New Teacher Tips: How to Teach with Less Stress!

What do you do to create a stress-free teaching life? Despite the stresses of teaching, new teachers must take out time for themselves otherwise they will experience burnout at a faster rate. Here are some daily routines I have done over the years that have helped me create a more balanced teaching life. In general, I make it a habit to do things that bring me pleasure without feeling guilty.

1. I spend 30 minutes daily meditating.

2. I schedule at least an hour of family time every weekday. I do NOT compromise on this! This means eating together as a family, reading stories together, taking walks in the park.

3. I read for pleasure before bed for at least 20 minutes a few times a week.

4. I work out at the gym and/or do yoga.

5. I make the weekends a time to take care of the soul. I work in the garden pulling weeds or catching up with old friends.

6. I have a few great mentors - My mentor at school is my librarian friend because we love to talk about children's books since we are both children's writers and she is also a great listener! Another mentor is my colleague because she has great insights on teaching and has a great sense of humor.

7. I believe in sharing ideas as a quick way to collaborate. If I'm starting to bond with another teacher, I'll approach a teacher with a lesson plan or idea and ask: "What do you think of this idea? I'd like to get your feedback on it. Let me know what you think." I'll also share a worksheet or an activity that went well which is great for relationship-building.

8. In strengthening that bond, we use our collaboration as a channel for intervention and support. For example, we meet in grade level teams during a planning period once a week. Every week, we look at the subject and the group and plan joint lessons for our struggling English language learners.We try and ask: What do we need to do with this group by way of incorporating support and literacy in the lessons?

9. In cases where I don't get along with a co-teacher, I first keep a distance but still offer help and support as needed. I keep reminding myself that this person has some good qualities too and has helped me in certain situations. I try not to get too bogged down with personal conflict (i.e. blaming) and details as this is especially draining and interferes with teaching; Rather I focus on the students and our collaboration.

9. If the problem continues to severely affect our collaboration and work, I'll initiate a private talk. I try to avoid defending myself and/or attacking the person. I try and do this as discretely as possible - usually over the phone, in an email or in a quiet corner of the school.

I actually learned that the best way to deal with anybody who has a conflict with me is to avoid taking myself too seriously. I try and listen as best as I can to what they have to say.

Make Your Teaching Sparkle. Teach for Success. Make a difference in the classroom.