teaching & the dirty little secret
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Teaching & the dirty little secret
‘You can’t judge a teacher by their facade of unflappability!’
A practical definition : ‘Responsibility without power’
Stress and the teaching profession
Self evaluation
The biology of stress
Signs & symptoms
Coping strategies
30% of all newly qualified teachers leave the profession within the first 5 years of service
‘All those long holidays...it must be great to be a teacher...’
HSE research (2000) - teaching is among the most stressful professions in the UK, with 41.5% of teachers reporting themselves as ‘highly stressed’.
Journal of Managerial Psychology in 2005, ranked teaching as the 2nd most stressful job out of 26 occupations analysed.
The study found that only ambulance drivers experienced higher levels of stress than teachers!
YouGov (2007) - stress led half of all teachers to consider leaving the profession in that year.
Those considering leaving cited the following factors:
long hoursinsufficient management supportexcessive workloadlarge class sizespupil behaviour
How stressed are you?
Questionnaire
Questionnaire results
4 points or less:
You are least likely to suffer from stress-related illness.
Your coping strategies are obviously working for you...or you’re lying!
Questionnaire results
5 - 13 points:
You are more likely to experience stress related ill health - either mental, physical or both.
You would benefit from re-evaluating your stress management strategies.
Questionnaire results14 points or more:
You show a number of traits or characteristics that are creating un-healthy long term behaviours.
This means that you are very likely to experience stress & stress-related illness.
It is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice and/or stress management counselling.
The biology of stress
Cortisol & adrenal fatigue
Admin. & preparation
Performance anxiety
In-lesson management
Post lesson reflection
Life!
The drip drip fight for your life
Reading the signs
psychological
emotional Behavioural
physical
Reading the signs - Psychological
Inability to concentrate or make simple decisions
Memory lapses
Becoming rather vague
Easily distracted
Less intuitive & creative
Excessive worrying
Negative thinking
Depression & anxiety.
Reading the signs - Emotional
Tearful
Irritable
Mood swings
Sensitivity to criticism
Defensive
Feeling out of control
Lack of motivation
Frustrated
Lack of confidence
Lack of self-esteem.
Reading the signs - Behavioural
Little time for relaxation or pleasurable activities
Becoming a workaholic
Prone to accidents
Increased reliance on negative coping strategies
Poor time management and/or standards of work
Self neglect/change in appearance
Social withdrawal
Relationship problems
Insomnia or waking tired
Aggressive/anger outbursts
Absenteeism.
Reading the signs - Physical
Aches/pains & muscle tension/grinding teeth
Frequent colds/infections
Allergies/rashes/skin irritations
Constipation/diarrhoea/ IBS
Weight loss or gain
Indigestion/heartburn/ulcers
Dizziness/palpitations
Panic attacks/nausea
Physical tiredness
Menstrual changes/loss of libido/sexual problems
Heart problems/high blood pressure.
Coping strategies - ABC
A- AcknowledgeB- Behaviour modification (proactive)C- Communication
DietExerciseSleep
Positive physical coping strategies
Positive mental coping strategies
Know your stress triggersSupport networkRelaxation techniques (Heartmath)HobbiesBuild in renewal timeFaith
Good organisationDon’t reinvent the wheelCommitment to C.P.D.
Positive professional coping strategies
Follow the 10 commandments of career teaching.
1. Thou shalt not try to be perfect.2. Thou shalt not try to be ALL things to ALL people.3. Thou shalt accept that some things must be left undone and some things may never get done!4. Thou shalt accept that not all thy lessons will succeed.5. Thou shalt learn to say ‘No.’6. Thou shalt be more than just a teacher.7. Thou shalt listen to thy body’s warnings.8. Thou shalt ask for help.9. Thou shalt not feel guilty for being merely human.10. Thou shalt be as kind and understanding to thyself as thou art to those young people in thy care.
Resources & suggestions
Heartmath – Freeze frame
www.acomplaintfreeworld.org
NVC – Marshall Rosenberg
If all else fails, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that...
So have a slice of something indulgent and remember that however stressed
you may feel at times...
It could be a lot worse!