Last weekend I visited my college roommate/best bud, Leah, in New York.
The weekend was literally perfect and represented two things I think all educators need: one, opportunities to get away, relax, and refresh and two, friends who are also educators.
Going to New York is always a joy for me and this trip was no exception. I left the weekend feeling refreshed and renewed; having the opportunity to get away from school, have time with friends and time by myself allows me to come back fresh and reseted. I know that travel isn't as possible or as enjoyable for everyone as it is for me. Whether or not you leave your house, I have learned that "getting away" from school for a weekend or over a school break is essential. When I started teaching I had much less control over my ability to separate from school. I had a lot of anxiety about teaching and would think and re-think about what had happened, what was going to happen, what I was doing, what my students were doing, all the time. It was exhausting and it made me really unhappy. As time has gone by, a combination of time/experience, reminders from caring co-workers and practicing mindfulness has made it easier for me to shut off my school-brain when I am not at school. Whatever your mode of "getting out of town" is, having a release valve is essential to being happy and healthy as an educator.
My second point about my weekend away might seem to contradict my first point... but stick with me here. In addition to getting away from school, I think it is really important for teachers to have friends who are teachers. I work with really great people who I wouldn't trade for the world. I am additionally blessed with many friends who are also teachers in different schools and at different grade levels. I find these teacher friends invaluable. Leah and her husband Zac are both educators. It was delightful to spend the weekend talking with them about teaching: hearing their funny stories, asking for advice on curriculum, and discussing the many challenges we face in our field and how to approach them with thoughtful strength. I know I just wrote about not thinking about school, but for me, having conversations with teacher friends who are not my co-workers, gives me new perspectives and insights that help me see the world outside of the bubble of my classroom. As a teacher, I have found that it is easy to feel like you are the only one who has the struggles that you are having or that no one can see the successes your students are experiencing. This is where conversations with teacher friends really help me re-frame my thinking. I am deeply appreciative to the many teacher friends who have spent time talking with me about the many joys and challenges of our work.
My last post was about the end of the honeymoon and so, for me, my weekend away was a timely reminder of how to stay happy and healthy throughout the school year. We are all going to have our down moments, so next time I am in a slump, can someone remind me to book a plane ticket, or phone a friend? I would love to hear how you take care of yourself during the school year. Feel free to share ideas by commenting on this post.
Thanks, y'all. Happy weekend.
