In the Philippine education system, most of our teachers are deployed in primary and secondary schools. Mostly we are segmented according to their mastery and major taken during their baccalaureate. We are then responsible for promoting growth through providing additional assistance and meeting parents every grading period to show students’ performance, development and lapses at times. Not to mention our daily routine of teaching, monitoring students, and of course who would not forget the load of task in filling our rpms.
In most time, us teachers even extend our daily jobs like preparation for school activities and home visitation for our students which is to add on our academic reports.
According to study held in a University of British Columbia, teacher burnout and student stress may be linked
The study is the first of its kind to examine the connection between teacher burnout and students’ cortisol levels, which are a biological indicator of stress.
Researchers collected saliva samples from over 400 elementary school children and tested their cortisol levels. They found that in classrooms in which teachers experienced more burnout, or feelings of emotional exhaustion, students’ cortisol levels were elevated. Higher cortisol levels in elementary school children have been linked to learning difficulties as well as mental health problems.
Alternatively, stress could originate from students, who may be more challenging to teach because of increases in anxiety, behavioral problems, or special needs. To sum up, how does a teacher manage her time? From tons of work and different situations occur in her classrooms.
Today, many teachers are not well-prepared for the social and emotional demands of the classroom. While spending a great amount of cognitive energy on the content of their lessons, teachers are also constantly managing a classroom of students, some of whom have difficulty attending to learning activities, sitting still or getting along with their peers.
Teachers are human too, apart from work we have a normal life to enjoy as well. Just like any other people, we need to enjoy things around us. People food and wanderlust. These things plays a vital role on how we work these things serves as neutralizer if we feel suffocated from our daily duties. But how to achieve this side activities if you are too much dedicated to your work? Most of us will set these reasons why we can’t balance our work-life.
I don’t have Time. Find time, the key to enjoy life around us is by simply experiencing it. You can finish your task then go out and have fun!
I’m scared that students/parents might see me hanging outside. Enjoying doesn’t mean you’ll go clubbing or partying. A simple as going to theme parks, movie outs or staring outside can be a good outlet to refresh your mind.
I am a teacher, I should be a good model. Even priests and nuns find their “me time” too! You just need to separate a demarcation line between your personal and professional life for you to define you hobbies and interest.
In this view, defining you and proper time management will aid to relief the stress that might arise on you as a teacher. If it is work then we define the quality of work. But if you find time. Relax and enjoy the moment. You know what they say, we are humans not a robotic creature. Have fun!
By: Mr. Regie F. Atienza
