Take Back Your Time in 2023 with 3 Simple Steps

I have spent my entire life, from the moment I could talk and move around, wanting to be a teacher. A job where you can change the lives of others and interact with so many different people. Many young teachers started in this exact mindset. However, we can't deny what we have seen on "Teacher Quit Tok" and on major news outlets. Teachers are leaving in droves for a multitude of reasons, from low pay to overall disrespect from society. I feel like I am in the boat of teachers who are holding out hope, mostly because we've already invested so much in student loans and time to be in our own classroom. If teaching is getting to be a lot, but quitting doesn't feel like an option, it may be time to restructure your boundaries.

As the new year approaches, it's a great time for everyone, including teachers, to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. We should ensure that we are focusing on goals to make teaching a better job for ourselves. In the last few years, we have learned, unfortunately, that no one else will make the job better, so we need to do it on our own.

Here are three things that I have been working on to manage my time between work, grad school, and loved ones. These steps have also helped me to continue teaching effectively when going through some tough personal times.

1. Set limits on your work email. Either remove your work email app from your phone or set it to have specific hours when you will not be notified. I have my Microsoft Outlook app set to that it will not alert me on nights (4pm-7am the next morning) and weekends. If someone of true importance has a real emergency, they will call you. Don't let a colleague make you feel bad about not answering their email at 10pm for help with posting grades due at midnight. You do not need to answer that email a parent sent you on Saturday asking about their child's assignment that was due yesterday. You are a teacher, not a personal assistant.

2. "No" is a full sentence. It's okay to turn down requests that don't align with your boundaries, schedule, or goals. Saying no can help you protect your time and energy. Read your contract and write down what you are required to do. Then, make a list of things you do not have to do, but have done in the past anyway due to whatever pressure you felt. Keep this list someplace where you can see it or find it easily when feeling unsure of your personal boundaries. You do not have to attend that extra concert, basketball game, or "family fun" night. Go home and take care of more important things!

3. Ask for help. If you're having trouble with any parts of the job, consider seeking support from a seasoned teacher, mentor, or instructional coach. Even the most toxic school environment may have one person that is willing to help - do not give up until you find them! You should also consider seeing a mental health professional to help you develop strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries if you feel you need additional assistance.

By setting and maintaining boundaries, teachers can create a healthy work-life balance and while still enjoying the job we love. Happy New Year!