Teaching & the dirty little secret

‘You can’t judge a teacher by their facade of unflappability!’

A practical definition : ‘Responsibility without power’

Stress and the teaching profession

Self evaluation

The biology of stress

Signs & symptoms

Coping strategies

30% of all newly qualified teachers leave the profession within the first 5 years of service

‘All those long holidays...it must be great to be a teacher...’

HSE research (2000) - teaching is among the most stressful professions in the UK, with 41.5% of teachers reporting themselves as ‘highly stressed’.

Journal of Managerial Psychology in 2005, ranked teaching as the 2nd most stressful job out of 26 occupations analysed.

The study found that only ambulance drivers experienced higher levels of stress than teachers!

YouGov (2007) - stress led half of all teachers to consider leaving the profession in that year.

Those considering leaving cited the following factors:

long hoursinsufficient management supportexcessive workloadlarge class sizespupil behaviour

How stressed are you?

Questionnaire

Questionnaire results

4 points or less:

You are least likely to suffer from stress-related illness.

Your coping strategies are obviously working for you...or you’re lying!

Questionnaire results

5 - 13 points:

You are more likely to experience stress related ill health - either mental, physical or both.

You would benefit from re-evaluating your stress management strategies.

Questionnaire results14 points or more:

You show a number of traits or characteristics that are creating un-healthy long term behaviours.

This means that you are very likely to experience stress & stress-related illness.

It is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice and/or stress management counselling.

The biology of stress

Cortisol & adrenal fatigue

Admin. & preparation

Performance anxiety

In-lesson management

Post lesson reflection

Life!

The drip drip fight for your life

Reading the signs

psychological

emotional Behavioural

physical

Reading the signs - Psychological

Inability to concentrate or make simple decisions

Memory lapses

Becoming rather vague

Easily distracted

Less intuitive & creative

Excessive worrying

Negative thinking

Depression & anxiety.

Reading the signs - Emotional

Tearful

Irritable

Mood swings

Sensitivity to criticism

Defensive

Feeling out of control

Lack of motivation

Frustrated

Lack of confidence

Lack of self-esteem.

Reading the signs - Behavioural

Little time for relaxation or pleasurable activities

Becoming a workaholic

Prone to accidents

Increased reliance on negative coping strategies

Poor time management and/or standards of work

Self neglect/change in appearance

Social withdrawal

Relationship problems

Insomnia or waking tired

Aggressive/anger outbursts

Absenteeism.

Reading the signs - Physical

Aches/pains & muscle tension/grinding teeth

Frequent colds/infections

Allergies/rashes/skin irritations

Constipation/diarrhoea/ IBS

Weight loss or gain

Indigestion/heartburn/ulcers

Dizziness/palpitations

Panic attacks/nausea

Physical tiredness

Menstrual changes/loss of libido/sexual problems

Heart problems/high blood pressure.

Coping strategies - ABC

A- AcknowledgeB- Behaviour modification (proactive)C- Communication

DietExerciseSleep

Positive physical coping strategies

Positive mental coping strategies

Know your stress triggersSupport networkRelaxation techniques (Heartmath)HobbiesBuild in renewal timeFaith

Good organisationDon’t reinvent the wheelCommitment to C.P.D.

Positive professional coping strategies

Follow the 10 commandments of career teaching.

1. Thou shalt not try to be perfect.2. Thou shalt not try to be ALL things to ALL people.3. Thou shalt accept that some things must be left undone and some things may never get done!4. Thou shalt accept that not all thy lessons will succeed.5. Thou shalt learn to say ‘No.’6. Thou shalt be more than just a teacher.7. Thou shalt listen to thy body’s warnings.8. Thou shalt ask for help.9. Thou shalt not feel guilty for being merely human.10. Thou shalt be as kind and understanding to thyself as thou art to those young people in thy care.

Resources & suggestions

Heartmath – Freeze frame

www.acomplaintfreeworld.org

NVC – Marshall Rosenberg

If all else fails, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that...

So have a slice of something indulgent and remember that however stressed

you may feel at times...

It could be a lot worse!