The time couldn't have been better, considering the release of  "Waiting for Superman", to show an educational success story.

I have been working in The Brockton Public schools for the last ten years and am well aware how much each teacher, all the way down to kindergarten, has influenced the success of our students.

When people hear I work at Brockton High School, they often look at me and respond with some variation of "Oh, Brockton … that must be tough."  In some ways it is, but not for the reasons they think.  It is challenging, because not a moment goes by in our day when we are not focusing on the success of our students and proving all the doubters wrong.

If I were to share some secrets to our success I would say the same things that were shared in the article … everyone, no matter their subject matter or grade level, has focused on academic success.  Our school-wide initiatives have meant that each of us, including guidance counselors and physical education teachers, are utilizing the same literacy and problem solving strategies and lessons as the rest of the school.  We are all on the same page and showing our students, not only that the strategies are relevant to all areas of their life and learning, but also that we all have an interest in their success and learning.

I was so proud to read this article and look at the pictures of our students, and  in my heart I know that I am very lucky to be a part of something very special!

Just as our students have different learning styles, I recognize that so do we.  The videos are another format that you can access for support and resources to help you to build balance before burnout.

Look for them to be posted soon here on my blog and check them out on YouTube.  I have plans of weekly short bits that continue building on the subject matter of teacher wellness and working on helping "The Whole Teacher"  "the whole you", so that you are better able to help your students and school.

Enjoy!

In  October’s Whole Teacher Tidbots I suggested you spend more time with people who lift your spirits.  One of the characteristics that is often associated  with burnout is negative talk.

We all know someone who is challenging to be around because they are constantly complaining about how bad things are.  Sometimes it feels as though they could suck the life out of the room.  There is a very fine line between venting and just out right complaining.

Complaining can become a bad habit and seems to breed more negativity, as we seek proof to validate how bad we says thing are.  Remember we spoke of 100% responsibility in the last blog?  Complainers play a very real part in creating their own reality.

Next time you’re met with a difficult or frustrating situation, instead of complaining, try putting on your "suit of armor".  Finding humor in a situation will quickly shift your energy, and often improve the outcome.  It will also attract others who are looking for the positive.

Be the change you are looking for!

Your Wise One can help by listening to you, offering suggestions, or just supporting you.  In our guidance office we have 2 women who will be retiring at the end of this year.  They have been amazing mentor’s for myself and the other 2 counselors who also started the same year.  One thing I truly appreciate is that when things have gotten really tough and overwhelming and I feel like I can’t keep up, they often are feeling the same way and this validates the fact that sometimes the job is just tough and that I don’t need to be so self critical. 

A  mentor can help with learning the ropes of a specific subject or the social constructs of your school.  In addition to receiving help from your wise one you may also be offering the new perspective of the Fresh Colleague.  In a few days I’ll share about the importance of someone "fresher" than you.

In this month of building the Balance Reserve of Meaningful Connections, I suggest we reframe this and look for the variety of relationships we have at school.  Who are the 7 Colleagues Every Teacher Needs?  I’ve borrowed some of the titles, but let’s see how they fit in at school. Here’s the first:

1.  The in-the-trenches-with-you Colleague -

This person is usually right next door to your classroom.  They are extremely important when you can’t wait for your planning time to take a potty break, when you need a time-out for a student or yourself or just an ear to listen to your story at the end of the day. 

Teaching can be isolating, but strong bonds are formed by geography.  These are the colleagues who best know your daily routines.  They  witness your good days, and are the most likely to hear through the walls on your rough days and vice versa.  They tend to teach the same grade level as you and are an amazing resource to help alleviate re-inventing the wheel.

Do you need more crayons?  Have you run out of glue, or staples?  Need a great lesson for teaching Egypt?  These are the colleagues we turn to the most during our school day. 

My last year in the classroom I developed a very close relationship with the woman who taught next to me.  Every morning we shared a routine of relaxing music while we both checked emails.  We each sipped our coffee and reflected on the previous day, while getting ready for the present.  I made sure I was prepared for the next day the night before, so I could enjoy the morning "socializing".  I felt that "adult" time helped me set the stage for a day full of "children". 

Who are your in-the trenches-colleagues?  What do they add to your day?  Post a comment below.  Tune in in a few days for "The Wise One".

These past few weeks have been terrible for illnesses here in New England.  I made it through the holidays in one piece and then succumbed to an awful stomach bug just after returning from vacation.  It was pathetic.  I had important meetings at school and tried to push through it, but finally caved in and stayed home. 

I know that when I get sick, it is when I have pushed myself to do too much.  I stayed up too late, worried too much, and tried to pack too much in to one day.  When I am well I can do this and be clear and strong, but I now know that living on adrenaline wears me down fast.  But it’s the nature of the job, right?

I suppose, but it wasn’t ending at work.  So now I am looking at what I can control and fitting in ways to process that adrenaline before the inevitable crash.  The answers are not exciting or new, but basics that help me sustain myself so I can be there for myself and those who need me. 

Action Steps:

Exercise - I’m building in a routine at least 3 days a week on the treadmill to start amping up the chemicals that help process the "fight or flight".  Now a day when we feel threatened, are bodies get ready to go, but the stress comes and we no longer "run away".  The chemicals for flight just build up and leave us feeling anxious.  Best way to get through it is to walk or run.

Breathe – Yoga, singing, and meditation all are great ways to get the air flowing.  Deep breathing helps get more oxygen through your body and to your brain, which also helps with stress.  There is a great deal of research on breathing techniques. My first week back to school I was so busy that I noticed I was holding in my stomach and taking short breaths.  Taking time for deep breathing when I feel myself holding it all in has helped to calm my thoughts.

Just say no – Before I take on something new, I check with how I am with adrenaline.  If it’s going to get me too crazy I try to say no.

Time Management - Giving myself plenty of time to get things done, or to get to where I need to go, means I can do things without added stress.  I used to say I worked better under pressure, but I realize the price I pay in the end isn’t worth the push of procrastination.

Limit the caffeine – I love my coffee in the morning and am not ready to give it up all the way, but I can listen to my body signals and stay away from sugary sodas for lunch.  Protein and complex carbohydrates and plenty of fluids also help.

The irony is that at this moment my reality is anything but silent.  The fan on the stove is now set to hyper boost as I bake cupcakes for my youngest who turned 9 today to bring to school tomorrow.  I am trying to clear out a house full of smoke from the fire caused from drippings of the flan I baked earlier with my older son for his Spanish class .  "La comida esta en fuego!"

The dishwasher is humming with it’s second load of dishes from the family party we had last night.  And in the midst of this, I am attempting to write about the importance of finding a "piece of quiet" when the post I am working on disappears into thin air.  It is at this point when the little voice of my inner critic begins asking me "Who do you think you are?" as I attempt to finish the work I had planned for my own business this"quiet" evening (and check the oven once more for flames).  It’s funny how I have no problem hearing him over the roar of kitchen appliances.

I could listen to this voice.  I am tired and beat from a weekend of "busyness", but I know exactly why I am the person to do this job.  I know why I have worked so hard to make The Whole Teacher a reality.  I know how much time teachers put into their work. I know how hard it is to do it all.  I know first hand how our best laid plans often fall to the wayside (or up in flames).  I know how we often put ourselves last on our list, and I know how much we crave a group of like-minded people to support us as we try to be the best for our students. 

Therefore I choose to look at the lesson and try to find the humor in the situation.  There are many parts of life we can’t control, but it’s only what we make of it.  We all have this inner critic’s voice inside of us.  The stressors are inevitable, but we must build our resilience by taking care of ourselves and building reserves of what we need most.  Right now I need to finish my baking, close up the windows, and head upstairs to a quiet candle-lit bedroom (better yet let’s forget the candle) and follow my own advice for silence.  Who knows what inspiration will come when I take the time to listen?

1.  Just say it – The most important part of saying thank you is the sincerity in which you say it.  Take the time to look the person in the eye and tell them specifically what you are thankful for and why you appreciate it.  Try this with strangers and service providers.

2. Send flowers – Whether it’s a bouquet or a single flower from your yard, flowers are a great way to make someone feel special.

3. Send a personal note or card – Again, don’t forget to make it personal and say how they touched you.  A humorous card goes a long way.

4. Leave a treat – Fresh baked cookies, fruit, or even some candy … who doesn’t love an unexpected snack?

5. Give a small trinket – Give a mug, colorful notepad, or silly supplies that will remind them of your appreciation every time they use them. 

6. Donate to a charity – Make a donation in the person’s name and send them a copy.  This is a great way to give twice and spread your gratitude even further.

7. Make your own certificate of appreciation – This is easy to do on the computer.  Be creative with the title.

8. Write a letter to a local newspaper or an announcement for the intercom – Sometimes an act is so moving that you want to tell the world, and we could all use some more good news.

9.  Give a gift certificate – This could be a small amount to a local coffee shop, restaurant, book store, or movie theater or make it yourself and offer a night of babysitting, car wash, or homemade meal.

10. Decorate the person’s door, workspace, or car – Streamers, balloons, and a great big thank you can go along way.

I would love to hear how you’ve shown your appreciation or how you have been thanked.  Leave a comment and share your experiences.  Who did you thank?  What did you do? How did they respond?  Have fun with it.