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Educational Excellence

Coping With Stress

The most common way of coping with stress noted by early-career interviewees was some kind of
physical activity—yoga, meditation, exercise, spin class, or workouts. One did the opposite: She slept.
Others relied on second jobs to take their minds off the teaching job, and still another liked to meet with
friends and colleagues, which allowed for venting and an opportunity to come up with new ideas. The
hardest challenge was to learn how to “leave it at the door”—to refuse to take dilemmas home but instead
enjoy time with family. Another liked quieter time by finding a tranquil place to read, rest, exercise, or
explore new avenues of interest.

Concerns/Challenges in Curriculum
In this area, most were comfortable with the
curriculum they were using, although one special
education teacher was concerned about the lack of
materials appropriate for her students, who performed
at wide-ranging levels. Several were concerned
that there was not enough time in the day or year to
teach all that is needed to help students grow, meet
standards, and be ready for what is ahead. They noted
that meeting standards was especially hard with so
many students behind due to Covid-19 and for students
who were constantly pulled out for “specials” such
as speech therapy, remedial math and reading, and
so forth. Interviewees at all levels expressed serious
concerns about the workload. Working closely with
other teachers was successful when working together
on curriculum, but several of those interviewed
were frustrated by other teachers who did not take
the initiative to get things done. Some stated that
curriculum textbooks were often not good teaching
and learning materials.

Concerns/Challenges in Discipline
This topic elicited a wide range of reflections. In schools having a strong administrator, a staff that
worked together, and clear expectations, discipline was not a big concern. For those who did not have
that administrative and staff support, the major concern was trying to deal with students who talked back,
who did not know how to act in a public-school setting, or who were not motivated. All believed that
school should always be a safe place for students, especially for those students who come from a negative
environment. One teacher said that if parents do not see the child as a behavioral problem and there are no
consequences to fear at home, the students do not fear consequences at school. Educators still struggle with
the “love me” or “fear me” message they give to students. They are constantly looking for that balance.

Other Areas of Concern/Challenge
The other areas of concern or challenge mentioned were:
• Paperwork taking way too much of their teaching and preparation time.
• Working with students who are behind academically.
• Having enough funding to cover materials needed in the classroom. Many teachers continue to
use their own money.

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