Unlock with PatreonThe Problem with CI
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Burnout
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4 thoughts on “Burnout”
You say it!
I can say that the situation improves over your first year teaching and eventually present and future students reset expectations for your class. Changing that classroom culture can be slow.
For students that think they’re too cool for TPRS, then I’d read with them. Or do MovieTalks, maybe Hastings-style (narrate full-feature films).
I can say that most in our field are “ignorant” – they don’t know. But there are also a lot of “idiots” – they don’t know and they’re not doing anything about it, but tell you how to do your job. Fewer are “stupid” – they know better, but keep doing wrong anyway.
My biggest help was to compromise. I got a family to support and a good position at an honors middle school. I check in with admin, colleagues and other staff about student achievement, standards etc… It doesn’t phase me. I ask “how can I be a better teacher?” to these people who do not know anything concerning SLA. Appeasing egos is important at my site. I know that they don’t have best practices for World Language teaching. Some as Eric says are stupid, knowing better but doing wrong anyway.
However, because I am the only French teacher here I am free to explore. Last year at my site there were long term substitutes who mainly gave candy, taught grammar and had parties. New admin plus a low-key department let me do my CI thing– Covertly. I have not mentioned the term TPRS or CI to my admin. I gave my BTSA supervisor (here in CA we have an additional supervisor for beginning teachers) a primer on TCI written by Robert Harrell concerning scope and sequence.
The supervisor probably did not read it but praised me for providing a rationale for the way I teach. Many teachers she said do not know why they teach a certain way. Yet, she still wanted “outcomes” or “products”. So I forced a little writing from my students for our observation. Same goes for when I was observed by my Principal.
Anyway, long story short, I feel that it’s all about making it work for you. We provide the CI but in a sense we almost have to “play stupid” and cave in to what our departments or admin say. I have let my freak flag fly with my students but not so much when observed. I prep my kids before being observed. Being happy is important. Our jobs should bring out the best of us.
1. Someone else’s false curriculum: Next time around you’ll have a fresh perspective and find ways to comprehens-ify it, if you are obligated to use it. We teachers are surviving on processed carbs, adrenaline and caffeine right now – and fresh outlooks are hard to come by. The kids feel it as we all hurtle towards break, when they look down from the ceiling from which they are hanging. Give yourself a break – this is NOT the time to make any big decisions.
2. Have my PD questioned by ignorant morons: Pay no mind. Carry on.
3. Spend my day hushing kids: pop in a video in the TL w/subtitles, give a craft or youtube art project, do origami with a TL soundtrack, but don’t try to circle and banter now. Don’t talk. Re-establish norms after break. Then you’ll hit the reset button.
4. Be surrounded by idiots/gossipers: Stay away. Read, do yoga, meditate, work a crossword, read this blog, take a walk, pay bills, but stay clear of toxins.
This is a very funky time of year – I see it in increased crying and falling apart among young kids – there is tension and exhaustion in the air…be gentle on yourself.
I understand the original poster. But, definitely, figure out what works for you in your room and do that. If you need the job for money, teach in a way that equals the least stress for you, that you can still be happy with yourself (I´m still working on figuring this out!).
If you don´t need the money, or can plan to jump ship and find something else, plan and look for something else at the same time. I for one will not be in my current spot for much longer. I just don´t have any desire or energy left to manage student behavior in a culture of apathy. So, sometimes I just look out the window and pause (thanks Ben) and tell myself it won´t always be this way. 🙂
In the meantime, visit this site and find strength in the great ideas here!