Each Monday evening at 8PM EST, music teachers get together and share ideas about important topics within music education. It’s a great chance to interact directly with educators from all over the world and to get new tips and tricks to help you succeed in the classroom. The entire #musedchat discussion is organized and moderated by Joe Guarr.
A1. Teaching band is way more like factory work than I anticipated. Every year many of the same things have to be taught over and over gets a little old after 20 years #MusEdChat
A1: Thankfully no long-term burnout yet (in year 8 so far), but I do feel it a little bit at the end of each spring. There's just so much going on. #musedchat
A1 This is year 21 for me. I haven't hit any burn-out. Many times I've hit overwhelmed, way exhausted, pushing too hard, why am I doing all these extras, but then things balance out (sort of) every once in a while & I am back to my happy place. :) #musedchat
A2: My expectations didn’t match the reality. I wasn’t mentally prepared for music to take over my life. I stopped being able to listen to music without being analytical. #musedchat
A1 nothing long term yet but literally every single May. first year in a new job at a new district interested to see if it happens this year. #musedchat
A2: I think musicians tend to “do it all.” When we’re spread too thin and we don’t take enough time for ourselves and our families, it can definitely lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. #musedchat
A2- I think it’s rarely the kids that contribute to burnout but rather all the outside influences- rough schedule, high-stress performances, etc. I always know I need a break when I am less motivated to plan and just feel super exhausted at the end of the day. #musedchat
The cause of my burnout was a piling on of expectations by admin along w/ the firing of a colleague. General toxic environment. Symptoms: depression & withdrawal. #MusEdChat
#musedchat A2 the inability to say no. Symptoms include the feel that I was drowning in anxiety, short temper especially with my family. The guilt afterwards is pain that I wouldn't wish on anyone....
Without a doubt being spread too thin. Last job all of the music teachers were doing the job of at least 1.5 some doing the work of 2 people. New job I am the only music teacher pre-K-8th grade so again spread thin. #musedchat
A2: without a doubt it’s caused by being spread too thin. I haven’t had a job yet where I haven’t had to do the job of two people. even as I type this I am finally walking up my stairs and into my house at 8:30pm #musedchat
A3 I don't think most admin fully understand the scope of the music director's job. Perhaps if they did, they would create ways to be helpful. I'm still waiting for funding on the assistant. #nevergonnahappen#MusEdChat
A3 cont.: Also a little appreciation goes a LONG way. “Hey, the kids did great at the concert!” or “Thanks for all you do!” from a colleague or admin... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻#musedchat
A2. External forces sometimes: pressure from admin/district/parents; not teaching appropriate grade-level? I think back to my 1st year as an elem.music specialist. I taught @ 9 elem schools. It was not where my heart was. If I was still on that track,I'd be burn-out. #musedchat
Kari from TX, running late tonight but going to try to jump in and catch up! #musedchat
A1: I had complete burnout at the end of year one. I left the profession and never expected to return. I'm on year 7 now and pursuing a PhD so I can help young teachers to find joy!
#musedchat A3 my admin actually has helped me out by not approving certain festivals, trips bc they know I do a ton. You guys rock @Mr_Zaroski@MrPParente Mrs. Angela Capozzolo
A2: Prolonged: lack of admin support, too many demands being placed, dealing with the poor behaviors from students who need so much more emotional and behavioral support than can be offered in public school. #musedchat
Yes! An assistant or a TA would be a huge benefit for many of us, not just music folks. The teachers in my bldg who team teach seem much happier and energetic. #musedchat
A2: Major causes for me were lack of admin support and toxic school culture. I thought I was the problem and gave up. I'm thankful I discovered later how much of a difference school culture can make. Finding the right fit was one thing that helped save my career. #musedchat
A3: So important to provide mentorship for new teachers. Not just an occasional check-in, but a comprehensive mentoring program from other music teachers. Pairing new music teachers with a good teacher in the building is nice, but not enough. #musedchat
Love this idea! A good mentor can help guide new teachers through those rough first few years (50% of new teachers leave the profession within 5 yrs) #musedchat
A4: I believe the greatest way to combat burnout is to focus on your WHY. Why did you become a teacher? Why do you love your students? Why do you love music? On the most difficult days, re-center on that why. #musedchat
A4: I keep my focus on the students. I make lists & try to keep ahead of paperwork, planning, etc. I try to keep my room/office organized so I feel less stress. #MusEdChat
A4- I very purposefully do not bring work home with me. I also play in a community band made up of local music teachers. While teaching elem music is so much fun, singing Sol-Mi all day isn’t as musically fulfilling as struggling through West Side Story #musedchat
A3: Admins need to see educators as people first. Colleagues need to reach beyond the 4 walls of their classrooms & take an interest in what's happening in their school. I'm blessed to work in an amazing school that has these! #musedchat#momauguinproud
A4- self care. I am actually pretty introverted so time to read by myself can do wonders. I read a lot of YA recommendations from students. Easy to read and “escape” with. #musedchat
A4: I focus on the parts of my job that I love the most; the kids. But also my select ensembles where the kids are there because they want to be. And I try to surround myself with positive, caring colleagues! #musedchat
Yes. Being able to just stop. Because I'm never done. I will never be done if I spend every hour on school stuff. I need to allow myself time to live. #MusEdChat
#musedchat A4 it may seem insignificant but eating lunch with other departments help out. Also I have a philosophy I follow if my body is tired work out thr mind but if my mind is tired, ie burnout, work out the body.
A4 Leaving stuff at school. I used to bring tons of stuff home to do. I reduced that immensely-I owe myself family time with my 4 girls & husband. I used to stay late/go crazy early regularly--there is always stuff to do. It can wait now. It all gets done. #musedchat
#musedchat A4 it may seem insignificant but eating lunch with other departments also helps out. Also I have a philosophy I follow if my body is tired work out the mind but if my mind is tired, ie burnout, work out the body.
Interesting, but I don't think we need permission to ignore work emails after work hours. I usually answer them, but I don't feel obligated to. They can pay me more if they want that. ;) #MusEdChat
