RESC Pulse
April 26, 2019
Educator Burnout & The Educator Shortage
Here we are with just 19 days left with our students. I thought with this in mind and the fact that we are working our way through the testing schedule I would provide my encouragement to each of you and a perspective on the topic of educator burnout that is leading to the educator shortage we see in Indiana. In short, your job is exhausting because you eat, drink, breath, and sleep with thoughts of how to best serve your students. This week I came across an article from Strobel that really summarized some ways I feel we ALL can better serve our students. The key really is to be okay with putting your faith, family, and health first. Take a look at the 4 points from the article "4 Ways Teachers Can Be Out the Door by 4:00." If you like what you read I have put the link to the whole article at the bottom of this newsletter.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE
If you want to get out of the school door by 4:00, it’s gonna take a little commitment. You have to be willing to change … but I promise the payoff is so worth it!
These four steps can help get you started:
- Take responsibility! You—and only YOU—can make the changes that will impact your life in a positive way. You have to decide if your family, your personal interests, your mental well-being are worth it. There will always be the random day that you have to work overtime. But you need to promise yourself that these will be the exceptions, not the rule!
- Replace instead of pile on. New initiatives, new teaching practices, new engagement methods, new curriculum, new standards … the list goes on and on. And that’s the problem. There’s always something new to add to your plate, but how often do you REMOVE anything? Most teachers have that Type A personality—we want to do it all and do it all well. That’s a recipe for madness! Instead, every time you add a new item to your to-do list (or your wish list), take one thing off. I know there are things on there that are outdated, irrelevant, or unimportant!
- Embrace the undone. With a to-do list that’s always growing, you’re never going to have a clean slate. There’s always going to be a last-minute request, an unexpected change … and that means something else on your list will suffer. What to do? Make like Elsa, and LET IT GO! Will it be uncomfortable? Probably. But that’s when real growth starts to happen!
- Get the hell outta there! The clock hits 4:00. LEAVE! That’s it. Not “just one more thing.” Not “I really should get this done.” Not “What will the other teachers think?” Just LEAVE.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~OHANA~
This is Me- Laura Elliott
My husband Fred and I have been married for 25 years and we have two children and two dogs.. Kate is 15 and a freshman here at UCJSHS while Grant is 10 and in 5th grade at North Side Elementary. Kate loves playing sports and Grant is into Robotics and computers. We live in Union City just outside of town. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Masters in Educational Administration from Purdue University.
Years with RESC:
6
Teaches:
High School Spanish
Hobbies:
I enjoy camping, family time and traveling
Favorite Restaurant:
My mom's kitchen or Gallo's
Favorite Snack:
Anything chocolate and popcorn
Teacher Grants
Just a reminder that the Alumni Association Teacher Grant applications are due on Tuesday, April 30th. We would like to encourage all of you to think outside of the box and shoot for the stars. The Alumni Association is passionate about making a difference at Randolph Eastern and that starts with supporting our teachers in the classroom. If you have an idea that needs a $1000 then apply and let us see what we can do to make your dream a reality.
This is Me- Ashley Gard
I married my high-school sweetheart, Alex! Together for 12 years - married for almost 4 years. Graduated from Winchester Community High School. Then, started college at Adrian College in Adrian Michigan, but soon missed home, and finished out another 4 years at Ball State University, graduating with a Bachelors in Elementary Education (focus area: Reading), with a minor in the Psychology of Human Development. I started out working in retail, then selling shoes, waitressing, substitute teaching, and eventually entering my own classroom! :)
Years with RESC:
I have worked at RESC for 7 years now. Year 1 -instructional assistant. Year 2 - Kindergarten. Years 3 and 4 - 2nd grade. Years 5,6,7 - Kindergarten! :) I LOVE KINDERGARTEN
Hobbies:
Some of my favorite things to do are teach (obviously), coach tennis and volleyball, and sing/perform and working out! (Come and watch some of my gigs this Summer out at the Winchester Park!*)
Favorite Restaurant:
I'm not picky! I like all food - but I favor a great steakhouse! .. or seafood!
Favorite Snack:
Peanut Butter Fudge! Peanut butter anything really! and Fruit!