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?
The author encourages us to "break the barrel" by helping each other be the best that we can be. We should show up each day showing enthusiasm for our work. We are here to do a great job for kids. Use your energy to improve the work environment. Don't be afraid to speak up if routines are questionable. If we support each other and bring each other up, we may be less likely to burn out.
To me "breaking the barrel" is the overall concept of breaking the norms to create new norms. The school is in a system that "has been done for years" but why does that have to continue. Step outside of the box, do something new and with passion. It is impossible to improve something without making a change, without making an effort to make a change, all we are doing is complaining about the problem which just creates more problems.
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? A long time ago, I was at a conference and learned about the term "not in my backpack" which did not mean "not my job" but instead not in my control so I can't worry about it. It really helped me focus on if it was worth my energy to complain or worry about something. I need to go back to that mentality because if I am not willing to work on a solution then it's not worth my time or energy to think about. I think a main part of burnout breakers is knowing and allowing yourself to say no. This will allow teachers to focus on what is really important to them to put their time and energy into.
Instead of wasting time and energy pulling others down with our words, actions, or even just our thoughts, we could be all collectively helping or at least being happy for each other. Oh, how much better our work (and other) environment would be if we did so. That is just one of many norms that could be changed. Sometimes, I just need to take several deep breaths to get on track. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a little scare to remind me of what is important (like my daughter getting sick reminds me that she is where my priority should be, not school). I think I have already suffered burnout (developed a chronic pain disease), and I know I need to work on learning about, setting, and maintaining boundaries. I also need to work on having a more positive attitude and finding the joy in the moments with my daughter (and students). I am a huge work in progress!
“Break the barrel” means that we shouldn’t just remain stuck with norms that we are handed. Also, we can’t just stay there and complain to one another. If something seems wrong, we need to speak up and try to institute the changes we need/desire. Usually I know that it is time to refocus when my stress level is on overload and I am tired all the time. I know this is not a healthy way to live, and I am definitely a work in progress. I have gotten better at not adding extra responsibilities to my plate, but sometimes I still bite off more than I can chew and end up regretting it.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? "Break the Barrel" means that teachers are fearful of advocating for themselves because of what their colleagues might say. Many times they get responses that tend to be more negative and find reasons why that wouldn't work. I either pick and choose when to speak up or speak up knowing I will get responses like that and ignore them. Supporting others and will lead to myself getting support when it comes to teacher burnout. Ask colleagues if they need help and invest in them and you'll get the same in return.
I think of breaking down the barrel as not pulling each other down with gossip and complaining, but instead working to find different ways to make things in your school environment better. It is so easy to complain or gossip about other teachers, but it takes real strength to not participate in that and instead work towards finding a way to improve the issues that are being complained about. I should refocus my energy to where it should be or on what really matters by working towards solutions instead of complaining and gossiping. I like that the author pointed out that often, the administrators are just responding to a directive and may not have found the best way to implement it. If you give them a different way to still fulfill their obligation that is better for the staff, they may be more than willing to try it. Breaking down the barrel is an important component in preventing teacher burn-out because if we are so worried about what everyone else is doing or not doing, we will become very negative and not a team player. This can lead to issues in the staff and also create negative views of each other. If we worry about ourselves and what we can do to improve the situation, it is going to create a more positive environment for everyone.
When the author encourages us to break the barrel, I think she's encouraging us to try to change the things that are limiting our ability to be our best selves. Instead of making sure we all suffer equally over some miserable circumstance, support one another and stand up to change the circumstance. Instead of pulling each other down, she is encouraging us to stand together and “focus on the folks that built the barrel.” I think it's important to prioritize what really matters and focus our energy into those things. For me, it’s my time with students. I want to focus the majority of what I do into the time I spend with students.I love the process of planning and creating lessons. Having well thought-out lessons helps me so that when I am with students, learning is maximized, the transitions flow smoothly, students are engaged and having fun learning. I enjoy spending time where my passion lies and it doesn’t feel like work.
"Break the barrel" means to dismantle the structures that are holding teachers back from being successful. Instead of tearing down our peers and holding ourselves back, we can put our energy together toward constructive change that empowers each of us.
This unifying energy prevents teacher burn-out because it can invigorate, inspire, and encourage each individual teacher as a community for positive change.
Callie Dutenhoffer Breaking the Barrel to me means to not be afraid to go out of the boundaries. Push for what you believe in, don’t remain miserable. Help one another, don’t compete and go against each other and trap yourself inside. “Be free to thrive” was one of the quotes that hit me. Us teachers need to be each other’s biggest cheer leaders. If you don’t set boundaries and know that you can say no or stand up for what you believe is right, you will get burned out. The way that I would refocus if I was starting to feel this way, was reach out to my colleagues. I was one of the newest teachers in our elementary and many of the teachers above me had years of experience ahead of me. I knew that whenever I was struggling or “stuck” I could go to them to vent, get different ideas, or talk through my ideas to make sure it’s the closest to success as I can get. I think this is so important because no teacher is perfect. Everyone has been in a moment that they have questioned if what they were doing is the best method. If it weren’t for having each other to depend on during the good and the bad, there would be a lot more bad days.
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?
Mara Adams "Break the Barrel" means to step out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to think and go outside the box. Stand up for yourself and the circumstances you are working in. I have learned from my first to my second year of teaching that I have to set boundaries for myself. Do the things that will bring value to you and your students and put the other stuff aside. I have also caught myself comparing myself to others and their classrooms and their teaching styles. This is something that I struggle with because it looks as if they are doing "better than me". Sometimes, I have to take a step back and refocus myself on what I am here to do, my teaching style, what is working and not working for me and my students. I have also been proud of myself for not getting defensive when a veteran teacher is giving advice. Instead, taking it and using it in a way to better myself. I really loved this section of reading, and feel as if I might reread it to really dive deeper into the details.
I think "break the barrel" means to help each other succeed. What can we do to work together to take some of the work load off? How can we use what's already created instead of reinventing the wheel? I think a huge part of teaching is working together and learning from our colleagues. I know I couldn't teach without my third grade team. I also think there are many things that are just "the way they are" but it we stop and think about whether or not we really NEED to do them, or even finding another system to get the same thing done, it can help us create more space in our day. I like to focus on whether or not much students are understanding the material. There are times where I can get caught up in other things, but that is always what I refocus on. This is important because as teachers we deal with so much each day, but really it comes down to helping our students succeed and learn the material.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? It means to avoid negative talk and to be positive when problems arise. How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? I try to not get involved in gossip because no good can come of it. I try to believe that everyone is trying to do their best, even when i is sometimes hard to understand why they do the things they do. Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? If you get involved in gossip, you end up taking sides, and this makes it very difficult to work together and ruins relationships. Those positive work relationships are what makes going to work more rewarding.
In order for us as teachers to "break the barrel", we must view teaching and job duties in a different light. What's fair-isn't always equal and What's equal-isn't always fair. Job duties within the school requires different expectations and time commitments. Just like every student has different needs, so do teachers. It's not healthy to feel resentful towards colleagues that you feel received an advantage of some sort. Focus your time and energy on your students, and how you can make yourself better. Others expectations don't define you - be your own person and help to improve the workplace for everyone.
To "Break the barrel" means we shouldn't get stuck in feeling we have to do things the way things have always been done in the past. We need to find new ways of getting rid of teacher guilt and judgements of others and find ways to build students, our colleagues, and ourselves up! We need to stop taking things to personal and internalizing that we need to solve all the problems ourselves. Instead, we should work with our peers and our administrators to help invoke meaningful and influential change moving forward. They say it takes an army to raise kids and we need to stop taking on the army alone.
The other means that we should focus on us and our problems, rather than drag other people in or make them suffer when she encourages us to "Break the Barrel".
At times to refocus, I just need to step out of the room or do something else, rather than to get dragged into something. Another thing I do, if I can't avoid being dragged in is to remain calm and try to have the people focus on the positive things and focus on what the topic/problem is. Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? I think with all the pressures that teachers have, teachers don'y need added pressure. Especially new teachers, they need to focus on teaching and being themselves and not worry about the extra stuff or trying to be someone that they are not. Lastly, we need to be encouraging teachers and supporting them rather than bringing them into other problems.
The author means that, instead of pulling each other down in a system that is broken for everyone, we should instead find feasible solutions that improve/repair the system and encourage everyone to thrive.
I think the way you focus your energy on what truly matters is by turning down the volume on the background "noise" in education and doing what helps children learn best, regardless of politics, educational norms, or school bureaucracy. This takes courage, but the results are worth the risk.
Teachers who burn out are often not living well-balanced lives themselves and, consequently, model this imbalance in the classroom in front of impressionable young people. It's time to take back a healthy lifestyle that consists of appropriate work/life balance!
"Breaking the barrel" for me reminded me of everyone sitting together, being miserable, bouncing negative comments off of each other, but no on actually stopping to reflect on what is making them feel this way and how we could better address the issue and improve it. When I see these situations happening, I go back to my room and reflect on WHY are those things happening and what can I do in that very moment to improve it or have success with it in my classroom. If I know there are others who would want to discuss the issue with me and be a problem solver, I will conference with them. If I know there is someone who would appreciate my suggestion, I try to help them. Knowing who is willing and open to listen in any given situation, can be the most effective way to make change. Sometimes your whole team is on board, or admin, and sometimes you just need to do what is right for your kids in that moment.
Breaking the barrel means to step up and advocate for change. I think it is easy to get caught in the slump of negative talk, no ideas for change, and not speaking up. This is such a bad combination in education when we already have so many things/people working against us. I use to sit back and feel negative thoughts but never advocate for change. I personally, in the last few years have felt way more comfortable with stepping up and speaking out when I believe in something. I will always advocate for what is best for the students even when conversations may be tough. I think talking to my colleagues really helps me refocus my energy on what is important. I also think sometimes avoiding gossip and certain peoples conversations also helps me stay 'above the line' and not get sucked into the negative talk at school.
When the author says to "Break the Barrel," she means to challenge harmful expectations and to encourage other teachers to do the same, instead of mindlessly accepting all working conditions as they are. Good friends and coworkers have been key for helping me stay focused on what really matters. They allow me to vent, and then we discuss actual solutions or ideas for improving the situation. I was very lucky to begin my teaching career in an environment where the other teachers were positive, enjoyed their jobs, and made sure not to sweat the small stuff. I remember being on the verge of burn out on just my third year of teaching due to a junior high class with constant behavior problems. During that time, I really leaned on the veteran teachers to give me advice on how to handle different situations. As a staff, we worked together to address the behaviors in new ways as well. Overall, it was a tough year, but it felt manageable because of the steps we kept taking to try to improve our situation. I can't imagine how the year would have gone if everyone had just sat back and said, "Nothing is going to work. The admin won't back us up. This is just how things are now."
When the author says "Break the Barrel" I think she means that we should be breaking free of the norms in our school and try to create change. The way that I refocus is I try to take time at the start of every day and think about my students, and what is happening in our classroom. I try to reset daily and give my students the best day that I can. I also practice self care by leaving at my contracted times. I think when we focus our energy on what matters, our students, and not comparing ourselves to other teachers and leaning into the gossip, it helps with the burnout feeling. I also think we should normalize working only during contracted hours. That doesn't mean that I don't love my students or my job, it means I'm also taking care of myself and my family, that makes me a better teacher.
The author encourages teachers to "break the barrel" meaning that we join with our co-workers in support of each other and the mission that each of us has (our job/supporting kids and their learning). For me, I don't necessarily read "breaking the barrel" as an abrupt disruption or vocal crusade, but rather, it is something that mature and wise educators see as a valuable tool for creating an environment of support and camaraderie.
I try to focus my energy on the things that matter to me by drawing lines between home and school. I love teaching and (almost) everything that comes with it, but after becoming a parent, it became evident that I needed to separate the two worlds. I didn't want to be dragging school around with me while trying to care for a baby or toddler. These days, I do my best to work hard during the day (even if that means staying at school until 5-6 when possible) so that I can go home burden-free in the evenings. This doesn't happen 100% of the time (I teach HS English, after all), but it gets better each year. Drawing that line has been the best thing I've done for helping prevent burnout (which I experienced deeply during years 2-4). I also quit teaching for a couple of years (partly due to the burn out and partly due to life circumstances), and that helped me refocus and realize that I DO really love this career. I feel blessed to have worked in schools where I have felt mostly supported and cared for.
"Break the Barrel" The barrel, with it's steel encircling entrapments, is the 'norms' that are established at every school. It is the items that have been done for years and that's why we continue to do them. I have learned over the past 25 years to not do something that doesn't seem to work in my classroom because 'that is the way we do it'. I am definitely blessed to work in a school system that allows us to be the best teachers we can be by giving us the freedom to teach the way we see fit and what fits in our style. I need to consistently remind myself (sometimes as often as every class period :) ) of why I teach and the way I teach matters. I need to stay true to myself or the energy put into being someone else or meeting someone else's standards will exhaust me.
“Break the Barrel” refers to when teachers are “forced into an environment where they’re isolated from the resources needed for survival”, much like crabs. Rather than focusing on energy to overcome those who put you in the barrel or to break the barrel, you use unnecessary energy on keeping yourself and others buried in the barrel and feeling defeated. One way you can refocus your energy is to advocate for yourself and others and/or to learn how to draw boundaries. Staying quiet in meetings doesn’t have to be the status quo, if it can be beneficial for you, your coworkers, and/or your students to speak up. Your opinion and your time matters just as much as everyone else's. If supplies are needed, request this of the school, or brainstorm other ways it can be accomplished. Reallocate how much of your free time is being used unnecessarily. Create boundaries and stick to them. This is important to preventing teacher burn out because it is literally impossible to do it all. A lot of things you are doing unnecessarily are your own choices, not something being forced of you. So if you can refocus the energy on things that really matter, not everything will seem so overbearing and like a chore.
When it comes to teaching and teachers supporting one another, the author gives the comparison of a barrel full of crabs. When the crabs are all scrambling to get out through the top of the barrel, they are clawing at one another and pulling each other down, only to be pulled down themselves as they reach the top. Instead, the author states that if the crabs would break the barrel, all of the crabs would have the same opportunity to be free. The author says that we teachers are the crabs, and the barrel is the education system in which we work. When we compare ourselves to our fellow teachers and resent what they have or what we perceive their situation to be, we are pulling them down, rather than focusing on our own situation and how we can pull ourselves up rather than bringing others down with us. I liked the situational example the author gave, of being resentful towards another group of teachers for not having to adhere to the same meeting expectations, because I have definitely done the same! It can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and defeating when we think that we are alone in our struggle, and that others may have it easier than we do, when really, if we focus on our own students and making it the best experience for them, we can narrow our view and do what works for us. If we were to "break the barrel" and not adhere to the (sometimes) imaginary boundaries that have been placed upon us by the education system, we would be much more likely to thrive within our classrooms, rather than constantly feeling the pressure to fit the mold.
“Break the Barrel” means to break away from doing things just because that is the way it has always been done. How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Sometimes I just have to let things go and focus on the most important tasks that help the students. Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Sometimes you just have to let things go and move on or all of the extras will overtake you. I can't do it all, I just have to do all I can for the benefit of my students.
When the author talks about "Break the Barrel," she's all about shaking things up and ditching outdated norms to establish more effective standards. To me, "break the barrel" means being bold, thinking creatively, and forging new norms instead of blindly following tradition. To refocus my energy, I prioritize my tasks, eliminate nonessential responsibilities, and ensure my efforts align with my core objectives. This approach is crucial in preventing teacher burnout as it allows us educators to concentrate on impactful tasks, avoid overwhelm from excessive workload, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By intentionally directing our energy towards meaningful actions and steering clear of distractions, we can sustain our passion for teaching, enhance job satisfaction, and reduce the risk of burnout.
I think the idea behind "breaking the barrel" is that we need to stop conforming to the ways we have all been told how to educate, and start doing things that make more sense for ourselves individually and what will benefit our students the most. Teacher burn-out is real and can happen to even the best of educators, so we need to stop focusing so much importance on how much time they spend at school and more on how are they using their time with students. If we are being enthusiastic and effective with our delivery of instruction, then it shouldn't matter how many hours we put into preparing for that lesson. I think this is a way for us to fight against the old pre-conceived opinions about what education should be and allow us to make changes that will impact our schools for the better.
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? I think "Break the Barrel" means is teachers need to be advocates to make the teaching profession and school system better. We need to refocus our energy on encouraging and helping each other get what we need to be the best we can be. This is important because if we are fighting with each other instead of focusing on what we all need to be better at teaching we will eventually get worn out and decide we've had enough and quit.
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?
The author is encouraging us to collectively work together to break free from "norms" or practices in our schools or districts that are not beneficial to the collective staff population. Rather than being upset or resentful that some jobs are different than others or focusing on the "fairness" between different staff or departments, we should focus our energy on making things better for all. To refocus my energy I try to remind myself on all of the great things I love about my job. For the not so great things, I try to understand the why, and if it doesn't make sense reach out to my community of school nurses to see what they are doing and try to find a better way.
I do understand burnout deeply - I was a burned out nurse looking for a change, which is how I found myself in the education world! Nothing will ever be fair or totally "right", but rather than focusing on that, it is a much better use of time and energy to focus on working together to improve the things that need improved.
I had never heard it referred to as a barrel, it was always called a lobster pail. Lobsters will pull other lobsters back into the pail if one actually starts to climb out. As teachers, we sometimes can get focused on what isn't working and the negative aspects of our day and job. If we surround ourselves with that mindset, we get stuck there. But if we can break out of that mindset and refocus our attention on the positives, we are able to have hope and are also able to start to see possible solutions to issues we can change. If we don't alter our mindset to be positive more than negative, our own mindset will burn us out faster than any other aspect of the job.
I think breaking the barrel means to intentionally creating your teaching environment to be your own, play with your strengths, and overcome any negativity. I think an important aspect of that is instead of being negative or complaining, to put your energy into making change to improve the situation. When I'm feeling negative, I do try to reflect and put my energy towards the reasons and try to come up with solutions that may help. I think burnout is very real and can really impact all aspects of your life when that happens. I think having a few strong relationships with your coworkers are important. They can truly understand what you're going through and can be a great resource to talk to if your experiencing burnout. Having a healthy work/life balance I think is also important to prevent burnout, and really enforcing those boundaries.
I think break the barrel means to not focus on the negative and bring each other down but to find ways to improve ourselves and the situation by advocating for ourselves and creating the environment that will help us thrive as teachers. I think taking time to find solutions or ways to approach issues is important. Anger usually won't solve anything. I do believe in standing up for yourself in a respectful way. If you let everything get to you, you create a constant stress. In the same breath, if you let every thing slide and do not advocate for yourself teach burnout will happen as well. I think it is healthy to find a balance between what is important to you as a teacher. Knowing which battles you are passionate about and which battles can be improved by just a different way of thinking.
When the author says to "break the barrel", I think she means that instead of pulling each other down and complaining about the barrel that holds us in (the questionable school norms), we should work together to break the barrel (challenge those norms) and help each other out. If we see someone else challenging the norms, we tend to just feel resentful instead of figuring out how we could do the same. This can easily lead to teacher burnout because we spend our days feeling unhappy, hopeless, and angry. I focus or refocus my energy by having conversations with my close, trusted colleagues. We are really good about reminding each other what is most important. My administrator is also really good about this.
I think that we can break the barrel by working as a team. I truly believe that teachers need to collaborate. Even if disciplines are different we can still support and help one another. We can show up everyday not only for the students but also for our other teachers. If there is something we can do that would benefit and support the topic of another teacher we should try and do that. I teamed up with a LA teacher to improve writing skills for my lab reports. I think we can refocus by self-evaluation. I always felt that one type of lesson may work better for one class than another. Some students love an old fashion lecture and paper, other students' need to get out of their seats and do activities. This always kept me from burnout, having variation in my plans.
I view this term is being similar to the concept of “be the change you wish to see in the world”. There are definitely new norms people are trying to establish in the world of education. I try to refocus my energy on what matters, which is making connections with my students. If something comes up that feels in opposition to this, I don’t prioritize it. I am also getting better with recognizing that most everything is out of my control. In fact, the only thing I can control is my reaction to things. This helps me focus on tasks that are worth my energy. I don’t visit very often with coworkers, because it seems like they mostly spend their time complaining about everything. While, I understand the need to vent every so often, this constant state of complaining isn’t worth my time or energy. I am hoping to avoid burnout by following many of Angela‘s suggestions, and being more mindful of my time. As she said, time is one of my most valuable resources.
When we "break the barrel" we are taking the initiative to ask the hard questions that might create change instead of continuing to follow the same norms that maybe aren't the best for the present time. Instead of continuing to complain about your current teaching situation/environment, you are actively trying to find new ways/norms that are better for everyone involved. Refocusing your energy to what really matters will help prevent burnout because it is really easy to start dreading your school day as a teacher if a lot of that day is spent complaining about your environment or expectations put on you from higher up. I like to focus my energy on my students and doing what is best for them by reminding myself that they are someone's sons and daughters. As a mom of 3, I often evaluate myself and think "is this how I would want my son's teacher to be like?" I focus my energy on being the teacher that I would want for my sons.
To me that really means, stopping and reflecting about the situation. Asking questions to figure out how to improve things if needed, or maybe things are ok the way they are and it is me that needs to change my way of thinking. Just having that time to self-reflect and pivot directions if needed. Being able to be in a group with individuals that you can talk through things in a safe space and know that everyone has the kid's best interest in mind.
I think "breaking the barrel" means to challenge school norms. I think as teachers we need to not just accept things because that is the way it has always been done. We need to do what is best for kids, but also focus on teacher self-care and prevent teacher burnout. Teachers need to create boundaries. You should not feel pressure to put in tons of extra time just because other teachers choose to spend more time at school. You also need to create boundaries with parents. We have a Talking Points app that we use for communication purposes. Some parents feel that they can text that all days/times and expect a quick response. This also creates extra stress and guilt if you don't respond quickly. I think we also need to support each other as teachers. If we work together and help each other out it will make our jobs easier. Collaborating and splitting up work among grade levels can be very beneficial and helps with workloads.
“Break the Barrel”, to me, means that we don't always have to do what we do because it's been done that way in the past. It's okay to change things up. Especially, if the kids will benefit from the change. Focusing my energy on what really matters, the kids, is something I try to do. A colleague once said, "We need to make this the best experience for the kids" and I agree. Some kids come from horrible situations and I feel I have it in me to make school one of their best experiences. For me, this is what keeps me going. Doing a little "extra" to make it the best experience. I have to remember to say, "no" when time doesn't allow and not worry about it.
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 out of the barrel means to change or adapt your ways with new. Focusing my energy is difficult as I am not sure what my kids need and how to get it to them. Teaching in a high poverty and explaining why Pi is important to them gets lost. Sometimes I feel that I am explaining the reason to learn, more than I am what to learn. Teacher burn out is real. I am living proof. I am retiring at the end of the Month because I don't feel that I am as effective as I once was.
The author defines "breaking the barrel" by giving us a metaphor of crabs in a barrel: Anyone can easily get out of the "barrel", but we pull each other back down by bickering and complaining. Thus, no one escapes the barrel and we're stuck in the same rut.
We can avoid teacher burn out by questioning norms and not bringing our co-workers down. We're more apt to become burnt out when we're focusing on the negative things that "will never change" as opposed to being forces for positive change.
The author is talking about breaking the barrel similar to crabs in a barrel pulling each other down instead of lifting each other up to be able to get out and break free from the barrel. Instead of every teacher being stuck in the same unhappy, unhelpful situation then we can help each other break the norms and make changes within our school systems. To prevent teacher burnout, I think it's important to be aware of the imposter syndrome symptoms, because at some point we have all been guilty of thinking those toxic thoughts. We can be our own worst enemy and create self-doubt when there shouldn't be. I think it's important to find your buddy or your community within your school where your concerns can be heard, ideas can be bounced around, and plans can be made to help boost each other up and talk to administration about change if needed. Finding positive friendships can make a world of difference in the life teaching!
The concept of breaking the barrel alludes to ways that teachers are sometimes compared to or pitted against each other, like crabs in a barrel pulling each other down. By focusing our energy on what truly matters and is valuable to us, we can channel that energy more effectively and productively.
For me the "Barrel" represents a strong sturdy container that holds certain objects safely, however not everyone or everything fits into the same sized and shaped barrel, including teachers. We have to make sure that we as teachers help support each other to find the classroom and teaching style that fits us best. We should be encouraging rather that being critical of the way that works for others. I I need to focus on what I can do to keep my attitude positive and make the effort to offer praise and encouragement to my fellow teachers. When I feel confident and supported I can really let go and enjoy working with my students and avoid teacher burn out.
When the administration and state put policies in place that drag teachers down, I wonder if us teachers couldn't break the barrel by communicating more with each other. If we collaborated more and planned together that would hopefully put us all on the same page. For example, collaborating on student learning goals and time frames. Communicating to the group is one or more students were having difficulties, and collaborating on a plan for them. Watching over, observing and taking care of one another. Providing treats, smiles and help when a fellow teacher is having a challenging day. When I refocus I look to my faith. I pray and give my self a little quiet time. When I come back I take a close look at things and become reassured that things are getting covered. I also love to have a chat with my classes. I ask them how they are doing? Do they have any frustrations I can help with? What do they need from me? They are so honest. I want them to be. We form a mutual respect and they know I really do care.
What I think the author means is that as educators, the state limits us to a point on how far we can succeed with students by placing us in a crammed set of expectations and boundaries, resources, and no help. This causes us to try to claw our way out of the situation, only to fail and be brought down either by others, our own self-doubt, or the limits put on us by others. To break this, I think the teachers can either push hard enough until the boundary breaks, or, we work together to pull each other out and not get burned out feeling alone in it all.
I think the author wants us to look for different perspectives when we are stuck in a situation that is made tough by the way requirements are making the situation be handled. She talked about crabs in a barrel will start to pull each other down and educators do the same. The situation about the staff meeting when grades k-2 got to leave early but the grade 3 teacher resented the k-2 teachers and all the other details that spiral in those types of thoughts. When I feel like I'm at a dead end or stuck with a procedure, I like to get up and move a little bit, whether that is just moving around the classroom or getting a drink of water. I've also found that holding a stretch down to my toes has been helpful in allowing me to refocus on what is important and move forward.
The author encourages us to "break the barrel" by helping each other be the best that we can be. We should show up each day showing enthusiasm for our work. We are here to do a great job for kids. Use your energy to improve the work environment. Don't be afraid to speak up if routines are questionable. If we support each other and bring each other up, we may be less likely to burn out.
ReplyDeleteTo me "breaking the barrel" is the overall concept of breaking the norms to create new norms. The school is in a system that "has been done for years" but why does that have to continue. Step outside of the box, do something new and with passion. It is impossible to improve something without making a change, without making an effort to make a change, all we are doing is complaining about the problem which just creates more problems.
ReplyDeleteHow 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? A long time ago, I was at a conference and learned about the term "not in my backpack" which did not mean "not my job" but instead not in my control so I can't worry about it. It really helped me focus on if it was worth my energy to complain or worry about something. I need to go back to that mentality because if I am not willing to work on a solution then it's not worth my time or energy to think about. I think a main part of burnout breakers is knowing and allowing yourself to say no. This will allow teachers to focus on what is really important to them to put their time and energy into.
Instead of wasting time and energy pulling others down with our words, actions, or even just our thoughts, we could be all collectively helping or at least being happy for each other. Oh, how much better our work (and other) environment would be if we did so. That is just one of many norms that could be changed.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I just need to take several deep breaths to get on track. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a little scare to remind me of what is important (like my daughter getting sick reminds me that she is where my priority should be, not school). I think I have already suffered burnout (developed a chronic pain disease), and I know I need to work on learning about, setting, and maintaining boundaries. I also need to work on having a more positive attitude and finding the joy in the moments with my daughter (and students). I am a huge work in progress!
“Break the barrel” means that we shouldn’t just remain stuck with norms that we are handed. Also, we can’t just stay there and complain to one another. If something seems wrong, we need to speak up and try to institute the changes we need/desire.
ReplyDeleteUsually I know that it is time to refocus when my stress level is on overload and I am tired all the time. I know this is not a healthy way to live, and I am definitely a work in progress. I have gotten better at not adding extra responsibilities to my plate, but sometimes I still bite off more than I can chew and end up regretting it.
What does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? "Break the Barrel" means that teachers are fearful of advocating for themselves because of what their colleagues might say. Many times they get responses that tend to be more negative and find reasons why that wouldn't work. I either pick and choose when to speak up or speak up knowing I will get responses like that and ignore them. Supporting others and will lead to myself getting support when it comes to teacher burnout. Ask colleagues if they need help and invest in them and you'll get the same in return.
ReplyDeleteI think of breaking down the barrel as not pulling each other down with gossip and complaining, but instead working to find different ways to make things in your school environment better. It is so easy to complain or gossip about other teachers, but it takes real strength to not participate in that and instead work towards finding a way to improve the issues that are being complained about. I should refocus my energy to where it should be or on what really matters by working towards solutions instead of complaining and gossiping. I like that the author pointed out that often, the administrators are just responding to a directive and may not have found the best way to implement it. If you give them a different way to still fulfill their obligation that is better for the staff, they may be more than willing to try it. Breaking down the barrel is an important component in preventing teacher burn-out because if we are so worried about what everyone else is doing or not doing, we will become very negative and not a team player. This can lead to issues in the staff and also create negative views of each other. If we worry about ourselves and what we can do to improve the situation, it is going to create a more positive environment for everyone.
ReplyDeleteWhen the author encourages us to break the barrel, I think she's encouraging us to try to change the things that are limiting our ability to be our best selves. Instead of making sure we all suffer equally over some miserable circumstance, support one another and stand up to change the circumstance. Instead of pulling each other down, she is encouraging us to stand together and “focus on the folks that built the barrel.”
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to prioritize what really matters and focus our energy into those things. For me, it’s my time with students. I want to focus the majority of what I do into the time I spend with students.I love the process of planning and creating lessons. Having well thought-out lessons helps me so that when I am with students, learning is maximized, the transitions flow smoothly, students are engaged and having fun learning. I enjoy spending time where my passion lies and it doesn’t feel like work.
"Break the barrel" means to dismantle the structures that are holding teachers back from being successful. Instead of tearing down our peers and holding ourselves back, we can put our energy together toward constructive change that empowers each of us.
ReplyDeleteThis unifying energy prevents teacher burn-out because it can invigorate, inspire, and encourage each individual teacher as a community for positive change.
Callie Dutenhoffer
ReplyDeleteBreaking the Barrel to me means to not be afraid to go out of the boundaries. Push for what you believe in, don’t remain miserable. Help one another, don’t compete and go against each other and trap yourself inside. “Be free to thrive” was one of the quotes that hit me. Us teachers need to be each other’s biggest cheer leaders.
If you don’t set boundaries and know that you can say no or stand up for what you believe is right, you will get burned out. The way that I would refocus if I was starting to feel this way, was reach out to my colleagues. I was one of the newest teachers in our elementary and many of the teachers above me had years of experience ahead of me. I knew that whenever I was struggling or “stuck” I could go to them to vent, get different ideas, or talk through my ideas to make sure it’s the closest to success as I can get. I think this is so important because no teacher is perfect. Everyone has been in a moment that they have questioned if what they were doing is the best method. If it weren’t for having each other to depend on during the good and the bad, there would be a lot more bad days.
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?
ReplyDeleteMara Adams
"Break the Barrel" means to step out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to think and go outside the box. Stand up for yourself and the circumstances you are working in. I have learned from my first to my second year of teaching that I have to set boundaries for myself. Do the things that will bring value to you and your students and put the other stuff aside. I have also caught myself comparing myself to others and their classrooms and their teaching styles. This is something that I struggle with because it looks as if they are doing "better than me". Sometimes, I have to take a step back and refocus myself on what I am here to do, my teaching style, what is working and not working for me and my students. I have also been proud of myself for not getting defensive when a veteran teacher is giving advice. Instead, taking it and using it in a way to better myself. I really loved this section of reading, and feel as if I might reread it to really dive deeper into the details.
I think "break the barrel" means to help each other succeed. What can we do to work together to take some of the work load off? How can we use what's already created instead of reinventing the wheel? I think a huge part of teaching is working together and learning from our colleagues. I know I couldn't teach without my third grade team. I also think there are many things that are just "the way they are" but it we stop and think about whether or not we really NEED to do them, or even finding another system to get the same thing done, it can help us create more space in our day. I like to focus on whether or not much students are understanding the material. There are times where I can get caught up in other things, but that is always what I refocus on. This is important because as teachers we deal with so much each day, but really it comes down to helping our students succeed and learn the material.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author mean when she encourages us to “Break the Barrel”? It means to avoid negative talk and to be positive when problems arise.
ReplyDeleteHow do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? I try to not get involved in gossip because no good can come of it. I try to believe that everyone is trying to do their best, even when i is sometimes hard to understand why they do the things they do.
Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? If you get involved in gossip, you end up taking sides, and this makes it very difficult to work together and ruins relationships. Those positive work relationships are what makes going to work more rewarding.
In order for us as teachers to "break the barrel", we must view teaching and job duties in a different light. What's fair-isn't always equal and What's equal-isn't always fair. Job duties within the school requires different expectations and time commitments. Just like every student has different needs, so do teachers. It's not healthy to feel resentful towards colleagues that you feel received an advantage of some sort. Focus your time and energy on your students, and how you can make yourself better. Others expectations don't define you - be your own person and help to improve the workplace for everyone.
ReplyDeleteTo "Break the barrel" means we shouldn't get stuck in feeling we have to do things the way things have always been done in the past. We need to find new ways of getting rid of teacher guilt and judgements of others and find ways to build students, our colleagues, and ourselves up! We need to stop taking things to personal and internalizing that we need to solve all the problems ourselves. Instead, we should work with our peers and our administrators to help invoke meaningful and influential change moving forward. They say it takes an army to raise kids and we need to stop taking on the army alone.
ReplyDeleteThe other means that we should focus on us and our problems, rather than drag other people in or make them suffer when she encourages us to "Break the Barrel".
ReplyDeleteAt times to refocus, I just need to step out of the room or do something else, rather than to get dragged into something. Another thing I do, if I can't avoid being dragged in is to remain calm and try to have the people focus on the positive things and focus on what the topic/problem is.
Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out?
I think with all the pressures that teachers have, teachers don'y need added pressure. Especially new teachers, they need to focus on teaching and being themselves and not worry about the extra stuff or trying to be someone that they are not. Lastly, we need to be encouraging teachers and supporting them rather than bringing them into other problems.
The author means that, instead of pulling each other down in a system that is broken for everyone, we should instead find feasible solutions that improve/repair the system and encourage everyone to thrive.
ReplyDeleteI think the way you focus your energy on what truly matters is by turning down the volume on the background "noise" in education and doing what helps children learn best, regardless of politics, educational norms, or school bureaucracy. This takes courage, but the results are worth the risk.
Teachers who burn out are often not living well-balanced lives themselves and, consequently, model this imbalance in the classroom in front of impressionable young people. It's time to take back a healthy lifestyle that consists of appropriate work/life balance!
"Breaking the barrel" for me reminded me of everyone sitting together, being miserable, bouncing negative comments off of each other, but no on actually stopping to reflect on what is making them feel this way and how we could better address the issue and improve it. When I see these situations happening, I go back to my room and reflect on WHY are those things happening and what can I do in that very moment to improve it or have success with it in my classroom. If I know there are others who would want to discuss the issue with me and be a problem solver, I will conference with them. If I know there is someone who would appreciate my suggestion, I try to help them. Knowing who is willing and open to listen in any given situation, can be the most effective way to make change. Sometimes your whole team is on board, or admin, and sometimes you just need to do what is right for your kids in that moment.
ReplyDeleteBreaking the barrel means to step up and advocate for change. I think it is easy to get caught in the slump of negative talk, no ideas for change, and not speaking up. This is such a bad combination in education when we already have so many things/people working against us. I use to sit back and feel negative thoughts but never advocate for change. I personally, in the last few years have felt way more comfortable with stepping up and speaking out when I believe in something. I will always advocate for what is best for the students even when conversations may be tough. I think talking to my colleagues really helps me refocus my energy on what is important. I also think sometimes avoiding gossip and certain peoples conversations also helps me stay 'above the line' and not get sucked into the negative talk at school.
ReplyDeleteWhen the author says to "Break the Barrel," she means to challenge harmful expectations and to encourage other teachers to do the same, instead of mindlessly accepting all working conditions as they are. Good friends and coworkers have been key for helping me stay focused on what really matters. They allow me to vent, and then we discuss actual solutions or ideas for improving the situation. I was very lucky to begin my teaching career in an environment where the other teachers were positive, enjoyed their jobs, and made sure not to sweat the small stuff. I remember being on the verge of burn out on just my third year of teaching due to a junior high class with constant behavior problems. During that time, I really leaned on the veteran teachers to give me advice on how to handle different situations. As a staff, we worked together to address the behaviors in new ways as well. Overall, it was a tough year, but it felt manageable because of the steps we kept taking to try to improve our situation. I can't imagine how the year would have gone if everyone had just sat back and said, "Nothing is going to work. The admin won't back us up. This is just how things are now."
ReplyDeleteWhen the author says "Break the Barrel" I think she means that we should be breaking free of the norms in our school and try to create change. The way that I refocus is I try to take time at the start of every day and think about my students, and what is happening in our classroom. I try to reset daily and give my students the best day that I can. I also practice self care by leaving at my contracted times. I think when we focus our energy on what matters, our students, and not comparing ourselves to other teachers and leaning into the gossip, it helps with the burnout feeling. I also think we should normalize working only during contracted hours. That doesn't mean that I don't love my students or my job, it means I'm also taking care of myself and my family, that makes me a better teacher.
ReplyDeleteThe author encourages teachers to "break the barrel" meaning that we join with our co-workers in support of each other and the mission that each of us has (our job/supporting kids and their learning). For me, I don't necessarily read "breaking the barrel" as an abrupt disruption or vocal crusade, but rather, it is something that mature and wise educators see as a valuable tool for creating an environment of support and camaraderie.
ReplyDeleteI try to focus my energy on the things that matter to me by drawing lines between home and school. I love teaching and (almost) everything that comes with it, but after becoming a parent, it became evident that I needed to separate the two worlds. I didn't want to be dragging school around with me while trying to care for a baby or toddler. These days, I do my best to work hard during the day (even if that means staying at school until 5-6 when possible) so that I can go home burden-free in the evenings. This doesn't happen 100% of the time (I teach HS English, after all), but it gets better each year. Drawing that line has been the best thing I've done for helping prevent burnout (which I experienced deeply during years 2-4). I also quit teaching for a couple of years (partly due to the burn out and partly due to life circumstances), and that helped me refocus and realize that I DO really love this career. I feel blessed to have worked in schools where I have felt mostly supported and cared for.
"Break the Barrel" The barrel, with it's steel encircling entrapments, is the 'norms' that are established at every school. It is the items that have been done for years and that's why we continue to do them. I have learned over the past 25 years to not do something that doesn't seem to work in my classroom because 'that is the way we do it'. I am definitely blessed to work in a school system that allows us to be the best teachers we can be by giving us the freedom to teach the way we see fit and what fits in our style. I need to consistently remind myself (sometimes as often as every class period :) ) of why I teach and the way I teach matters. I need to stay true to myself or the energy put into being someone else or meeting someone else's standards will exhaust me.
ReplyDelete“Break the Barrel” refers to when teachers are “forced into an environment where they’re isolated from the resources needed for survival”, much like crabs. Rather than focusing on energy to overcome those who put you in the barrel or to break the barrel, you use unnecessary energy on keeping yourself and others buried in the barrel and feeling defeated. One way you can refocus your energy is to advocate for yourself and others and/or to learn how to draw boundaries. Staying quiet in meetings doesn’t have to be the status quo, if it can be beneficial for you, your coworkers, and/or your students to speak up. Your opinion and your time matters just as much as everyone else's. If supplies are needed, request this of the school, or brainstorm other ways it can be accomplished. Reallocate how much of your free time is being used unnecessarily. Create boundaries and stick to them. This is important to preventing teacher burn out because it is literally impossible to do it all. A lot of things you are doing unnecessarily are your own choices, not something being forced of you. So if you can refocus the energy on things that really matter, not everything will seem so overbearing and like a chore.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to teaching and teachers supporting one another, the author gives the comparison of a barrel full of crabs. When the crabs are all scrambling to get out through the top of the barrel, they are clawing at one another and pulling each other down, only to be pulled down themselves as they reach the top. Instead, the author states that if the crabs would break the barrel, all of the crabs would have the same opportunity to be free. The author says that we teachers are the crabs, and the barrel is the education system in which we work. When we compare ourselves to our fellow teachers and resent what they have or what we perceive their situation to be, we are pulling them down, rather than focusing on our own situation and how we can pull ourselves up rather than bringing others down with us. I liked the situational example the author gave, of being resentful towards another group of teachers for not having to adhere to the same meeting expectations, because I have definitely done the same! It can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and defeating when we think that we are alone in our struggle, and that others may have it easier than we do, when really, if we focus on our own students and making it the best experience for them, we can narrow our view and do what works for us. If we were to "break the barrel" and not adhere to the (sometimes) imaginary boundaries that have been placed upon us by the education system, we would be much more likely to thrive within our classrooms, rather than constantly feeling the pressure to fit the mold.
ReplyDelete“Break the Barrel” means to break away from doing things just because that is the way it has always been done. How do you focus (or refocus) your energy to where it should be or on what really matters? Sometimes I just have to let things go and focus on the most important tasks that help the students. Why is this an important component in preventing teacher burn out? Sometimes you just have to let things go and move on or all of the extras will overtake you. I can't do it all, I just have to do all I can for the benefit of my students.
ReplyDeleteWhen the author talks about "Break the Barrel," she's all about shaking things up and ditching outdated norms to establish more effective standards. To me, "break the barrel" means being bold, thinking creatively, and forging new norms instead of blindly following tradition. To refocus my energy, I prioritize my tasks, eliminate nonessential responsibilities, and ensure my efforts align with my core objectives. This approach is crucial in preventing teacher burnout as it allows us educators to concentrate on impactful tasks, avoid overwhelm from excessive workload, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By intentionally directing our energy towards meaningful actions and steering clear of distractions, we can sustain our passion for teaching, enhance job satisfaction, and reduce the risk of burnout.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea behind "breaking the barrel" is that we need to stop conforming to the ways we have all been told how to educate, and start doing things that make more sense for ourselves individually and what will benefit our students the most. Teacher burn-out is real and can happen to even the best of educators, so we need to stop focusing so much importance on how much time they spend at school and more on how are they using their time with students. If we are being enthusiastic and effective with our delivery of instruction, then it shouldn't matter how many hours we put into preparing for that lesson. I think this is a way for us to fight against the old pre-conceived opinions about what education should be and allow us to make changes that will impact our schools for the better.
ReplyDeleteHow 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?
ReplyDeleteI think "Break the Barrel" means is teachers need to be advocates to make the teaching profession and school system better. We need to refocus our energy on encouraging and helping each other get what we need to be the best we can be. This is important because if we are fighting with each other instead of focusing on what we all need to be better at teaching we will eventually get worn out and decide we've had enough and quit.
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?
ReplyDeleteThe author is encouraging us to collectively work together to break free from "norms" or practices in our schools or districts that are not beneficial to the collective staff population. Rather than being upset or resentful that some jobs are different than others or focusing on the "fairness" between different staff or departments, we should focus our energy on making things better for all. To refocus my energy I try to remind myself on all of the great things I love about my job. For the not so great things, I try to understand the why, and if it doesn't make sense reach out to my community of school nurses to see what they are doing and try to find a better way.
I do understand burnout deeply - I was a burned out nurse looking for a change, which is how I found myself in the education world! Nothing will ever be fair or totally "right", but rather than focusing on that, it is a much better use of time and energy to focus on working together to improve the things that need improved.
I had never heard it referred to as a barrel, it was always called a lobster pail. Lobsters will pull other lobsters back into the pail if one actually starts to climb out. As teachers, we sometimes can get focused on what isn't working and the negative aspects of our day and job. If we surround ourselves with that mindset, we get stuck there. But if we can break out of that mindset and refocus our attention on the positives, we are able to have hope and are also able to start to see possible solutions to issues we can change. If we don't alter our mindset to be positive more than negative, our own mindset will burn us out faster than any other aspect of the job.
ReplyDeleteI think breaking the barrel means to intentionally creating your teaching environment to be your own, play with your strengths, and overcome any negativity. I think an important aspect of that is instead of being negative or complaining, to put your energy into making change to improve the situation. When I'm feeling negative, I do try to reflect and put my energy towards the reasons and try to come up with solutions that may help. I think burnout is very real and can really impact all aspects of your life when that happens. I think having a few strong relationships with your coworkers are important. They can truly understand what you're going through and can be a great resource to talk to if your experiencing burnout. Having a healthy work/life balance I think is also important to prevent burnout, and really enforcing those boundaries.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think break the barrel means to not focus on the negative and bring each other down but to find ways to improve ourselves and the situation by advocating for ourselves and creating the environment that will help us thrive as teachers. I think taking time to find solutions or ways to approach issues is important. Anger usually won't solve anything. I do believe in standing up for yourself in a respectful way. If you let everything get to you, you create a constant stress. In the same breath, if you let every thing slide and do not advocate for yourself teach burnout will happen as well. I think it is healthy to find a balance between what is important to you as a teacher. Knowing which battles you are passionate about and which battles can be improved by just a different way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteWhen the author says to "break the barrel", I think she means that instead of pulling each other down and complaining about the barrel that holds us in (the questionable school norms), we should work together to break the barrel (challenge those norms) and help each other out. If we see someone else challenging the norms, we tend to just feel resentful instead of figuring out how we could do the same. This can easily lead to teacher burnout because we spend our days feeling unhappy, hopeless, and angry. I focus or refocus my energy by having conversations with my close, trusted colleagues. We are really good about reminding each other what is most important. My administrator is also really good about this.
ReplyDeleteI think that we can break the barrel by working as a team. I truly believe that teachers need to collaborate. Even if disciplines are different we can still support and help one another. We can show up everyday not only for the students but also for our other teachers. If there is something we can do that would benefit and support the topic of another teacher we should try and do that. I teamed up with a LA teacher to improve writing skills for my lab reports. I think we can refocus by self-evaluation. I always felt that one type of lesson may work better for one class than another. Some students love an old fashion lecture and paper, other students' need to get out of their seats and do activities. This always kept me from burnout, having variation in my plans.
ReplyDeleteI view this term is being similar to the concept of “be the change you wish to see in the world”. There are definitely new norms people are trying to establish in the world of education. I try to refocus my energy on what matters, which is making connections with my students. If something comes up that feels in opposition to this, I don’t prioritize it. I am also getting better with recognizing that most everything is out of my control. In fact, the only thing I can control is my reaction to things. This helps me focus on tasks that are worth my energy. I don’t visit very often with coworkers, because it seems like they mostly spend their time complaining about everything. While, I understand the need to vent every so often, this constant state of complaining isn’t worth my time or energy. I am hoping to avoid burnout by following many of Angela‘s suggestions, and being more mindful of my time. As she said, time is one of my most valuable resources.
ReplyDeleteWhen we "break the barrel" we are taking the initiative to ask the hard questions that might create change instead of continuing to follow the same norms that maybe aren't the best for the present time. Instead of continuing to complain about your current teaching situation/environment, you are actively trying to find new ways/norms that are better for everyone involved. Refocusing your energy to what really matters will help prevent burnout because it is really easy to start dreading your school day as a teacher if a lot of that day is spent complaining about your environment or expectations put on you from higher up. I like to focus my energy on my students and doing what is best for them by reminding myself that they are someone's sons and daughters. As a mom of 3, I often evaluate myself and think "is this how I would want my son's teacher to be like?" I focus my energy on being the teacher that I would want for my sons.
ReplyDeleteTo me that really means, stopping and reflecting about the situation. Asking questions to figure out how to improve things if needed, or maybe things are ok the way they are and it is me that needs to change my way of thinking. Just having that time to self-reflect and pivot directions if needed. Being able to be in a group with individuals that you can talk through things in a safe space and know that everyone has the kid's best interest in mind.
ReplyDeleteI think "breaking the barrel" means to challenge school norms. I think as teachers we need to not just accept things because that is the way it has always been done. We need to do what is best for kids, but also focus on teacher self-care and prevent teacher burnout. Teachers need to create boundaries. You should not feel pressure to put in tons of extra time just because other teachers choose to spend more time at school. You also need to create boundaries with parents. We have a Talking Points app that we use for communication purposes. Some parents feel that they can text that all days/times and expect a quick response. This also creates extra stress and guilt if you don't respond quickly. I think we also need to support each other as teachers. If we work together and help each other out it will make our jobs easier. Collaborating and splitting up work among grade levels can be very beneficial and helps with workloads.
ReplyDelete“Break the Barrel”, to me, means that we don't always have to do what we do because it's been done that way in the past. It's okay to change things up. Especially, if the kids will benefit from the change.
ReplyDeleteFocusing my energy on what really matters, the kids, is something I try to do. A colleague once said, "We need to make this the best experience for the kids" and I agree. Some kids come from horrible situations and I feel I have it in me to make school one of their best experiences. For me, this is what keeps me going. Doing a little "extra" to make it the best experience. I have to remember to say, "no" when time doesn't allow and not worry about it.
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 out of the barrel means to change or adapt your ways with new.
Focusing my energy is difficult as I am not sure what my kids need and how to get it to them. Teaching in a high poverty and explaining why Pi is important to them gets lost. Sometimes I feel that I am explaining the reason to learn, more than I am what to learn.
Teacher burn out is real. I am living proof. I am retiring at the end of the Month because I don't feel that I am as effective as I once was.
The author defines "breaking the barrel" by giving us a metaphor of crabs in a barrel: Anyone can easily get out of the "barrel", but we pull each other back down by bickering and complaining. Thus, no one escapes the barrel and we're stuck in the same rut.
ReplyDeleteWe can avoid teacher burn out by questioning norms and not bringing our co-workers down. We're more apt to become burnt out when we're focusing on the negative things that "will never change" as opposed to being forces for positive change.
The author is talking about breaking the barrel similar to crabs in a barrel pulling each other down instead of lifting each other up to be able to get out and break free from the barrel. Instead of every teacher being stuck in the same unhappy, unhelpful situation then we can help each other break the norms and make changes within our school systems.
ReplyDeleteTo prevent teacher burnout, I think it's important to be aware of the imposter syndrome symptoms, because at some point we have all been guilty of thinking those toxic thoughts. We can be our own worst enemy and create self-doubt when there shouldn't be. I think it's important to find your buddy or your community within your school where your concerns can be heard, ideas can be bounced around, and plans can be made to help boost each other up and talk to administration about change if needed. Finding positive friendships can make a world of difference in the life teaching!
The concept of breaking the barrel alludes to ways that teachers are sometimes compared to or pitted against each other, like crabs in a barrel pulling each other down.
ReplyDeleteBy focusing our energy on what truly matters and is valuable to us, we can channel that energy more effectively and productively.
For me the "Barrel" represents a strong sturdy container that holds certain objects safely, however not everyone or everything fits into the same sized and shaped barrel, including teachers. We have to make sure that we as teachers help support each other to find the classroom and teaching style that fits us best. We should be encouraging rather that being critical of the way that works for others.
ReplyDeleteI I need to focus on what I can do to keep my attitude positive and make the effort to offer praise and encouragement to my fellow teachers.
When I feel confident and supported I can really let go and enjoy working with my students and avoid teacher burn out.
When the administration and state put policies in place that drag teachers down, I wonder if us teachers couldn't break the barrel by communicating more with each other. If we collaborated more and planned together that would hopefully put us all on the same page. For example, collaborating on student learning goals and time frames. Communicating to the group is one or more students were having difficulties, and collaborating on a plan for them. Watching over, observing and taking care of one another. Providing treats, smiles and help when a fellow teacher is having a challenging day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I refocus I look to my faith. I pray and give my self a little quiet time. When I come back I take a close look at things and become reassured that things are getting covered. I also love to have a chat with my classes. I ask them how they are doing? Do they have any frustrations I can help with? What do they need from me? They are so honest. I want them to be. We form a mutual respect and they know I really do care.
What I think the author means is that as educators, the state limits us to a point on how far we can succeed with students by placing us in a crammed set of expectations and boundaries, resources, and no help. This causes us to try to claw our way out of the situation, only to fail and be brought down either by others, our own self-doubt, or the limits put on us by others. To break this, I think the teachers can either push hard enough until the boundary breaks, or, we work together to pull each other out and not get burned out feeling alone in it all.
ReplyDeleteI think the author wants us to look for different perspectives when we are stuck in a situation that is made tough by the way requirements are making the situation be handled. She talked about crabs in a barrel will start to pull each other down and educators do the same. The situation about the staff meeting when grades k-2 got to leave early but the grade 3 teacher resented the k-2 teachers and all the other details that spiral in those types of thoughts. When I feel like I'm at a dead end or stuck with a procedure, I like to get up and move a little bit, whether that is just moving around the classroom or getting a drink of water. I've also found that holding a stretch down to my toes has been helpful in allowing me to refocus on what is important and move forward.
ReplyDelete