My Teacher Site: Enhancing Classroom Communication

Wendy Says

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Dealing with Change

February 15, 2010 Tagged as Budget, Teacher Contracts

In Arizona, as well as throughout the country, schools are facing cutbacks like we’ve never seen before. As teachers and other school employees wait to find out if their own jobs have been cut, those that are left behind face their own challenges. So how do you keep your sanity while waiting to find out what next year has in store?

Probably the most effective strategy is to simply focus on the here and now. As budgets continue to be cut, there’s no telling when final decisions will be made. But you do have a classroom full of kids this year that need you right now. Focus on them and the rest will work itself out—hopefully sooner rather than later.

Look for ways to make a positive impact in your school or district. Maybe that means volunteering to help your principal with a project or assisting a fellow teacher with a lesson. The more you show your value and potential, the better off you will be in the long run.

As you enter your school’s break room, you’ve no doubt heard the bickering and felt the stress that we’re all facing. Do your best to stay out of these negative, unproductive conversations. They won’t solve any problems and they do little to keep your spirits up.

Overall, stay positive. Worrying about what the future holds is a natural reaction to change. Unfortunately, as teachers, we have little control over state and district budget cuts—even with union support. If you have any effective tips or strategies that are working for you, please share!