Chapters 4-5:What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”?How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters?Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Breaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Breaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
Breaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? The barrel refers to being stuck in an environment in which we are not thriving. When I want to refocus my energy, I try to remember my why-- why am I here in an environment or situation? The answer is: I am here for students. If I refocus on how to improve the lives and learning of the students assigned to me, the environment and situation should feed into that. I will inform decisions regarding all of the above by doing what is best for students. This principle aides the prevention of teacher burnouts by promoting the reason most educators get into the profession in the first place; not the additional duties, paperwork, meetings that could have been an email or hours of grading, but the learning and relationships that takes place with students.
We are encouraged to 'Break the Barrel' by encouraging us all to be the best-version-of-ourselves. We need to build each other up and break down the barrel so we can be free to thrive. It is of utmost importance to focus our time and energy on our students, lessons, and their learning, rather than gossip and unnecessary critiquing of others. If we focus on what we truly love (or should love or else choose a different profession) and allow ourselves to 'leave school at school' - this will definitely help with our teacher burnout.
Breaking the barrel means breaking "old norms" and as educators doing what is right for us so we can be the best versions of ourselves that we can be for these students. We don't always have to comply with rules, standards, etc. We are allowed to set our own rules and follow what we think is necessary for our students and ourselves.
I am one of those teachers that used to take (and still do sometimes) papers home to correct. Since having my first child, I've been more willing to leave work at work and come home to give my kiddo the attention she deserves. That is something I still continue to work on, being a teacher at school and being just a mom at home for my family.
Breaking the Barrel means doing what is right and best for kids. We don't have to continue to do things that are not right because we have always done them. We have a voice and can work together to do what is best for our students. I think this helps prevent teacher burnout because it empowers us to have a say in our profession. It helps us remember why we went into teaching and why we continue to teach.
I feel that "Break the barrel" means that it is okay to do something different from the norm. Sometimes a class may need something out of the ordinary to get their attention or interest. It could also mean to help each other out, build each other up and work together to come up with a solution to a rule that is bothering you at school--that you feel that needs to be changed. Show up everyday to school reminding yourself that it is a new day. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday--Move forward Always forward. I feel like we could make teacher burnout less by working together to build each other up. At our school, we get a staff members name in our mailbox and we write something on the card that makes us smile about that teacher.
The author says break the barrel, means to be the most authentic version of yourself, do things with enthusiasm, but do not be afraid to speak up if something can be improved. Just because something "has always been this way" does not mean there isn't a better way. Instead of complaining or demanding, show up with solutions.
“Break the barrel” means that we shouldn’t just accept the norms that we are handed. If something seems wrong, we need to speak up and advocate for a change. Instead of quietly suffering, we need to be positive when problems arise. I agree that anger does not solve issues, and if we want our voices to be heard, we need to say it in a dignified and calm manner. We should also avoid complaining to others about the situation. I think “breaking the barrel” will help educators feel less burned out. I think if everyone was proactive in approaching change, we could focus our energy on what truly matters- the kids!
"Break the Barrel" - I like how she says, "we don't need to help each other escape the barrel. We need to break down the barrel so we can be free to thrive. "organize, advocate for ourselves, draw boundaries" - all these things will help us break the barrel and experience freedom for future success. This challenges me to think about where I put my energy. Am I pulling others down or am I focusing my energy on true change that will help me (and them) move forward. Burnout is real - and last spring I experienced it in a way I hadn't before. I attended a burn-out seminar which helped me realize there are many things I can control and many things I can't. I need to focus my energy where I can control and make a difference rather than waste it on energies and attitudes that aren't productive.
Breaking the barrel is the same as breaking free from some of the "norms" in schools that could be questioned. She explained that it does not make you a bad person to question things or speak up for things that you think are better for kids. Show up each day doing everything to better your students. This doesn't mean to do it in a negative way or to be "that" teacher. There are many strategies to go about this in a positive way. I loved how she talked about focusing energy on the things that matter. People often get burnt out by wasting energy on things that aren't even required or necessary. This was eye opening and something I will be watching for in my day to day.
I understood "breaking the barrel" to mean to no longer allow norms to "barrel" or hold us in or hold us back. Sometimes what is expected is not helpful. Personally, I try to journal on a regular basis and consider where my heart lies. This allows me to focus on what is truly important to me and the things that I am called to do. Each of us are asked to do many things, but a true calling not only needs to include the being asked to do something, but our time and talents also need to align to that task. If they don't align, we will certainly burn out.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
The author talks about crabs in a barrel, which is not their natural habitat, and how they are going to just try to climb over one another to escape. As teachers, we get demands put on us that make us feel stuck like the crabs and feel like we should be going against other teachers instead of working together. When we feel powerless, we start to pull one another down. To avoid this mindset, I try to not compare myself with others. I try to prioritize what truly needs to be done first when it comes to my to-do list, and focus on putting my energy into relationships and doing my job effectively. It is easy to lose sight of what is most important and to not feel valued. It is incredibly exhausting feeling like a crab in a barrel, just trying to escape. If we work together with our colleagues to break down the barrel, the author says we can thrive and avoid burnout. If we speak up before we are entirely burnt out, something might actually change! We need to focus on making changes with our systems, schools, and administrators instead of complaining about our colleagues and situations. I also think setting boundaries for yourself is very important when it comes to avoiding burnout.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
When the author encourages us to "Break the Barrel" she is encouraging us to reflect upon and, if necessary, take action with "norms". The author encourages us to not just help others out of the barrel but to take down the restriction of the barrel, to advocate for ourselves, for others, and for system changes when necessary. I personally need to spend a lot of time outdoors to balance myself and reflect upon my thoughts. If I do not, I feel unbalanced and find myself stuck. I work very hard at being very mindful of a balance between my personal and professional life. I am mindful to set boundaries and have to work really hard to maintain those boundaries. If we can "break the barrel", we can set the example for others to do the same. With this mindset, we can help ourselves and others be uplifted, valued, and be our best selves.
The author talks about "Breaking the Barrel" because she believes it is important for us as educators to work together instead of pulling each other down over defective norms in our schools. Instead of complaining and focusing on comparing our "worsts" against others in the building, we should be solution oriented. Our solutions should include benefiting everyone, or being happy for some that benefit differently than ourselves.
Refocusing my energy on what really matters is directly related to surrounding myself with positive colleagues. I have been in my position for seven years and I know who brightens my day and who makes me take on a negative attitude. Positive conversations or even negative conversations that are productive are always going to be worth my time. Relationships with these coworkers are also helpful when needing to questions norms or get advice on issues.
Teacher burn out for me comes directly from how I feel about my days and weeks. Laughing with my coworkers, successfully implementing solutions with my coworkers and being supported by my coworkers makes my days and weeks great. It also allows me to have a great attitude which directly correlates in me being a more patient and kind teacher.
I think “Break the Barrel” means to shift our thinking from the negative to be more positive. Just because things have always been that way, it doesn’t mean it has to stay that way, especially if it is having a negative effect on us. It is so easy to get caught up in gossip and complaining because everyone else is. For teaching, I try to focus my energy and time on the parts of teaching that I really enjoy and spend time with colleagues who feel the same way. When I do this, I feel like I am a better teacher for my students. I also remind myself that teaching is a job, and I am doing the best I can. I have many other parts of my life that need my time and energy and trying to avoid burn out is important for all of them.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? This is an approach to positively deal with the expectations placed on us in schools to have an outcome that benefits us and students. I have journaled since I was little. When I have something comes up that I am questioning I start writing until I can positively approach a situation that will benefit me and the others involved. This helps me not burn out and not create negative waves in my work environment.
I feel like breaking the barrel is about creating a more positive work environment. Once a fellow teacher is complaining about something, it is so easy to fall into that negative way of viewing things. It's the same with gossip. When teachers are frustrated, it's easy to pull each other down just like the crabs in the barrel. But it's important to work together in a positive way to break the barrel completely. It's a much better option to work together to solve a problem than to simply continue to complain about it.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Breaking the barrel means getting out of the "norms" that are holding us back. The author talks about how we can take more positive approaches to breaking these norms and doing what is best for us as teachers and for our students. The way I refocus my energy is by talking to other teachers who are positive and by asking questions. When I am around other positive people I feel much better personally and I am a better teacher and the students are getting the best version of me. The way I avoid burnout is by not taking work home. I sometimes don't even take my computer home. This allows me time to do things that I love outside of school, like reading and spending time with friends and family.
Breaking the barrel means stepping outside of the norms that our school cultures have in place. The norm at our school might not be the national norm. I like how the author says that we need to turn our complaints into questions. We must think outside the box to find solutions so we can focus, not only on work, but other things that are important to us. Personally, I found that making a list of things to do for the week has really helped. During my prep time I have a focus. Instead of cleaning or organizing my classroom, I can work on the high priority items I have on my to-do list. My list also keeps me focused when I have staff members or students interrupting my prep time. I’m able to help them with what they came in for, then quickly return to the item on my to-do list, instead of getting distracted by my low priority items. Being creative and thinking outside the box can help teacher burnout by giving teachers unique and effective solutions that can help us focus on things that matter most to us. I think teachers can burn out so quickly because we have so many different things that we are trying to focus on. I think it’s also important to remember to not over schedule or over crowd our to-do lists. I found listing 4-5 things for the week helps me focus on my highest priority items. I feel accomplished when I get to cross out the items on my list, but I’m not having to carry over items each week.
The term "break the barrel" refers to the trap that teachers fall into, comparing themselves to others and falling into a pattern of self-doubt and negativity towards one another. The reference is to crabs in a barrel, which one can get out on its own, but will never be able to as the other crabs will continuously pull it down back into the barrel. In order for teachers to "break the barrel" we will have to challenge the school norms, and not just accept that what has always been done it what's best for kids. It encourages us to ask questions about who is requiring things, and how do we as educators make changes within the system in a professional manner.
Teacher burnout occurs when a teacher does not fit into the system, or is required to conform to a system that does not fit their true self in the teaching world. If teachers can then focus on shifting the system, or working towards change, rather than resenting the teachers who do fit the system or assume they are doing things wrong, the energy shifts. The focus is on something that can actually be changed, rather than wallowing in negativity towards others.
Breaking the barrel is about seeking positive solutions rather than being bitter/resentful re: norm of how's it's always been done. Ask a coworker if they would change this duty for that duty (duty you dislike for a duty they dislike), if it's a norm that you are uncomfortable with, talk with others, speak up/talk to admin. so they are aware of your persective instead of complaining, being negative, dragging others down. Seek a positive solution. Always be coming from the point of what is best for the kids. I try to surround myself around positive staff at school, it keeps the energy and motivation of giving kids my best self. I've focused this year to walk out the door on time and head home as the rule, not the exception. This has truly helped as I feel much more positive towards school bc I am choosing that my personal life is just as important as school life or more so.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
Breaking the barrel means finding new solutions to typical problems. Not doing something the way it's always been done just for the sake of tradition. It's reevaluating our duties and doing them more effectively- essentially 'breaking the barrel' that we often find ourself in. I'm a planner by nature. I love to plan ahead, make copies for the following year ahead of time, organize things, etc. This helps me tremendously when a new year starts and I have copies pre-made, giving me a little bit of my weekend time back. It helps me focus my energy more on the present, and it's like a present to myself a year in advance. Of course I can't do this with every subject, but there are a few constants that I know I'll need each year and it's so handy to have them done when I need them. I feel like this is a way that I can help prevent my own burnout.
Breaking the barrel, I feel, means overcoming negativity and being more supportive and collaborative. I focus/refocus by trying to look at the positive side of things and surrounding myself with positive people, both in and out of school. I also try to not get bogged down by things that are unimportant or can wait another day. Having positive support systems and staying away from negativity is a natural way to prevent burnout. Having someone to talk to on good and bad days, that can relate to your situation can also prevent burnout.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
DeleteBreaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
Accidentally posted anonymously above:
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means that instead of conforming to the systemic school norms that we daily face, we brainstorm creative alternatives with our colleagues so that the mandates received from admin could be exchanged for ones that are more palatable to more people and yet still be equally effective. Teachers work together toward a common goal as opposed to harboring petty jealousies about who is doing less than others.
This would help prevent burnout because teachers would collectively be using their energy to identify more efficient solutions to completing their responsibilities. This translates to more time to be allocated for other segments of teachers' lives. I also have to spend more time figuring out which things I do in the classroom because it brings me fulfillment versus what is required. I would benefit from setting a timer and when the timer sounds, that is when I am done doing whatever I was doing. I have become victim of the "going down the rabbit hole" of trying to find the best "whatever it may be" on the internet and it taking a lot more time than I wanted to give it. Especially when I put doing something like that before something that is a more pressing deadline. Makes for a long day that way.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
ReplyDeleteThe barrel refers to being stuck in an environment in which we are not thriving. When I want to refocus my energy, I try to remember my why-- why am I here in an environment or situation? The answer is: I am here for students. If I refocus on how to improve the lives and learning of the students assigned to me, the environment and situation should feed into that. I will inform decisions regarding all of the above by doing what is best for students. This principle aides the prevention of teacher burnouts by promoting the reason most educators get into the profession in the first place; not the additional duties, paperwork, meetings that could have been an email or hours of grading, but the learning and relationships that takes place with students.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe are encouraged to 'Break the Barrel' by encouraging us all to be the best-version-of-ourselves. We need to build each other up and break down the barrel so we can be free to thrive. It is of utmost importance to focus our time and energy on our students, lessons, and their learning, rather than gossip and unnecessary critiquing of others. If we focus on what we truly love (or should love or else choose a different profession) and allow ourselves to 'leave school at school' - this will definitely help with our teacher burnout.
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means breaking "old norms" and as educators doing what is right for us so we can be the best versions of ourselves that we can be for these students. We don't always have to comply with rules, standards, etc. We are allowed to set our own rules and follow what we think is necessary for our students and ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those teachers that used to take (and still do sometimes) papers home to correct. Since having my first child, I've been more willing to leave work at work and come home to give my kiddo the attention she deserves. That is something I still continue to work on, being a teacher at school and being just a mom at home for my family.
Breaking the Barrel means doing what is right and best for kids. We don't have to continue to do things that are not right because we have always done them. We have a voice and can work together to do what is best for our students.
ReplyDeleteI think this helps prevent teacher burnout because it empowers us to have a say in our profession. It helps us remember why we went into teaching and why we continue to teach.
I feel that "Break the barrel" means that it is okay to do something different from the norm. Sometimes a class may need something out of the ordinary to get their attention or interest. It could also mean to help each other out, build each other up and work together to come up with a solution to a rule that is bothering you at school--that you feel that needs to be changed. Show up everyday to school reminding yourself that it is a new day. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday--Move forward Always forward. I feel like we could make teacher burnout less by working together to build each other up. At our school, we get a staff members name in our mailbox and we write something on the card that makes us smile about that teacher.
ReplyDeleteThe author says break the barrel, means to be the most authentic version of yourself, do things with enthusiasm, but do not be afraid to speak up if something can be improved. Just because something "has always been this way" does not mean there isn't a better way. Instead of complaining or demanding, show up with solutions.
ReplyDelete“Break the barrel” means that we shouldn’t just accept the norms that we are handed. If something seems wrong, we need to speak up and advocate for a change. Instead of quietly suffering, we need to be positive when problems arise. I agree that anger does not solve issues, and if we want our voices to be heard, we need to say it in a dignified and calm manner. We should also avoid complaining to others about the situation. I think “breaking the barrel” will help educators feel less burned out. I think if everyone was proactive in approaching change, we could focus our energy on what truly matters- the kids!
ReplyDelete"Break the Barrel" - I like how she says, "we don't need to help each other escape the barrel. We need to break down the barrel so we can be free to thrive. "organize, advocate for ourselves, draw boundaries" - all these things will help us break the barrel and experience freedom for future success. This challenges me to think about where I put my energy. Am I pulling others down or am I focusing my energy on true change that will help me (and them) move forward. Burnout is real - and last spring I experienced it in a way I hadn't before. I attended a burn-out seminar which helped me realize there are many things I can control and many things I can't. I need to focus my energy where I can control and make a difference rather than waste it on energies and attitudes that aren't productive.
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel is the same as breaking free from some of the "norms" in schools that could be questioned. She explained that it does not make you a bad person to question things or speak up for things that you think are better for kids. Show up each day doing everything to better your students. This doesn't mean to do it in a negative way or to be "that" teacher. There are many strategies to go about this in a positive way. I loved how she talked about focusing energy on the things that matter. People often get burnt out by wasting energy on things that aren't even required or necessary. This was eye opening and something I will be watching for in my day to day.
ReplyDeleteI understood "breaking the barrel" to mean to no longer allow norms to "barrel" or hold us in or hold us back. Sometimes what is expected is not helpful. Personally, I try to journal on a regular basis and consider where my heart lies. This allows me to focus on what is truly important to me and the things that I am called to do. Each of us are asked to do many things, but a true calling not only needs to include the being asked to do something, but our time and talents also need to align to that task. If they don't align, we will certainly burn out.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
ReplyDeleteThe author talks about crabs in a barrel, which is not their natural habitat, and how they are going to just try to climb over one another to escape. As teachers, we get demands put on us that make us feel stuck like the crabs and feel like we should be going against other teachers instead of working together. When we feel powerless, we start to pull one another down. To avoid this mindset, I try to not compare myself with others. I try to prioritize what truly needs to be done first when it comes to my to-do list, and focus on putting my energy into relationships and doing my job effectively. It is easy to lose sight of what is most important and to not feel valued. It is incredibly exhausting feeling like a crab in a barrel, just trying to escape. If we work together with our colleagues to break down the barrel, the author says we can thrive and avoid burnout. If we speak up before we are entirely burnt out, something might actually change! We need to focus on making changes with our systems, schools, and administrators instead of complaining about our colleagues and situations. I also think setting boundaries for yourself is very important when it comes to avoiding burnout.
Chapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
ReplyDeleteWhen the author encourages us to "Break the Barrel" she is encouraging us to reflect upon and, if necessary, take action with "norms". The author encourages us to not just help others out of the barrel but to take down the restriction of the barrel, to advocate for ourselves, for others, and for system changes when necessary. I personally need to spend a lot of time outdoors to balance myself and reflect upon my thoughts. If I do not, I feel unbalanced and find myself stuck. I work very hard at being very mindful of a balance between my personal and professional life. I am mindful to set boundaries and have to work really hard to maintain those boundaries. If we can "break the barrel", we can set the example for others to do the same. With this mindset, we can help ourselves and others be uplifted, valued, and be our best selves.
The author talks about "Breaking the Barrel" because she believes it is important for us as educators to work together instead of pulling each other down over defective norms in our schools. Instead of complaining and focusing on comparing our "worsts" against others in the building, we should be solution oriented. Our solutions should include benefiting everyone, or being happy for some that benefit differently than ourselves.
ReplyDeleteRefocusing my energy on what really matters is directly related to surrounding myself with positive colleagues. I have been in my position for seven years and I know who brightens my day and who makes me take on a negative attitude. Positive conversations or even negative conversations that are productive are always going to be worth my time. Relationships with these coworkers are also helpful when needing to questions norms or get advice on issues.
Teacher burn out for me comes directly from how I feel about my days and weeks. Laughing with my coworkers, successfully implementing solutions with my coworkers and being supported by my coworkers makes my days and weeks great. It also allows me to have a great attitude which directly correlates in me being a more patient and kind teacher.
I think “Break the Barrel” means to shift our thinking from the negative to be more positive. Just because things have always been that way, it doesn’t mean it has to stay that way, especially if it is having a negative effect on us. It is so easy to get caught up in gossip and complaining because everyone else is. For teaching, I try to focus my energy and time on the parts of teaching that I really enjoy and spend time with colleagues who feel the same way. When I do this, I feel like I am a better teacher for my students. I also remind myself that teaching is a job, and I am doing the best I can. I have many other parts of my life that need my time and energy and trying to avoid burn out is important for all of them.
ReplyDeleteChapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? This is an approach to positively deal with the expectations placed on us in schools to have an outcome that benefits us and students. I have journaled since I was little. When I have something comes up that I am questioning I start writing until I can positively approach a situation that will benefit me and the others involved. This helps me not burn out and not create negative waves in my work environment.
ReplyDeleteI feel like breaking the barrel is about creating a more positive work environment. Once a fellow teacher is complaining about something, it is so easy to fall into that negative way of viewing things. It's the same with gossip. When teachers are frustrated, it's easy to pull each other down just like the crabs in the barrel. But it's important to work together in a positive way to break the barrel completely. It's a much better option to work together to solve a problem than to simply continue to complain about it.
ReplyDeleteChapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Breaking the barrel means getting out of the "norms" that are holding us back. The author talks about how we can take more positive approaches to breaking these norms and doing what is best for us as teachers and for our students. The way I refocus my energy is by talking to other teachers who are positive and by asking questions. When I am around other positive people I feel much better personally and I am a better teacher and the students are getting the best version of me. The way I avoid burnout is by not taking work home. I sometimes don't even take my computer home. This allows me time to do things that I love outside of school, like reading and spending time with friends and family.
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means stepping outside of the norms that our school cultures have in place. The norm at our school might not be the national norm. I like how the author says that we need to turn our complaints into questions. We must think outside the box to find solutions so we can focus, not only on work, but other things that are important to us.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I found that making a list of things to do for the week has really helped. During my prep time I have a focus. Instead of cleaning or organizing my classroom, I can work on the high priority items I have on my to-do list. My list also keeps me focused when I have staff members or students interrupting my prep time. I’m able to help them with what they came in for, then quickly return to the item on my to-do list, instead of getting distracted by my low priority items.
Being creative and thinking outside the box can help teacher burnout by giving teachers unique and effective solutions that can help us focus on things that matter most to us. I think teachers can burn out so quickly because we have so many different things that we are trying to focus on. I think it’s also important to remember to not over schedule or over crowd our to-do lists. I found listing 4-5 things for the week helps me focus on my highest priority items. I feel accomplished when I get to cross out the items on my list, but I’m not having to carry over items each week.
The term "break the barrel" refers to the trap that teachers fall into, comparing themselves to others and falling into a pattern of self-doubt and negativity towards one another. The reference is to crabs in a barrel, which one can get out on its own, but will never be able to as the other crabs will continuously pull it down back into the barrel. In order for teachers to "break the barrel" we will have to challenge the school norms, and not just accept that what has always been done it what's best for kids. It encourages us to ask questions about who is requiring things, and how do we as educators make changes within the system in a professional manner.
ReplyDeleteTeacher burnout occurs when a teacher does not fit into the system, or is required to conform to a system that does not fit their true self in the teaching world. If teachers can then focus on shifting the system, or working towards change, rather than resenting the teachers who do fit the system or assume they are doing things wrong, the energy shifts. The focus is on something that can actually be changed, rather than wallowing in negativity towards others.
Breaking the barrel is about seeking positive solutions rather than being bitter/resentful re: norm of how's it's always been done. Ask a coworker if they would change this duty for that duty (duty you dislike for a duty they dislike), if it's a norm that you are uncomfortable with, talk with others, speak up/talk to admin. so they are aware of your persective instead of complaining, being negative, dragging others down. Seek a positive solution. Always be coming from the point of what is best for the kids. I try to surround myself around positive staff at school, it keeps the energy and motivation of giving kids my best self. I've focused this year to walk out the door on time and head home as the rule, not the exception. This has truly helped as I feel much more positive towards school bc I am choosing that my personal life is just as important as school life or more so.
ReplyDeleteChapters 4-5: What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means finding new solutions to typical problems. Not doing something the way it's always been done just for the sake of tradition. It's reevaluating our duties and doing them more effectively- essentially 'breaking the barrel' that we often find ourself in.
I'm a planner by nature. I love to plan ahead, make copies for the following year ahead of time, organize things, etc. This helps me tremendously when a new year starts and I have copies pre-made, giving me a little bit of my weekend time back. It helps me focus my energy more on the present, and it's like a present to myself a year in advance. Of course I can't do this with every subject, but there are a few constants that I know I'll need each year and it's so handy to have them done when I need them. I feel like this is a way that I can help prevent my own burnout.
Breaking the barrel, I feel, means overcoming negativity and being more supportive and collaborative. I focus/refocus by trying to look at the positive side of things and surrounding myself with positive people, both in and out of school. I also try to not get bogged down by things that are unimportant or can wait another day. Having positive support systems and staying away from negativity is a natural way to prevent burnout. Having someone to talk to on good and bad days, that can relate to your situation can also prevent burnout.
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