Teaching is a Giving Profession

Teaching is a giving profession. Many of us graciously share our time, our pencils, our advice, and, of course, our snacks (lots and lots of snacks) with students daily. We share experiences, laughs, tears, inside jokes, funny looks, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. In order for 21st-century educators to give their best selves to our students, we must make sure we are taking the best possible care of ourselves first. Teaching is a giving profession. If we are to give our best to our students and colleagues, we have to take care of ourselves to bring our best each and every day. 

Throughout my career, I have had the honor of coaching many teachers at various grade levels and at different stages in their careers. My first question when meeting a new teacher is, what are you doing for yourself today? I am usually met with something along the lines of why I would do something for myself, and more importantly, why are you asking me? From my perspective, self-care or a small ritual during the school day centers us as teachers to bring our best to our students. Have you ever had a class that caused you to summon all of your strength, patience, and resolve in the everlasting 4 minutes of a passing period? Deep breath, here they come. When coaching from my personal experiences in the classroom, I tell the teachers about a deal I made with myself in my first month of teaching almost 10 years ago. I don’t leave school without playing at least one song on an instrument. But Kevin, how will that help me prepare for my most rambunctious class and the stack of assessments I need to grade before I go pick up my own high schooler from soccer practice? My response, give it a shot, and we’ll talk about it next week. Now you don’t need to play a song like I do. You can stretch, walk around the block, make yourself a cup of coffee, scream into the pillow that you keep underneath your desk, or whatever feels right. The point is, to just do something. Find that practice that allows you to center - or recenter your mindset when it is most needed. 

Not to say never, but I have yet to have a teacher tell me they tried it, and it was a bad idea. I have seen some creative strategies employed by teachers over my years as a teacher and instructional coach. So, as you approach summer and all that newfound time, thank you for all you did for your students, their families, and your colleagues this year. We know it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Now your goal for summer is to take good care of yourself. Go for a run before you start your unit plans. Finish your grading on your hammock, or enjoy a nice adult Dr. Pepper while looking through your student surveys of your teaching. After all, teaching is a giving profession, and now it’s your time to give to yourself some well-deserved self-care. 

Take good care,

Kevin