Every year around this time, I start to feel a little down.
The lights around town come down, I’ve overdosed on chocolate, and it’s just
too cold. While I might have recharged a bit over break, goals I wanted to
reach with students still seem to loom too large, and I’m not sure I’m making a
difference.
While this time can be really frustrating, it is also
comforting to know that it is normal
and that it ends. It is very common for teachers to experience this phase. For
some, it begins midway through the fall after the excitement of the beginning
of the year wears off. For others, it happens in mid-winter, when the dark and
cold make it harder to feel optimistic. While not all teacher experience it,
most do at some point, especially in the early years of teaching.
What can you do? I’ve offered some ideas to help you through
this time here
and here.
Other ideas are outlined in this
article from Education Week
include avoiding highs and lows, letting go of perfectionism, expecting
obstacles, and seeking support. The article is worth a read for some helpful
hints in understanding these suggestions and making them work for you.
Whatever you do, just know that others have been there, and
that you can work through it. Find your support, and lean on them.
What do you do to help you get through disillusionment?
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