Teachers are often looked at as heroes and role models in our society. But, many aren’t so lucky. Teachers go through a lot to help our society grow and thrive. And as much as we would like to think that everyone appreciates everything we do for them, that is not always the case.
There are countless challenges an educator faces on a daily basis, but these don’t always get the recognition they deserve. So, if you’re looking for some insight into what life as an educator isn’t so great about being, read on!
It’s an easy target for burnout
Teachers, and other educators, can face burnout. This is when an educator’s emotional and psychological well-being is affected by the stress of their profession. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Teachers, burnout is the most common occupational hazard of teachers.
It can happen to anyone, but educators often feel the pressure to succeed and experience a high rate of stress and anxiety. Educators are under constant pressure to perform well, provide students with the skills they need to succeed in life, and manage their own feelings of stress and anxiety.
It can be hard to find the right balance between being a good teacher and a happy one. Teachers are always under scrutiny, as they try to help students grow as people. Society can be quick to judge educators, and when they fail, the consequences are often harsh.
No one appreciates the long hours spent planning and grading
Long hours are often a teacher’s reality. It’s not uncommon for educators to put in 60 to 70 hours a week. This can take a toll on educators’ physical and mental well-being. Some may find themselves working compulsively, or even compulsively overeating, to cope with the stress of the job. In addition, educators don’t always earn the salary they should for the time and effort put in.
Teaching requires a unique set of skills and training, which means educators have to spend time learning new material and practicing. But, educators don’t always earn the salary they should for the time and effort put in. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a profession that has a low public profile.
Most people don’t understand the value of stable, quality school environments
When society looks at teachers, they often see a single, brief image of a dedicated educator. But, teachers are humans, too. And, they crave the same things that everyone else does. Teachers want to be treated with respect, feel like they can walk away from their jobs without stigma, and want to be able to take care of their loved ones. They don’t expect these things at a hyper-competitive school, but they do at a “good” school.
Schools matter. They are the settings where a significant amount of our brains are being formed. They are environments where children learn about who they are and how to navigate the world. But, in Canada, these settings are often neglected, underfunded, and under-supported. Teachers know that a quality school experience is an important piece of the education puzzle. It’s something that can’t be undervalued.
Insults and name-calling are an expected part of the job
Teachers have to be unafraid to address students with insults and name-calling, such as “dumbass,” “idiot,” and “asshole.” These words are often considered acceptable in a “real world” environment. They’re not. These words are unacceptable in a school setting and they don’t create a safe environment for students.
Schools should be safe environments for all members of society, especially marginalized groups. This is not to say that educators can’t use these words at home. They absolutely can. This is about educators being mindful of the fact that they are in a school environment.
People can be unforgiving when you speak out about unfair treatment
Many educators have experienced unfair treatment, especially in the form of discipline. This is often because educators are looking to discipline students who are breaking the rules in the hope of making them better citizens. But, educators are the ones who are constantly tempted to break the rules.
They’re the ones who want to use their phones while driving, who want to walk across the street without looking both ways, and who want to swear in front of younger siblings. The problem is educators don’t know when they’ve crossed the line. They don’t know how to know if they’re overstepping their boundaries. They don’t have solid boundaries.
The job doesn’t pay as well as it should considering the time and skill required
Teachers are often looked at as heroes and role models in our society. But, many aren’t so lucky. Teachers go through a lot to help our society grow and thrive. And as much as we would like to think that everyone appreciates everything we do for them, that is not always the case.
There are countless challenges an educator faces on a daily basis, but these don’t always get the recognition they deserve. So, if you’re looking for some insight into what life as an educator isn’t so great about, read on!
Not all teachers are equipped to cope with mental health issues on the job
It is important to acknowledge that teachers are in a very stressful job. Teachers are often chronically sleep-deprived. They have to manage their own feelings of stress and anxiety, while also managing the feelings of their students. They also have to manage their own feelings, while also managing the school’s culture.
Many educators struggle with low morale and feel stuck in limbo. They may feel like they can’t possibly do the job. Or, they may feel guilty for feeling like that. Educators don’t always know when they’re struggling with low morale, so they may not have the space to talk about it.
There are no paid days off or holidays
Teachers should be able to take time off to rest, recover, and spend time with their loved ones without worrying about how they’re going to pay their bills. But, in Canada teachers are expected to work during their paid holidays and days off. This can be extremely difficult when teachers are having to deal with mental health issues.
Schools should be safe places to learn and grow. They should be free of stigma and bullying. They should be places where students feel supported and seen. Schools should also be places where educators can have the necessary time off to recover, clear their heads, and recharge their batteries.
Most people don’t understand why you do what you do
Do people understand why you do what you do? Maybe, maybe not. But no one knows the many challenges that you face or what you do. No one knows what it is like to be judged or criticized by your students, to feel like you are doing all that is required of you and still not “making enough.” No one knows what it is like to work in a school system that is underfunded and overburdened.
No one knows what it is like to work in a school where there is no “there” for your students to reach. No one knows what it is like to have an administration that does not value education. So whether people understand or not, you are doing what you are doing because of the reasons you listed above. And if people don’t get it, how can you?
You are constantly being asked the same questions
You are probably asked the same questions at work, too. Do you smile while you are answering these questions? Do you feel confident while you are answering them? Or is your tone tired? Do you feel like you are repeating yourself? Are you getting new questions? No one wants to ask the same questions over and over again. Why are you being asked the same questions? Why don’t people want to learn more?
Conclusion
If you are reading this, then you have to be someone who values education. You may have come to this article because you feel unappreciated in your role or you may have already implemented some of the things that are mentioned here. It’s important to remember that education is not for everyone and that there is a reason why some people choose to do it.
As educators, we are constantly being judged, worried about our jobs, overworked, and underpaid. We are also underappreciated, and people don’t understand why we do what we do. But these things don’t need to stop you.
If anything, they should make you more passionate about what you do each day. There is a solution to all these problems. And it’s called a career in education. It may not be the career for you right now, but it’s something to think about in the future. And remember, even if you don’t understand why someone does what they do, it’s still good to show appreciation for what others do.