Achieving Work-Life Balance
Healthy
Work Habits
Healthy
Home Habits
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ending the School Year with a Bang!
Ending the School Year with a Bang! What are some ways to end the school year on a high note academically, sending scholars wit...
-
Achieving Work-Life Balance Healthy Work Habits Healthy Home Habits Remote Balance
Dr. Katie Lawrence-JRPLA
ReplyDeleteQ1: I'm new to Phalen and starting a new program. Every part of my job spills into my home life. I try to set aside an hour or two between 5-7 for my kids, but as soon as they're in bed, I go right back to work...
Q2: I always put away electronics during dinner... but that's about as much balance as I have right now.
Q3: Once the program is up and running things will be much easier. I went into this position knowing that a work-life balance wouldn't occur this year. I'm just pushing through and hoping next year looks better. I know this isn't exactly what you asked, but I'm just being honest.
Abbigail Brantch 1st Year JRPLA 8th Grade Music/Choir Teacher
DeleteI am having issues with the life/work balance too. The school did not have a full choir before so I am also dealing with building base. This has been made all the more complicated by trying to do music based stuff during a time when we are 1)online and 2)currently not allowed to sing...
I am having that same mindset about this year. I have told people I am trying not to let how this year goes influence my overall experience because this year is just SOOOO hard for the not normal reasons.
Yes, we're in similar situations at JRPLA... I'm just hoping life returns to normal in the near future.
DeleteThat is completely understandable! There are always exceptions and sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I hope your preparation this year gives you more flexibility next year! :)
DeleteScott T. Eddy
ReplyDeleteQ1: I often set aside specific hours for me to help students. After 8 p.m. I no longer answer my phone.
Q2: I do not check blackboard after 8 p.m.
Q3: I need to set aside more me time for myself.
I struggle with work- life balance. Lately, I have been setting Friday nights and all day Saturdays to myself. However, I would like to create more time during the week for myself. I often find myself working from the time I get home from school until 9 or 10. I welcome ideas. Dawn
ReplyDeleteI find that scheduling in time with friends and family helps with the balance and recharge that many of us need.
DeleteI used to be the same last year, working that late every night during the week is just too much I found myself burnt out after a couple months. The weekends are completely my time aside from Sunday afternoon/night but even then I do not work past 9pm. The week days I try and get most of my prep and grading done before I leave school and even when I don't, I try not to work past 7/8 pm. Weekends for friends/family I find essential for my mental health.
DeleteI used to be the same way. I use to put in long hours way after the scholars have gone. And I realized that I was just exhausting myself even more. A few things I do is try to not use my weekends for any kind of work stuff. I like to prep all my food for the week on Sunday. I also have a cleaning schedule that I follow throughout the week so that I do not spend my entire weekend adulting. I hope that you find a way to balance this as it is so important for your emotional health. Self care is KEY :)
DeleteJenina Sorenson
PLA@103
Abbigail Brantch, 1st Year JRPLA 8th Grade Music/Choir Teacher
ReplyDeleteThe part for me that currently spills over the most is making/recording lessons. I am doing all pre-recorded lessons for online learning and using PowerPoint as a visual tool for information and graphics. Making a PPT is not necessarily hard, but can be time consuming. Especially if I am trying to add lots of animations, images, or links to videos for different examples. Then I also still need to record the lessons, which are usually around 30 minutes. I imagine this will bleed into my off time even more as we transition back to in-school learning as I will have less time to work on lessons during the day.
After the online office hours end for the day, I like to take my cats out for a walk (if they are not napping that is). I also do a fitness class later in the evening.
I suppose my main plan is to try and get ahead, but of course that is easier said than done. Once we are back to in-person, I also plan on trying not to leave the school until everything for the next day is ready. That way, once I am home, I can mentally be home. However...we will see how well that works out in practice.
Yes! Recording lectures takes forever and unfortunately we'll be doing both in person and eLearning. I don't think that's going to make the situation any better... I'm planning on taping first and second period through zoom so the e-learning kids can join a live class then if they want to.
DeleteBruce Quilling (JRPLA) -
ReplyDeleteEfficiency, prioritization, and compartmentalization. I have found with teaching, there is always more work to be done. If you have properly prioritized your work, you will be in a better position to compartmentalize it and be able to focus on family and self when possible.
Balancing work and life can be tricky. I think it depends on your view of what is work, and how you live your life. Because I love what I do, my life does not seem like work. Therefore, balancing my life and work comes down to time management. Coveting quiet time in prayer, meditation and healthy activities are things that I schedule. These practices strengthen my core, which helps rejuvenate me when I am focused on the task of teaching.
ReplyDeleteBalancing work and life can be tricky. I think it depends on your view of what is work, and how you live your life. Because I love what I do, my life does not seem like work. Therefore, balancing my life and work comes down to time management. Coveting quiet time in prayer, meditation and healthy activities are things that I schedule. These practices strengthen my core, which helps rejuvenate me when I am focused on the task of teaching.
ReplyDeleteV. Rolle HIAT
Many things spill over from work into my personal life. However, I believe the biggest are lesson plans, emails, and grading. I currently set aside one day per month to have lunch with friends. This is beneficial for all of us. In the past I have set aside Saturday as strictly family with no work. However, this year has taught me that life can't be packaged into one day. I now do not work on the weekends. I also stop working after 5pm. If something didn't get done that's on me and I need to plan better. What I need to work on is prioritizing my health and letting the small things go. I think as a mom and a teacher, I'm always putting everyone else's needs before mine. Letting the small things go is something I need to work on in every aspect of my life. My anxiety goes through the roof when I don't know what is happening or something is communicated vaguely. This year has been the year of uncertainty and the year of change.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Sheriff-JRPLA
I agree! When one thing is said one day and then the next it is something different has been so hard. I feel like I have no idea what is going on half of the time!
DeleteAbbigail Brantch 1st year Music/Choir Teacher at JRPLA
DeleteI have been trying to construct my assignments in a way that Bb can grade them for me because I know that grading can take forever. I previously was teaching a college level ESL composition course, so everything was papers that had to be graded by me. I know automatic Bb grading is not an option for all classes or all assignments, but I am trying my best to exploit it when I can.
I use classkick and it does let you set it up to be graded automatically too.
DeleteGrading papers, creating lessons, exploring resources, and more are all things that spill over into my work life. Some things I do to help is to use my prep time wisely. I try to multi task and get things done in the classroom during independent work time or lunch. I assign the scholars jobs so that they can help with the classroom responsibilities. I can improve on being prepared for lessons without spending hours making scripted lessons.
ReplyDeleteQ1
ReplyDeleteGrading and creating assignments sometimes spills over into my personal life but for the most part I try and get everything done by 7/8pm, if I don't then I just pick it up tomorrow and work on it in the morning.
Q2
I usually take off on the weekends, I just leave town after school on friday and come back sunday afternoon, if I do not leave town then i just stay home and relax. I do not mind working later into the day on Friday, but once it is 9/10 pm, I am done for the weekend.
Q3
Checking my emails, I need to remind myself to not respond to emails after 4/5 pm, and wait until the next day. Constantly checking emails during the weekends and when I am away is one thing I need to create more distance for myself. In the end, I feel that I am doing a much better job this year managing my personal and work life. I've realized that for one I or any teacher for that matter cannot be perfect or some kind of super teacher, we are human and have to draw the line and be able to enjoy our own personal lives.
Steven Orellana (Trix)
Chynna Triska @103
ReplyDelete1. I feel like in years past I have not had any issues. This year there seems to be so many documents needed to fill out, I find there is not enough time. Each week it seems like something new is added. I end up having to do work on the weekends to get it all done.
2. I make sure to close my computer right when school is over.
3. Once school has started I'm hoping it will be easier to have more free time since I will have one thing off of the to-do list.
I agree with you! I'm usually pretty good at managing my time, but this year has been more than usual. Megan Skaggs GVP
Delete1) I hate leaving my to do list for the day unchecked and emails unanswered. I often work extra checking emails and finishing tasks asap.
ReplyDelete2)I like to plan. Having a plan helps me to space out and prioritize my time and tasks.
3) My strategy for this year is to ask lots of questions and ask for help. I can't do it all myself and I don't know everything, and that's okay. I also do not plan to work on the weekends at all or even open my computer if I don't absolutely need to.
Brianna Bennett PLA 93
I have really been struggling with balancing work and home life lately. It seems that I never reach a point where I can relax because something new is always being added to my weekly responsibilities. I have spent numerous nights since the beginning of school working almost the entire night and getting very little sleep (1-2 hours) as a result. On some occasions, I have even pulled all-nighters just to fulfill all that is expected.
ReplyDeleteIn the past month or so, I have begun to set more boundaries and prioritize what things can be put off until a later time. I am concerned that when I do this, it will be seen as "laziness" or "slacking" to those who review my administrative or behind-the-scenes responsibilities, but the most important thing for me to do is ensure that my scholars are receiving the best possible instruction and support. That has been what I have prioritized and focused on.
Though I still have had zero time for myself since the school year started, I have set some time boundaries that have helped me to be slightly more present with my family. I have reserved evenings (5:00-8:00) for taking care of my son. I have also reserved Saturdays as fun days to spend with him. I still think that I can and should find a healthier balance. I would love to hear any suggestions that may help me to achieve this.
Paige Clonce
PLA @ 103
I am happy to hear you have set new boundaries! It can be so challenging to do so. However taking time away from the classroom is the only way to rejuvenate and keep the spark. lit.
DeleteMs. Clonce,
DeleteI am so happy to hear that you are setting new boundaries. I too struggle with this and have found myself setting new ones more lately too. I also, have to give myself a break from time to time on not always having everything done. It is the way that we rejuvenate and get that bounce back in our step. Keep up the great work!
Jenina Sorenson
PLA@103
Work/Life balance is extremely important to me. I try to manage my time during prep periods and any spare moments I have during the day.
ReplyDeleteQ1- Report writing is usually something that spills over for me. I often plan in my head during various times throughout the day.
Q2- I try and use my planning period as efficiently as possible. I try and keep things simple.
Q3- Virtual teaching certainly makes this more of a challenge. If we go back virtual, I'll try to set aside specific times to keep it separate.
Megan Skaggs GVP
I always try to carve out some time for myself and my family. Saturdays are a non work day so I try to get my lessons and everything in before or work it out on Sundays. It's important to have that distressing
ReplyDeletetime.
I stay after school longer during the week so I dont have to worry about school work on weekends. I try to not stay after 530 m-th and then on friday I am normally at school till 7pm.My 6th grade partner and I stay together and I help her out also since she has a family and I dont.
ReplyDeleteI have learned through out the years its better to do all school work at school and not let it spill over into home.It will always be there tomorrow and for as late as I stay at school normally there very little to do.
The one thing I do need to work on this year is reducing the amount of time I spend at school if possable.
Melinda Manges-GVP
Communicating with parents has recently spilled over into my life outside of work. I will respond to families whenever they respond, even if it is on the weekend or late at night. I feel as though I am good at spending time for myself outside of work with activities and friends. The strategy I need to work on is letting the small things go, especially in such a stressful time.
ReplyDeleteFriedly, PLA103
I totally agree. Parent communication this year has been more after hours and is an important aspect, I reply when they have questions even if on the weekend or after school hours.
DeleteMs. Friedly,
DeleteYES...let the small things go. As I try to tell myself don't sweat the small stuff. We can only do so much. And turn that phone off. Most of the phone calls can wait till the next day or Monday morning. You need you time! Get out there and enjoy your friends and family.
Jenina Sorenson
PLA@103
1. This year I feel like more than normal has spilled over into my personal time. I find myself planning more, having to create more documents and little extra things that I have not had to in the past. It has been a little more of a struggle not only learning the new way of teaching but, also a new school, new position, and new town. It has added a little more to my plate.
ReplyDelete2. One thing I do to find a work life balance is to shut off work in the afternoon and go to the gym and do me. I find peace at the gym and can clear my head and refocus. If there is something that needs to get done after the gym I allot myself about an hour in the evening to do so. I need to know when enough is enough and call it a day when it is time to shut off.
3. I feel like I am doing a pretty good job of creating a work and life balance. I think if there is one thing that I need to work on it would be to not be so hard on myself if something does not get done on that day. I need to learn to forgive myself and know that there is always tomorrow.
Jenina Sorenson, PLA@103
Hi Jenina,
DeleteI, too, have a hard time giving myself a break, especially during this pandemic. This is important though because we often do not realize the additional and unnecessary stress that we are adding to our daily lives by pushing ourselves beyond the energy we have for that day.
Kei'Anna Anderson- James and Rosemary Phalen
You are so right! We can not get it all done all the time. Easing up on ourselves is so important!
DeleteI agree with many who say that more than ever, this year's work/life balance has become an inescapable challenge because a lot of us are working from home. Keeping up with students virtually is tough and I often find myself worried about the ones whom have shown little to no participation during virtual school. I am usually thinking of ways to contact them or how I am going to catch them up when we return to on site learning.
ReplyDeleteI usually balance out my day by gardening or working on art projects. I make sure on my lunch break, while working from home, that I step away from all electronics and go outside to get some fresh air.
If there is an area I wish to develop, it would be managing emails. Now more than ever, we receive updates on school operations and information about students multiple times throughout the workday. I never really know when its a good time to not check my email again until the next morning because I am afraid I will miss something important, like a change in meeting time. Overall though, everyone has been sensitive to our current world wide dilemma and therefore understanding about changes and performance.
Kei'Anna Anderson - James and Rosemary Phalen
I love that everyone has been so understanding. It has been a wonderful part of this year and I am glad that you shared this. I hope your gardening is going well and that you have success with your art projects!
DeleteEvelyn Bottando HIAT Merrillville, Indiana
I find that work -life balance is harder this year as there is so much more prep work to keep scholars socially distanced and not sharing supplies and resources. For younger scholars like mine in Kindergarten, I feel like my prep and lunch is my only escape and most days those are cut short due to staffing issues. I have to take work home and make parent calls and emails after school hours. Janis Macey Kindergarten teacher GVP -Indianapolis
ReplyDeleteEvelyn Bottando - HIAT Merrillville, Indiana
ReplyDeleteQ1: Planning always spills over into personal time. I am working on my strategies to help planning be more organically a part of my week so that my time at home is more my own.
Q2: I joined a book club to help make sure that I find time to enrich myself in a way outside of school.
Q3: I will definitely work on knowing when to say no. This can be difficult for me as I like to help, but it has been a wonderful way to reclaim my time for myself.
I like your last comment about learning when to say no. That can be extremely difficult when we feel like we have to be available all the time for all of our students, their parents, and staff at our school. However, I think in the long run it is more helpful to take time away from work and rest so that you can come in and be completely present during the time that you need to be!
DeleteSamantha Burns- PLA@93
Q1.lesson planning and grading take up the most time outside of work. My strategy is to take more advantage of planning time and breaks at work to get things done.
ReplyDeleteQ2.I try to listen to music and watch baseball and football as much as I can.
Q3. Setting firm time limits on when to stop looking at my email and phone messages. My cutoff time I set is 7pm Frederick Pittman HIAT
Abigail Wade GVP Fourth Grade
ReplyDeleteQ1: Lesson planning for each day is typically what takes the most time outside of work. In my mind I know what I want to do but it is putting it to action that is the hardest. I have to map out what I am going to say when to make my lessons effective and not leave anything out.
Q2: I try not to spend my entire weekend dedicated to school. It typically takes me a half of a day to plan out my week. So I make time my other days to relax, catch up with family and friend, as well as clean my house.
Q3:I think my time management is helping me cope with the amount we have to do. I am trying to come early to school so I can do more after school for me.
My ARD caseload preparation paperwork and lesson planning have been spilling over into my outside life. I am working to get a system going and am learning new things each day. I anticipate as I learn my job better, things will get easier for me. As of now, I have not been able to have my weekends free and I am starting early each morning, just trying to stay afloat. U. Thomas - PLA Smith Middle School
ReplyDeleteOh I hope that you can free up some of your weekend time! I keep telling myself, you can only do so much in a day.
DeleteDana Patrick- ELAR 4th Grade Jones Clark
ReplyDeleteLike many of my cohort, my lesson plans typically spill over into my personal time.
I set aside weekend time for myself. I am able to spend time with my friends and family.
I have set aside time on Tuesdays to spend a little more time at school to try and complete my lesson plans so that I can protect my time.
This is my first year back after having my two youngest children. To top it off my oldest is in Kindergarten. I am trying so hard to balance my work life and home life, but I see myself doing a lot of work at home. Now I am on campus and have 15 scholars in my room, but still have two virtual. I do my very best to get as much done during school hours, but I am still doing prep work at home. Thankfully I have an amazing Team leader that is also the other Math teacher. She has really helped me so much and for that I am grateful. She knows I have kids and I am getting back into teaching so she really divides the work load.
ReplyDeleteOn Fridays once 4pm hits I go home and enjoy my time with family. I ask the parents not contact unless it is important so I can have some me time without thinking about school. I learned so much last nine weeks and ready to take on this nine weeks. I am continue to improve and balancing my work and family life.
I definitely need to keep using my time wisely at school so I can go home right at 4 pm and have more family time and relax.
Lesson planning is definitely the hardest part with this year for me since I want to make sure I am detailed so when creating presentations it doesn't take as long.
Jensen Cacciola
Jones-Clark
4th grade Math
Monday through Friday is a disaster for me...But the weekends I can recuperate and spend time with my family.
ReplyDeleteYwillis
Teacher Assistant
PLA93
I relate to this, especially this year. It can feel like there is never enough time in the day to get things done, and that really takes a toll at the end of the day. I think it is super important to carve out at least an hour every day where we let ourselves not think about work and decompress for the day. It's bests for us and in the long run, our kids too!
DeleteSamnantha Burns-PLA@93
When I first started teaching, balancing work and family was a huge struggle for me. Through the years I have found that it's more important to take care of yourself first. If you don't take the time for yourself, work and family both suffer. Balance comes easier when you are at your best.
ReplyDeleteHeather Hill
PLA @93
1. I feel like it is hardest to stop lesson planning and grading from spilling into my personal life. I have also struggled with setting boundaries when it comes to parent communication because that can become an almost constant interruption into my personal life.
ReplyDelete2. To maintain a work-life balance, I always make sure to do one thing for myself each night, whether that is going on a walk, watching a movie, or seeing a friend. This helps me unplug and completely walk away from work. I also have set boundaries with parents to let them know of my availability and that if I am contacted outside of school hours, they will receive a response from me within 24 hours. This gives me less of an urgency to immediately respond and be "on-call" at all hours of the day.
3. This year, I need to work on letting go of some of the work load that is outside of my control. With our schools switching from virtual to in-person learning, there is a lot of opportunity to try to grasp some control on the situation, which just piles up our workload. By asking for support and help, I've been able to narrow down and focus on the things that I'm able to affect and seek support where I can't.
Samantha Burns- PLA@93
I seem to have to balance the same thing with parents. Especially when grades are due. Thats when the emails begin to roll in.
DeleteThe biggest thing that spills over are grades and emails. My computer at school is so slow that it takes hours to create assignments. There just isn't enough time in the day to create assignments for all 8 of my classes. Often times I have to grade and respond to parents at home instead. Or vise versa and use a faster computer to create work. We have the same devices the kids have and it's not enough ram to do what is expected.
ReplyDeleteAs for my free time, I try to make time for martial arts. Its a passion of mine and a good release.
ReplyDeleteit has been a challenge to juggle work and personal life. I want each of my student to be successful in my class so I often bring work home. honestly its what I signed up for its my job.
ReplyDeleteIn my free time I try to focus on the many forms of art. I love all forms of it.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Latimore JR PLA
Work has spilled over into my personal life. I enjoy it and it s what I signed up for. I enjoy the students so it fine. When it becomes a problem I will make efforts to balance the things that need to be balanced.
ReplyDelete