Back to School Anxiety
Many teachers experience Back-to-School Anxiety - it’s something that’s plagued teachers for years. New year, new students, new teams, new admins, and of course . . . new policies and procedures. So many new things on top of so many other things. After such an exhausting last few years, and so many leaving the profession, many are wondering what lies ahead.
Yet back to school they go, with their best teacher smiles and all the fun and excitement they can muster. Educators love what they do; it’s one of those jobs you hate to love. It’s fun and hilarious and comes with daily doses of wow moments. Teacher tribes are the absolute best friends you could ask for and there are so many good things wrapped into each day.
But it’s hard. And the burden to satisfy policies and procedures robs so much from talented, creative teachers that can truly make a difference. So much time is wasted in schools doing things that aren’t directed at educating children, but are instead rooted in politics and money. Teachers are the last front between the end product and the machine. Ultimately, the growth of a child is in their hands, as is the execution of every rule, law, and policy put in place. . . and that’s a lot of pressure for one human. It’s a lot to ask and even more so for what they’re paid.
So, teachers - here are some reminders to keep yourself healthy and to protect your time and talents. We know this list may not seem realistic, but that’s a choice only you can make.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL - Feeling like you have to get it all done creates instant anxiety. REALITY? You will NEVER get it all done. Make a quick list of to-dos for the day. THEN - place a star by the MUST-DOs (limit to 2/3 items). At the end of the day, if all you complete are those 2/3 items, give yourself permission to be happy with that. Expecting yourself to do the impossible is insane and will also pave the way to discouragement. Avoid it by setting realistic goals for yourself and your classroom.
YOUR NUMBER ONE FOCUS IS NOT STUDENTS - That's right. Each day, submit your plans to the Lord. Remind yourself that your days are to be lived for Him, His purpose, & His Glory. Students are important, but they are not your number one. Give God His rightful place in your day & everything else will fall into place. After God, guess who comes next - YOU!
YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS ARE IMPORTANT - So many educators get hyper focused on checking boxes, they forget to care for themselves. Put a plan in place to keep this from happening. Your loved ones need you to be healthy & happy. All that taking care of yourself will make for a great teacher. Remember - YOU MATTER and you are worth the time it takes to make healthy choices.
YOU ARE WHERE YOU ARE, WHEN YOU ARE, 100% ON PURPOSE - Where you are, at this time in history, is not by accident. You have a unique qualification to provide something valuable to the Kingdom of God in your current position. Let this honor bring you exciting anticipation for what lies within each day. Maybe it's a student, a parent, or a colleague that needs to be loved on or supported or seen. Whatever it is, keep your eyes open to how God wants to use you. No one else has what you have- be ready!
ALL THE NEW WILL BE OVERWHELMING - New trainings, new procedures, new expectations, new staff, new students - there is a whole lot of new within each year. You know it's coming, so just be ready for it. Press pause when you feel overwhelmed. Remember in years past how many of those new things were forgotten or weren't as big as they seemed. This year is no different.
This is a new year with new opportunities to be LIGHT! There is new growth and new life just waiting to be cared for. Take time for prayer and lay your worries at the feet of Jesus. You are incredible.
