[missggr04]

I am just a second year teacher, but I already have many sytompms of burnout. I have a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. I am working on my Ed.S. I have been researching teacher burnout, but I need real advice. Any help?

[3gradeteacher]

your symptoms.

[missggr04]

Extreme stress, frustration, dreading going to work, feeling overwork, yelling at the kids without realizing it, avoding dealing with the administration whenever possible, and etc....

[areindl]

I think a lot of people feel that way- esp. only being a 2nd year teacher. I'm a 3rd year teacher, but have been at a different grade level for most. This year I have some of the same curriculum so it's not as bad as I know what's coming up. It is hard job though- I recommend talking to somebody about it!

I had the same exact symptoms as you did and ended up quitting after 3 years of teaching. Maybe my symptoms were even worse? I'm back now teaching and it is so different the second time around. It took a break away from teaching to help me realize what I was doing to drive myself to burnout so quickly. The first thing that I can tell you is that you need to take care of yourself. Put yourself first before others because if you can't function then everyone ends up losing. It's the whole, putting your air mask on before putting it on others mentality when your on a plane. I come from a family where I was the oldest and I was naturally responsible for my siblings. I was taught to put everyone before me and never think of my own needs. I had to unlearn that because I was burning out so fast. It is one thing if you do this for your family but doing it for a classroom full of kids, parents, administrators...you have to stick up for yourself because you love yourself and you love the kids too. While I was going through it, I really don't know how I could have gotten out of it while in the mist of it. I had to go through the expereince, make mistakes, burn out, and then quit to learn and get the coping skills I needed. I want to say if you can just start setting some boundaries with work and start doing things that nuture you maybe you can get through it. I wish I could have just kept going without quitting but it was the best decision for me because during the break I was able to learn some really important life lessons. Things that seemed so stressful back when I was a beginning teacher, I can now put in perspective in the grand scheme of life. Good luck to you and no matter what, it will work out...maybe not the way you had imagined but it will!

[volstate]

The PP had great advice, but I will second making that time for yourself and your interest. Right now, I am cruising this site and watching a movie. Sure, maybe I should be doing school work. Taking this time though, helps clear my mind and allows me time to just relax. Then I will be ready to grade some papers. I try to choose certain days of the week, and not matter what I leave early those days. Getting home, sitting out on my porch, taking a walk, or reading a book helps clear my mind and energize my spirits.