an educators pursuit of wellness

capturing the "why":

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After first wanting to pursue a topic for this project that was more directly correlated to teaching and my professional practice, I decided on an alternative. This alternative was to do something far more difficult in my opinion - to investigate, challenge, question and push myself to be a better more balanced human being. After all, this personal work would and will positively impact my students and professional self.  

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It is so often echoed that teachers "have it so easy". Their prescribed work day is seemingly short from approximately 8am-2:30pm, they have plenty of vacation and they benefit coverage. While on the surface, that does seem veritable, there is so much that is unseen. 

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As mentioned previously, my name is Alexandra and I am a 25 year-old secondary educator. I love my job, my students and colleagues. I consider myself privileged each day to work alongside such inspiring and loving souls. When I first received my contract position, I was 23 years old. After having met my colleagues, their knowledge and experience was bewildering. Also, on a superficial note, they were the age of my parents and grandparents. I could only think of how silly and childish I must have seemed to them. Self-doubt and convoluted intimidation is how I felt. On the other hand, determination and ambition to convince them and their teaching wisdom that I was worthy and meant for this. 

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Now after completion of my second year of full-time teaching, I think back to all that I did on top of my regular class preparations and marking...

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I wrote and published two research work with my university professor and mentor from Nipissing University. 

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I coached the Girls Hockey team. 

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I lead in the Me to We club. 

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I started a Girls Slo-Pitch team at my school and coached them. 

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I ran the Club français and organized local café outings and tutorials at 2 local coffee shops. 

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I worked a part-time job for a local OHL hockey team on weekends as I was supporting my partner and myself while he was still completing his post-secondary studies.

 

I organized and executed 10 field trips two of which were 3-day long camping excursions. 

 

I volunteered at the KW Multicultural Centre in town teaching English to newcomers.  

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I participated in a school-wide charity event called, "Dancing with the Teachers."

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I created and ran a school wide "Community Fair" with 10 vendors to educate students on the local supports available to them in town (i.e. the Shore Centre, Spectrum, Canadian Mental Health Association etc.)

 

I organized a school-wide assembly guest speaker and a couple of other classroom guest speakers.  

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All the while, I teach to my students about mental health and wellbeing and did not practice what I preached. I slept a total of maybe 3 hours each night. I skipped workouts, meals and barely saw friends and family. My work and my love for it really did consume me.

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During my first teaching evaluation by my principal, she radiated such positivity and my heart felt full after all of the efforts. Prior to leaving her office, she stated, "Alex, its clear that you would do and do do everything for your students and courses. I just hope that you have time for yourself in all of this." Her words were true. Even though I smiled and replied, "Don't worry, I do!" it was the first time I become fully cognizant of how my life had transformed into a solar system of work with nothing else in orbit. 

 

This bring me here, the "why." Why turn the focalization on to wellness and balance? Essentially, because I have no other choice. The lifestyle of not sleeping or eating to metaphorically feed the need to make everyone pleased with me was not sustainable for my health. 

 

I will continue to do my best and say "yes" to new opportunities. 

I will continue to do everything in my power to teach passionately using every fibre of my being. 

I will continue to be involved and be an active leader in my school community. 

Yet, this time. I will work within boundaries. Boundaries for balance. Boundaries for health and boundaries for happiness. 

 

I know that I am horrible at saying "no" to others. I really do want to help and take part. But this journey, has illuminated my outlook and hopefully continues to shape my wellness into the next school year.  

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