Question for Teachers...or Anyone with useful ideas.?

Question

It's simple. While I enjoy teaching, I'm starting to really feel burned out ...badly. In my disctrict, we've stopped "teaching" and instead are merely prepping kids for their annual state-based minimum competency test (TAKS, in Texas). This is just knocking the wind right out of my sails...the kids are getting ripped-off (and don't know it, of course) and the work load and stress levels for teachers are becoming insane.

Any ideas how I can recharge my batteries, or get a fresh perspective on this? How many of you have had to, or are also going though, the same thing in your schools? (Where do you teach?)

Thanks, in advance!

Answer 1

I luckily teach a subject that is not on the state test (French/German), so me and my students are not under so much pressure, but I left an underperforming school (after almost 25 years there!) where I was pressured to teach study skills, English writing skills, math skills--and try to teach the offical world language curriculum as well. I took a pay cut, had to drop one of my languages, but I've never been happier. Yes, there is still pressure to support the math/english language/science/social studies for the test, but not to the extent that I'm gypping my kids, so take a deep breath, look around, and if you still love teaching, start thinking about teaching in another setting. Can you get a job in a higher performing school? Can you go private school? Can you job-share?
Be sure to go to conferences and workshops of your choice. When I was, in the word of the book title, 'not burnt, but crisp around the edges', I became actively involved in the state and regional world langauge professional organization and it was really a relief to be with adults with the same problems who appreciated what I did well--have you noticed that NO ONE notices when you're doing well, but have one kid slip in scores or wig out in class and it's your fault! If you say, 'I never learn anything new or useful' at the workshop or conferences it's time to give back. I know you don't have time--but for a 50 minute session (intro, 30-35 minutes 'meat' then Q and A), you get a year's worth of self-esteem.
Exercise (I don't enough). Eat right. Do your best to leave school at school. Leave the insane grading at school. (and, unless your administrators are insane micro-managers, teach your kids whatever it is they need to know today, not what some curriculum guide written by some leather-briefcase laden expert with a plane ticket from another city think they ought to know! You are a professional, you know your kids better than anybody else--enjoy them!
rant off now. Those tests really get my goat. (middle school world languages, IN)

Answer 2

Changing careers isn't the best advice. If you're a teacher, there's a reason for it. If you give up that easily, you weren't meant to be a teacher.

I'm in the same sinking boat you are. In Florida it's called the FCAT. Everything depends on those darn scores. The district puts so much pressure on schools, in turn teachers, in turn students. Everyone is stressed and no real learning takes place. It's all test prep.

It's not you. It's all over. Some how the government has decided that schools suck and the only way to get the educational system out of the crapper is to test the crap out of the kids. So schools spend all year preping for a test that doesn't really show what the kids can do!

Off my soap box. you know how I feel.

I try to do the boring stuff in small doses. I try to do fun stuff when I can. Sometimes we have a fun day and we just do arts and crafts for a break. They don't realize it but there are lessons being learned. I try to make test prep fun by doing games. Get excited and they'll follow. I know it's hard. I fear this testing isn't going away anytime soon. Deep breaths.

A game my co-worker used for test prep w/ 3rd graders:
"Trash Ball".
Divide the class into two groups.
Put the trash can at the end of the chalkboard. On the board draw numbers along the way to the trash can. Like 2, 4, 8, 16, 32. (Good time to stop and ask what is the pattern!!!). Kids come up and have to answer a question. Test prep style reading or math question. If they get it right they can choose where they want to stand (at the 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 mark) and toss the ball into the trash can. If they get it in: their team gets the number of points from where they threw from. If not, no points. Other team's turn. It's of course easiest to stand at the 2 (closest to the trash can) and get it in, but you'll get the least number of points. KIds try from the 32 (farthest) but they don't have such an easy time.

Hope that wasn't confusing. Either way, Don't take it personally. You're a good teacher if you are finding yourself annoyed with the lack of teaching going on in your class/school and the increase of stress and test prep. Keep at it.

Answer 3

Hi! You DO need to recharge your batteries and develop a new approach. Have you thought about using themes? Do you use Cooperative Learning strategies?

Do the teachers in your school work as a team? Have you set goals for what level of improvement in the test scores you will achieve each year? (These must be realistic.) Then, you need to sit down as a team and discuss strategies that you will apply.

Let's face it; accountability is being translated into TESTS and that is not going to change. Don't try to solve this all by yourself and don't think it is going to go away by grumbling about it. Do what you're doing by asking this question only ask it of your fellow teachers and sit down and plan how you're going to implement your suggestions.

If you really want to read something inspirational, check out from the library, or buy a copy of Dr. Seuss Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!

Keep your life balanced - professionally, personally and physically. Use the summer to reflect on how you're doing. While you're at it, have some fun. (Keep it legal!)

Answer 4

I taught for ten years (mostly high school English) but not within the American system. Nonetheless, the move towards 'teaching to the test' instead of teaching for learning and life is a global problem, leaving teachers feeling pressured, undervalued, scrutinized and with low morale. Working through professional bodies which are constantly undermined by the politicization of education doesn't work (you wouldn't find medical professionals told what to prescribe by their local council, so why should politicians decide how best to educate?) and schools are so wary about losing ground in league tables, that there is little likelihood of influencing this process from within. Gridlock!

My solution was to change careers - I loved the teaching, but hated the constant erosion of good educational practice and the aggression from pupils and parents about staff 'failing'. I am now happily working on a new master's degree and working in a profession whose professionalism is respected.

As for "If you're a teacher, there's a reason for it. If you give up that easily, you weren't meant to be a teacher." (see Bookworm below) I think this is somewhat simplistic and negates other factors which may influence the feeling of fulfilment in your life. I did what was right for me - I loved teaching and I was darn good at it (I became a school principal and worked in teacher training) but the constant battle with political change in the curriculum was eroding my wellbeing. Ultimately, you will need to do what is right for you - being a martyr to education is not healthy if you are feeling burned out. There are other options and you are not locked into one career for ever. Listen to a variety of others' experiences and then do what is best for you. It is always good to know that there are great options out there where you can use the wonderful skills that you have developed. Comments like 'you were never meant to be a teacher' add pressure to stressed staff who feel like they are failing if they cannot implement change in a difficult system and are fundamentally judgmental and negative.

Answer 5

I know the feeling ! The school where I taught at really pushed the TAKS test.That's all they talked about ! We were just as stressed as the students.The principal told us basicaly,if the students don't pass the TAKS " GO SEEK OTHER PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT "
I left that school three years ago and now work where it's more relaxed regarding the dreaded TAKS.
I hope you are recharging this summer,school will resume soon.Try to go back with a good positive attitude.Students can sense if you are stressed or unhappy with your job and will rub off on them !
Have a great school year !!

Answer 6

Between state mandates for task based curriculum, the work involved in attending meetings to develop IEP's for disabled students, teachers' meetings endlessly dealing with trivia, lunch duty, playground duty, before school duty, and not being able to teach students what they REALLY need to know (how to access, organize, and present information) MANY teachers feel as you do and are fast burning out. Instead of the educational decisions being made by educators who know what they are doing, we have politicians on school boards, committees at the state houses, and others determining just what kids need to learn. Thus, teachers have little time inside and outside the classroom to work to develop meaningful plans for meaningful learning. Teaching for state mandated tests has become the new trend. What a waste!! And all in the name of accountability. Nonsense!!

I taught 26 years in public schools and was a high school principal for another fourteen years. After forty years of experience and a new principal and superintendent who were coming in to implement state mandates, I retired. I had more life in me and much to give. I just couldn't stand all the bullshit that went with teaching, and that totally excludes they kids. They are the forgotten ones and the ones we were all dedicated to helping.

If I were you, I would move to another state and possibly even try teaching in a private school. If that didn't work, leave education because you are unhappy with the status quo.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Here in Arizona the students have a similar nightmare, the AIMS test, which are constantly debated over whether they are neccessary at all. And they are beginning to be used for graduation requirements. Many teachers abhor them. But they also seem to use it as a basis in which to begin they're teaching. Many even seeking to specialize in areas they feel they are most equipped to teach at their highest levels. If you are best at one subject, inquire about primarily teaching that one, with few other classes. See if you can move into teaching advanced placement classes as those students usually enjoy the higher work load and respond better to challenges. And if all else fails, invlove your students in the lesson plan, outline the year in advance, and have them give feedback as to what works best and what would make the experience most enjoyable for all (plus if you consistantly use this approach, you run less of a risk of getting in a teaching style rut as the years go by!)

Answer 8

Try joining a professional organization, such as Kappa Delta Pi, subscribe to a good teaching magazine, such as Edutopia, and engage in some Professional Development courses. you will find several free PD courses, all good for up to 2 credit hours, on the Dept of Ed website through the Teacher-Teacher Initiative.

As for the "Teaching to the test" mentality, go to www.edutopia.org and find the article "Taking Back the Classroom" from the July/August 2006 issue. You'll find some good ideas to take to your building principal on how to increase scores without "teaching to the test." You may not get far with your principal, but you'll find ways of actually teaching while still addressing the test.

Answer 9

I am not a teacher, so take this advice for what it's worth. :-))

Try teaching something else. You have the credentials. Teach driving, or flying, or hang-gliding, or computer skills, or whatever you are good at.

See if any of the local corporations in your area have training departments that you might join. You might make more money ;-))

Try literacy tutoring for adults, or English-as-a second language, to re-engage with people who are highly motivated to learn.

Consider brushing up your credentials, and teach at the University or college level.

Teaching is the most-valuable, most-highly-undervalued profession there is. It is a tough, dirty, heartbreaking, utterly vital life-work. I wish you the very best of luck!

Answer 10

I teach Jr. high special ed. in Missouri and we "teach" to the MAP test. As one of the "sub-groups" under NCLB that continously fail the MAP - and therefore the school fails, my kiddos are treated as lepers. It's horrible. We basically get together often as a teaching staff and drink heavily... LOL Something's got to give soon, no school can live up to NCLB for long especially if they have a large population of "undesirables". (the poor, the minority, the disabled, the non-English speaking) Good luck, stick with it, take each day as it comes and learn to appreciate the little, fun things that happen each day.