent survey showed that major concerns of teachers included : • Demands of the Job - Overload. • Job Security and Stability. • People at Work - Pupils, Principals, Parents • Bureaucratic Interference • Safety. • Self Esteem. • The Lack of Support of Teachers for Each Other. Stress has been described as “an epidemic ” by the United Nations, and when you read any newspaper, you’re bound to find at least one article on it. Eighty per cent of people who see a physician for symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and insomnia are actually suffering from the effects of stress. Stress is what we feel when we face problems that we feel unable to handle or control—when it seems to us that our problems are becoming stronger than we are. It’s unpleasant, and it’s dangerous if it goes on too long. If you’re a single parent, a caregiver, or have a chronic medical problem, then you add your own special concerns to the common sources of modern stress, which are: • Money Problems and Lack of Time • Family and ‘people’ conflicts • Concern about the Future The task is to accept the stress of life, yet see beyond it, to focus on the parts of your life you can control. And develop skills and the resiliency to help you match the stresses you face ABOUT THIS BOOK Its aim is to put the RIGHT PERSON In charge of your stress: YOU! It’s short, very simple and not academic. It's like a recipe book which provides a framework of practical ideas which if we keep them always in mind can help us manage tension and burnout and make it easier to feel happy and fulfilled. Most teachers are probably already using many of these ideas so although the obvious is frequently stated, many of the tips that are gathered here can be very useful. Section 1 A brief overview of 'stress', some suggestions on how to worry constructively so as to accurately define the problems we face, and then ways of finding solutions and putting them into action. Section 2 Ideas about becoming stronger and more equal to the challenges of rapid change and loss, and the day-to-day stressors of medical practice. Section 3 Blank sheets to help identify particular challenges, make plans for action and monitor progress. Appendices on associated topics. Read it quickly or just dip in. Much of the material might be useful to help your students as well. There are many books and programs about handling stress, but this is different. It uses a picture of stress as a contest, or perhaps a 'battle', It makes the concepts simpler, more practical and easier to remember. It’s designed so that you can read all the way through or just dip in at parts that interest you. And the listed resouces encourage you to learn more in the areas you need most. You start by: * UNDERSTANDING and ACCEPTING stress symptoms * TAKING CHARGE of your stress levels * WORRYING Effectively. Identifying your sources of stress * USING effective PROBLEM-SOLVING and DECISION-MAKING Then you'll learn: * To RELAX - Deeply and Quickly * Powerful MENTAL IMAGERY techniques to help you make the changes you want * FOUR HABITS for better Health & Energy * ELEVEN Powerful ATTITUDES * THREE SKILLS for stress relief and increased enjoyment of life You'll know how to: * Identify painful EMOTIONS and HABITS that create inner stress * Find SUPPORT * Take BREAKS that really help *Take charge of personal HAPPINESS * Make permanent healthy CHANGES The problems facing many teachers today are massive, but remember that good teachers are a vital part of any civilization. Teachers need to be strong and support each other in the face of the challenges they face, Will you see stress as a depressing disaster or a great chance to become healthier and happier than you would otherwise have been? IT’S YOUR CHOICE! ".......I am a professional teacher with a total of twenty-six years experience. I have taken numerous university psychology courses, Ministry of Education courses, topical workshops,, and I have read books, - but I had not encountered such a thorough, thoughtful, useful and helpful piece of work until I examined yours! I wish I had had the benefit of this enlightened publication before! It is very 'user-friendly' and well tabulated. The units are well organized, the graphics are clear (at the same time, fun) the information concise........ This is resource material that no teacher should be without! Thank you for writing such a terrific resource for us. Mrs. Beth McCosh, B.A., B.Ed., Guidance Counsellor, Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School ".......Enclosed is a cheque for your very excellent Teacher Stress Resource.......I hope it will be used in our schools. I was very impressed with the amount of material, the range of topics included, and its usefulness as a staff resource.........." Judith Hoye, Principal, Manordale Public School, Nepean , Ontario.