Cafe Bustelo & No-Doz - Avoiding the 1st Week Burnout

My first year of teaching, I think I must've spent $700 on all the cutesy posters, fadeless paper, nametags, literacy flash cards... everything the Teacher's Supply Store had to offer, right on down to the little white bell to get my class' attention (which, by the way I still have) before I even stepped foot into my classroom.  By the first day of second grade, I had hung all my decorations with care, affixed all the kid's names to their desks in alphabetical order with super-sticky packing tape, written all of my perfect literacy and math lessons down in "Aim" form (that's what we were taught in my methods courses), and was anxious to hit the ground running.  Six hours, five transferred kids, 2 lunchtime fights, a lecture about 'teacher-created materials' and behavioral objectives that start with SWBAT, and a ripped bulletin board later, I was defeated and damn near in tears.  What was I doing here anyway?  Was this really my calling?  I had planned all my lessons perfectly and nothing went the way it was supposed to.  Was it too late to get my old job back?

Fortunately, there were absolutely fantastic mentors assigned to my school in those first few years who helped to shape my panic-stricken survival phases of teaching past disillusionment, through to rejuvenation, and reflection (Moir, 2011).  During that time I learned one of the most important lessons I would learn as a self-martyring educator, one that I continue to pass on to in-service as well as pre-service teachers who register for my workshops: You cannot do it all.  Not at one time, and sometimes not even in one year.  Even knowing this, I could still never quench that nagging feeling on the night before students reported that I wish I had labeled all of the bookshelves, I wish I had found that border I was looking for with the stars on it, I meant to hang the job assignment poster, I didn't make the special Sesame Street cut-out bookmarks for each student yet...  All those small things that really do make a difference, but are they really necessary on the first day?  During the first week?  I would spend many sleepless nights at school from 7am to 9pm during the first couple weeks, getting it all done, but making myself absolutely miserable and not at my best for my kids.

So what's the over-achiever teacher to do, so that s/he feels effective, yet not so burnt out that the Columbus Day holiday becomes a weekend of Bustelo Coffee & chocolate covered No-Doz?  Simple.  Prioritize.  I know, I know - I throw that word 'simple' out there like students throw out the 'Welcome Parent' letters we stay up all night perfecting.  It really can be simple though.  Perhaps I should clarify that my definition of 'simple' is not a synonym for effortless.  When I say 'simple' I mean, less stressful.  Less confusing.  Less frustrating.

Here's one way to help focus your attention:

During those early August weeks when Target and Staples are taunting you about the end of your summer reprieve, try making a to-do list for yourself by journaling around the following questions: 

1- What lessons/procedures/routines are absolutely essential for us to cover in the first 2 weeks? Or, perhaps the first month?

2- How will they be rolled out with my students? What is the time frame? 

3- To what extent will these lessons/procedures/routines be teacher-led? What parts will be self-guided? Will students need to build independence? How soon?

4- What structures or scaffolds will I need to put into place to facilitate these things with the least amount of strain on myself?

5- When/how will I evaluate their effectiveness?  Have I built in time for reflection and retooling?

6- What supplies will I need? What is my budget for said supplies? Is there somewhere I might be able to source these things for little to no cost?

If you find this works for you, think about using these prompts to guide your preparation throughout the year.  Most of us think about the school year in smaller chunks already - whether you focus month by month, unit by unit, or break to break (year-rounders) - and so taking time to plan long-range goals with short-term breaks for planning and reflection just makes good strategic sense and provides protection for your sanity.  If you're fortunate to work in a collaborative environment, form a sanity partnership, or squad with which you can openly bounce ideas, and from whom you might be able to ask for help.  Remember that to be supported, you must also be supportive.  And most importantly, be forgiving.  Allow yourself to be imperfect, and to build your wings on the way down sometimes.  Even the best laid plans are subject to the wind.  Don't fight it.  Study it, and build a kite.

Finally, if you feel yourself teetering on burnout, take a break.  Step back.  Re-evaluate the task ahead, and prioritize.  Some things will have to wait, but your mental and physical health cannot.  You are nowhere near as effective when you're tired and frazzled as you are when well-rested and calm.  Now you can save the Cafe Bustelo and No-Doz for something more fitting - like surprise visits from your family during the winter holidays.

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Moir, Ellen. "Phases of First Year Teaching." New Teacher Center. New Teacher Center, 17 Aug. 2011. Web. 12 Aug. 2016.