From The Point: IEU member Jack Andrews on reclaiming the joy of teaching
It’s no secret that teaching is an incredibly rewarding yet often challenging profession. We've all had moments when we wondered why we chose this path.
Do you remember that initial spark, that sheer joy that brought you into the world of education? Well, it's time to rediscover and reclaim that joy. Teaching is such a special calling; nobody becomes a teacher for the hourly pay. We're driven by a deeper purpose—the profound desire to make a difference in the lives of our students.
The reality is our profession is at a breaking point, with workloads and burnout attributing to inordinate shortages. Nobody leaves the profession as a Plan A. I am confident in saying for the majority, this is a last resort. To counter that, I ask: how do we find our purpose and passion again?
Reflect on Your Why:
Take a moment to reflect on why you became a teacher. Was it to inspire young minds, foster a love for learning, or make the world a better place? Reconnecting with your initial motivations can reignite the passion that once fuelled your teaching journey. Remember, you have the power to shape future generations. It is important to find joy in the classroom. It highlights the idea that teaching is not just a job; it's a calling that has the potential to bring immense satisfaction.
Find a ‘Partner in Joy’:
We all have a colleague or two we use as a sounding board to air our annoyances. But let’s turn our attention to having collegiate conversations in the staffroom that focus on success stories in your classrooms and the reason we became teachers in the first place – because we love to teach and feel good when students learn. Building a strong support network can rekindle your passion through shared enthusiasm and remind you that you're not alone in facing challenges.
Focus on Student Relationships:
Amongst the most rewarding aspects of teaching are the relationships we build with our students. Access to archaic staffroom couches and overused staff microwaves aren’t the reason we enter this profession. When there is a mutually nurturing and respectful environment, it's hard not to feel the exhilaration of teaching. The buzz of co-operation when both staff and students feel valued and respected is a recipe for self-care and rediscovering the magic of learning.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Teaching can be a tough gig, and it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Make it a habit to celebrate small victories, whether it's a student's "aha" moment, a successful lesson, or a heart-warming note from a parent. These small wins can remind you of the profound impact you're having.
Teaching is a noble profession that should be filled with satisfaction and purpose. Reclaiming what brought you into this field is essential for your own wellbeing but also for the success of your students. Reflect on your why, connect with peers, focus on student relationships, and celebrate the small wins.
Let's rediscover the magic of teaching and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we teach. Together, we can bring back the joy that makes teaching truly extraordinary.
If we don’t, who will?
Jack Andrews, Sacred Heart College, Geelong