Page 25 - Pure Magazine Issue 2

As a mentor and coach for newly qualified Children need brilliant teachers!
teachers, I have had the privilege of working
with teachers as they begin their career. They I believe that it is possible to to build a long
can start off nervous and quiet or bursting with lasting teaching career. Ultimately, it’s about
confidence and idealism. As they grow during self-care and I help teachers learn how to
their induction year, their innate creativity, manage stress; develop the systems that bring
talents and skills shine through. However, for work-life balance and use time efficiently.
some, the lustre soon begins to erode as their
passion and enthusiasm is swamped by waves Top Tips
of monotony and relentless pressure.
1. Set boundaries to ensure that work doesn’t
A recent headline in The Guardian read creep into your personal life. Be vigilant and
ruthless. Not everything is urgent.
“Fifth of teachers plan to leave the profession
within two years.” 2. Learn to say NO! School life is packed and
you do not need to participate in every
The National Union of Teachers warns that the initiative, function or event.
exodus in caused by excessive workload. A poll
for the National Education Union found that 3. Plan your rest time. Take regular breaks and
more than a quarter of recently qualified make sure your holidays are fun and
teachers with less than five years experience rejuvenating.
plan to quit teaching by 2024. These are just a
couple of the headlines and statistics that can 4. Ask for support. Identify those who can
be found about the problem in education that support you emotionally and/or professionally
never seems to be solved. So many teachers and plan regular times to meet or speak.
are leaving, or are thinking about leaving, the
profession after a few years of teaching. The 5. Develop the habits of an athlete. Teaching is
reasons are similar in many instances. marathon, not a sprint. Good nutrition, regular
exercise and healthy sleep patterns are
Work - life balance has deteriorated
Work - life balance has deteriorated essential elements for any teacher who aims
Their health has suffered to have a long career.
Their health has suffered
Teaching is having a negative effect on family
Teaching is having a negative effect on
life 6. Choose to enjoy the journey. Children are
family life
Their professional life has swamped their amazing and teaching has untold rewards
Their professional life has swamped their
personal life which is great motivation during the difficult
personal life
times.
Teachers have identified that they are
spending too much time on producing data
when they would rather spend time focusing
on the needs of children. Undoubtedly,
children need teachers who can create
memorable learning experiences. 11 year old
Sadia wrote a note to her teacher as she left
primary school.

“Thank you for all of the projects and all of the
fun in year 4 and year 6. Some teachers are
boring and some teachers are fun but you’re
the brilliant one!”

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