Melanie J. Pellowski - The Teachers Guide to Self-Care

Copyright 2020 by Melanie J. Pellowski

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Daniel Brount

Cover illustrations by Melanie J. Pellowski

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-5795-0

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-5796-7

Printed in China

To my dad, Michael, for teaching me to tackle lifes challenges through lessons learned on the softball field, and encouraging me to pursue professional happiness through a well-rounded, creative career.

Table of Contents

A Note for Teachers

Teachers are heroes.

Casey, teacher

If you want to become a better person, be a teacher. We might not have all realized this when signing up to pursue a career in education, but this job inevitably makes us better people. It reminds us to be patient, polite, and understanding. It instills a sense of character, respect, and community that isnt always present in every other profession. The schedule encourages us to succeed in every avenue of life, not just at work.

In order to guide children, we are compelled to represent traits of quality on a daily basis. Not just when we stand in front of students in our classrooms, but when we stand in front of anyone on any given day. Theres a certain pride that comes with being a teacher. It isnt just a job. Its a duty and a way of life.

THE MANY ROLES OF TEACHERS

Not to toot our own horns, but anyone who has been in a classroom knows that teachers can do anything we put our minds to. Were crafty, creative, and compelled to grow. The title of teacher is one that encompasses many roles; we might not be great at all of them, but we do our best. On any given day, we harbor every emotion out there. Its our job to teach students book smarts, but a more important mission is to impart values and common sense. Were they inspired? Did they build confidence? Did they learn something that they can apply in the real world? We answer their questions all day long, and we ponder our own once the day is done.

Teaching isnt a job for everyone. It takes a certain level of finesse, talent, and personality to be able to perform well as a teacher. Geniuses who are great at their discipline in the professional world might not be as comfortable transferring that knowledge to others in a classroom setting. Sure, we have the summers off, but any teacher will agree, the long breaks are required for us to remain sane, healthy, and functional as human beings. We cram a years worth of work into ten months. Thats why were exhausted by the time the sun is beating down on our rosy cheeks!

There are so many more needs that teachers have to meet than just teaching. Students have many struggles that affect their learning and their relationships. You do not just teach the curriculum. You are a teacher, surrogate parent, therapist, guide, problem solver, file keeper, paperwork manager, and more.

Jen, teacher

THOSE WHO CAN DO IT ALL, TEACH

Not just anybody can walk through the door of a classroom and be a good teacher. It takes practice, hard work, and most of all, a patient ability to communicate with all kinds of people. The best teachers carry a versatile set of skills; an ability to do the work in the real world and a knack for explaining how they did that work to others. Yes, the work of an educator is fulfilling, rewarding, and full of perksbut its certainly no walk through the park.

The beauty of teaching is that it affords professionals the ability to pursue their own passions outside of the classroom. We can be dedicated and invested in our jobs as educators, while still enjoying the chance to explore our own personal interests outside of school. Some of our hobbies might include taking bubble baths. (Heyno judgment there. We deserve it!)

Teachers are the single-most important variable in any classroom experience.

Mike, principal

In the outside world, teachers are scientists, mathematicians, writers, artists, musicians, and mechanics, and our roles dont stop there. Were all kinds of dreamers, and none of our personal stories are the same. Many of us have side jobs to fulfill a hobby or make ends meet. Some of us loved the classroom and stayed there. Others found their way back. Theres no one path to becoming a teacher. The important thing is that were here now, and were doing it. We have the chance to help others thrive, and in doing so, we hold the blueprints to build a good life all around.

I have always considered teaching as a career. It runs in the family. My mother, aunt, brother, and many cousins are teachers as well.

Corrin, teacher

TEACHERS ARE TIMELY

Teachers are not only educators. Some of us are experts in our fields, and some of us are honestly just experts at putting on a good show. After all, teaching is a daily performance where we sometimes have to go off-script. Standing in front of a group of modern-day students with technical distractions glowing in the palms of their hands is only part of our challenge. Times change, and there are constantly new hurdles. Digital documents have replaced penciled lesson plans. Report cards arent mailedtheyre uploaded. In spite of all of the technology and all of the social changes, one thing remains constant. Teachers are valuable assets in the future of education.

I enjoy giving back. Education is a powerful tool that can change the future.

Casey, teacher

TAKING CENTER STAGE

Okay, so we arent performing heart surgery, but we are constantly performing, and our hearts are typically full. (Yes, even if that one annoying kid makes us feel guilty for envisioning karma coming back to haunt him in ten years.) We cant just show up on days that we are tired and slug through four cups of coffee with our heads down. We have to actually show up, smile, and be ready to give a presentation. We might be going on stage without hair and makeup (who has time for that?) but all eyes are on us whether we feel like performing in front of others or not. Some days, we may as well be lion tamers. Other days, we are therapists. We learn to rely on our own intuition to assess whether we are having a successful day. This might mean something different to everyone. Some teachers just try to get through material without any kind of disciplinary distraction. Other teachers search for joyful expressions on the faces of students building confidence and friendship while exploring creative ideas. Some teachers encourage high-level thinkers to ponder outside the box; others help slow learners overcome obstacles.