September Blues and Classroom Hues

Could someone please enlighten me on the matter of mandatory school attendance? Don’t get me wrong, I am clearly aware of the importance of education and identify as an avid supporter. Nonetheless, the fact that we dread the prospect of returning to our classrooms is, without a doubt, a surging feeling we have all experienced at least once in our careers. Is it our apprehension of the individuals who must surround us for the foreseeable future? The demands of our duties which, to be honest, consume a great portion of our daily routine? Bullying, demeaning behaviors, obnoxious colleagues and students, infinite papers to correct with little to no recognition of our endeavors, jeopardizing our own sanity and peace of mind… So, you’re probably wondering, ‘Why even bother?’ Education and specifically English Language Teaching, is notorious for endorsing the prospect of underpaid and overworked educators; another detriment to our commitment. It is, however, the value of this commitment we most often than not question come September. If you’re still reading this, either out of curiosity or genuine love for our profession, there is still hope. What say you my disgruntled colleagues? Let’s examine our predicament, shall we?

Mental health is the most obvious concern, one which plagues not only teachers, but the students themselves. Many a time, we find ourselves advising or even comforting students who suffer from burnout or self-doubt. One would say that a supplementary role of an educator is that of the unofficial mentor; dare I say, advisor. I won’t use the term ‘psychologist’ as we are most certainly not trained to undertake that capacity (unless you’ve followed a course in psychology). Our experience, nevertheless, does pertain to matters of emotional support. If someone ignorantly claims we are not invested in our students’ well-being, they are utterly wrong. At the end of the day, upon reflecting on all happenings in class, our greatest concern is not our students’ educational prowess, rather their state of mind. I have met teachers throughout the years who have crumbled upon witnessing students weep or be victimized by their peers - sentiments I too wholeheartedly share. I can attest to the notion that our role of educational instructors has evolved into that of spiritual guardians.

Cognitive stability further applies to our own person. Our mettle is put to the test as many a time we are stressed to our limits. Multiple confrontations, both literal and metaphorical, both within the confines of our class as well as at home. Countless papers to assess, lesson preparations, and on top of everything, personal dealings with the management, colleagues and parents; adhering to the maintenance of a harmonious balance without losing control. To make matters worse, it’s an undeniable fact that our personal investment in perpetual learning is at this point obligatory in the field of education. New teaching practices and approaches, countless workshops, which admittedly occupy whatever free time we have left, further add to the fatigue that consumes us, leaving little to no time for recuperation. We are merely human, fragile ones to be precise. How much is too much? And then, doubt kicks in… Why in the world would we follow such a career path? One so demanding as ours? A notion which we have all pondered at least once throughout our careers.

You won’t find any advice within the context of this article. An article most assuredly won’t change our mind and stance come September. Will we, however, give up on what we undertook with such passion when we first started teaching? Perhaps a reminder would best hinder our reluctance to further practice our profession. Despite the mental and physical fatigue, the constant demands of our line of work, the endless devotion and contemplation, we do contribute to the personal development of our students – our spiritual children and succeeding pillars of society. In the future, when they look fondly upon us with a sense of gratitude and appreciation, all our doubts are swept away, for we have left a legacy of knowledge and love which in turn will be passed on to the next generations. September doesn’t seem so dreadful now, does it? Happy school year my endearing colleagues!