Schools always want you to be a super teacher, which is not realistic. Learning to respectfully decline excess expectations is fair. Teachers feel a sense of guilt when they say that they cannot attend an extra event or offer more time to support students. Work can already be overwhelming, and additional requirements are physically and emotionally draining.

You are not obligated to attend every dance, spelling bee, and football game. Rather, find ways to increase engagement in your classroom. Ask yourself if the increasing obligations will help you become an effective teacher while staying at the school site long-term. If you are only going to stay two years because you are dedicating your life and soul to the job, which is exhausting, would it be better to skip the additional events so you are at the school longer? Then, if a student visits, they do not see a school filled with new faces. Longevity and stamina is key.

Best,

Teacher’s Testimonials