Why Renewing Love For Teaching Matters
Aileen T. Gama
During these unprecedented times, teachers may feel overwhelmed and anxious with the situation. Even if we do not consider giving up teaching, some of us might feel drained, impatient, and dispassionate while some, who have been teaching for decades, might feel a burnout.
With many opportunities available, some of us are even contemplating on changing careers. However, I believe that while teaching is very exhausting (especially the parts we cannot avoid like grading papers, attending meetings, preparing students’ tests, among many others), it is a very fulfilling job that can change many young people’s lives forever. It is a job like no other. If we focus on things that drive our passions for teaching, we can stretch ourselves and better our careers.
By applying the science of happiness and gratitude, we can learn to love teaching again. I’m convinced that positive thinking can help any teacher reduce burnout, even if it is just to help us get through the next week or next day with more joy and purpose. You can reflect on this question: What do you love about teaching?
For me, it is connecting with students. It is spending hours mastering my day to day lessons and having my students feel better with the new knowledge they learned. It is seeing the excitement on their faces before telling them their achievements. I also love new challenges that take me out of my comfort zone. These are the reasons I wake up daily to prepare for class.
As a teacher who deeply cares for my fellow educators, if you are feeling down during this difficult period of our lives, I urge you to challenge yourself, renew your commitment to teaching, find a way to step back or find help from colleagues. You can also find new outlets for creativity and energy, without sacrificing your calling. There are many ways to reignite your passion and feel energized with teaching. I hope you come back stronger than ever, with more purpose and more enthusiasm to teach young learners who deserve a teacher like you: empowered and inspired.
The author is Teacher
--oOo-
III at Cabetican Elementary School - Madapdap