Year 30. Everyone in my building is feeling this. Fall break is a week later than usual and we have had no days off since school started. Now that I am close to retirement I am looking at the end for self care. Now it is just putting out fires and trying to keep up with the increased training videos, keeping our kids in line, and dealing with demanding parents.
This is my fifth year teaching AP world and my 8th overall as a teacher. This might be the year where I give up on teaching. I just don’t have the patience and energy for it anymore. It’s causing major mental health problems in my life. I am just at a point where I am cynical, I hate going to school, I don’t care what happened every day, and I think some of that is rubbing off onto students. I am just desperate for some motivation to stay in this profession before contract renewals come up and I just can’t find it.
It's my second week into teaching and I feel exhausted, being not-my-vocation, unable to do this, too attached, taking their misbehaviours persobally and whatnot. Coming across this video is relieving
I just know I'd rather come as "weak" to them than "rude". They're humans as well and it breaks my heart when I see sadness in their angst but I keep feeling unable to break that wall of theirs. I want to help them all and sometimes you just cannot
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." - Clive Staples Lewis I have always liked this quote and it is a good reminder today. This is my 30th and probably last year teaching but you nailed this time of year for me and many others. Today I started a new unit and I apologized to my students about how discombobulated I have been the last week or so. They may not have noticed it (but I sure did) and it made me feel really crappy! So thanks for this today; I'm glad I'm not the only one!
Everyone has highs and lows at times in our lives. I'm a 5th year high school Science teacher at a Christian high school and I am teaching because I wanted to accomplish two things in the life I have left. I was 56 when I retired due to a wonderful Science career just running out of funding and my 34 year Research Science Group just broke apart fairly suddenly and I was left with no chair when the MUSIC ended. I wanted to minister to students and gain in my personal Christian Wali myself. Secondly I had a BS in Chemistry and Physics and a minor in BIOLOGY and I completed my PhD coursework in Physics from Purdue University AND I worked 34 years in RESEARCH SCIENCE at a Prestigious National Laboratory and I had a full career of Science knowledge to IMPART to young minds!! I am so THANKFUL MOST DAYS to be teaching but I have days that I am just DRAGGING at times and we all have these DAYS AND WEEKS!! Keep praying and thanking God for your life and your many GIFTS and the ENERGY WILL COME BACK!!
Hits me around Jan, Feb, March up here in the PNW. We start after Labor Day so it's still the "high" of starting school. Meanwhile in the days mid winter it's go to work in the dark, hear the rain all day (look out my non existent window), and go home in the dark. Those days I just don't feel like teaching. It sucks and happens every single year.
Every year, during the depths of Wisconsin winter, I get the same feelings as well. I even start thinking (and sometimes doing) about updating my resume and looking for opportunities outside of education. My wife has gotten used to the cycle and does a good job of helping to bring me out of it. I also think it helps to recognize it, and like you said, not think that there is some magical self-care that will alleviate what you are going through, but it is better to ride the tough times and understand the exhaustion and negative vibes won't last forever. I saw the short vid on Instagram recently that went along the lines of, "when you have a bad day (or week), give up, go home and sleep. F it, try again tomorrow. Not every bad day can become a good day, some days are f'ed, and cannot be unf'ed, when you have a day that is f'ed beyond repair, that is the universe speaking to you, sending you a message, listen to the universe, go home and save your energy, tomorrow is another day. For now, just f'ing chill" Peace brother.
I CAN RELATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing else to give. I just show up with whatever I have. The problem is, going home after work and having nothing left for my home/personal life! I can’t repeat this next year. It’s unhealthy for me and not fair to our students.
I'm right there with you. I have a fortune from a cookie I ate a couple of years ago...I'm looking at it a LOT this time of year. It says "Your best is good enough." It helps to know that I'm not alone. It helps to know that someone who helps so many people on a regular basis...that's you Heimler!.. also feels that way helps me a lot. Thanks for your candor and everything you do to make the study of history (and our society) better and more fun! We'll get through this. Your best is good enough. Cheers,
Kelly Treleaven is the teacher that came up with DEVOLSON- the Dark, Evil Vortex of Late September, October and November, an acronym for the busiest and often the most difficult time of year. Thank you for your honesty! I'm running on fumes myself.
I know you didn't put this out for compliments, but you are getting them and you deserve them. I have told my students that I have NO IDEA how you have the energy to do all that you do. But I, and my students ("I love Heimler") are glad that you do. I know there is no easy fix to what you and so many of us feel, but a partial fix is found in your video about how to get students to want to be in your class. It's about your purpose. Just like we have to remind our students of our purpose and get them to take it to their hearts and minds, we have to do the same for ourselves. I've been working on this for years- ever since reading Simon Sinek's Start with Why. Some of my colleagues and I will discuss our "Whys" from time to time to help each other. If we can remain driven by our Why, it can help put perhaps a little nourishment in that bucket. Won't fill it in a hurry, but it can help. You have been on a mission in pursuit of a just cause, and you've done great work in that pursuit. You will be right back at that great work very soon... and will be inspiring this 31-year teacher to continue to try to better himself for his students.
I needed this so much! I've been feeling unmotivated (burnout for the lack of better words) and then me also blaming myself for being like that...anyhow thanks for keeping things real and always appreciate your vids:)
Yeah burnout is a real thing, and I've experienced that too-no fun. Sorry to hear you're dealing with that. But I'm glad you keep showing up to class-it's an astonishing accomplishment.
You are an inspiration to me and my kids. My kids love your videos and you bring a love of history with you to every video. You got this and APUSH at Dickinson High School is there for you!
"Some days you show up with what you have and not what you don't have" Thanks Heimler. I feel overwhelmed. It helped me talk it out with the girlfriend and feeling like I'm not alone. We are all in this together as teachers. It's an upward battle it feels. Giving it all we got and still falling short. Wanting to be great for the kids and ending up draining ourselves. I understood the self-care example. I'm with ya! Thanks for sharing and being honest. I'm not alone, and you aren't either.
I feel this. Ever since Covid, and even in the years leading up to it, my well has felt dry. I’ve had to learn how to have a better balance between all the different pieces of my life. It is super hard and something I still work on every day. Hang in there and know that your best is good enough.
Thank you for making this video. I feel that way every year around April & May. I push myself so hard for my AP students that by the time the AP test rolls around, I'm just done. This year it hit me doing after school review sessions and I was so exhausted but kept pushing. My student asked me who painted "The Swing" and I honestly replied, my brain is so fried... I have no clue. Luckily we get to coast in May! Take care bud.
I -- I -- wow. This was real and raw and vulnerable and I'm gonna see myself out now so I can cry in my car. I have never felt so exhausted so early in the year, and I'm honestly also looking for other things that don't demand so much out of me, especially in my evenings and weekends, which is time that I need to sustain myself now that I'm almost in my second decade of teaching...
The past three years have been rough. I'm so grateful for my fellow workers who help me get from one quarter to the next, and to you for reminding us we aren't alone.
You have no idea how much that helped me. BECAUSE I felt similar, but was not able to identify it; I have a "so what" feeling, and the kids are asking me why I'm mad, or what is different. I did not realize this happens often, even in my 8th year of teaching AP World History. Thanks for sharing so I could put this in a better perspective. Now I'm thinking about those kids who began last year with no idea at all with what to do who are coming to me now and saying "thanks. - AP US History is a breeze because you taught me how to write." The end justifies the means, even when I feel mean. Thank you. RH
I’m just seeing this now and just wanted to throw out that I hear you. For anyone reading sometimes self care means doing less. Go fly fishing and then don’t do whatever you were supposed to. Honestly - not everything needs to get graded - or it can just get graded for completion. Do less everywhere and create more time for whatever you need to be happy. I don’t want any of you to burn yourselves out or end up one of those teachers who dies 6 months after retirement. Say no, work the rule, set boundaries, grade less. Fly fish more.
I felt this Steve. Teaching can be such a joy, and also a struggle at times. It's a lot, and we give so much of ourselves, and sometimes we just need to take a break and reset. I hope you have one of those affirming moments soon where you realize just how fortunate your students are to have you, and for you to have your students. I know that my students and I appreciate you so much. Please take care of yourself. Peace, Sarah
Thank you for making this video. I did not realize this was a normal teacher experience until now. I endured these feelings this time last year and now this year. I thought I was losing my mind. I'm now in my 4th year of teaching. I feel a little less alone knowing that even inspirational teachers like yourself experience this burden.
I feel you brother...20 years teaching and I totally can relate to what you are sharing. I don't know if it gets any easier on the way down the mountain to the end of a career, which is where I am at right now; however, I can say without reservation that you keep this old man going and continue to inspire me to do what I can for my own kids. Keep on keepin' on!
Well, that's mighty kind of you to say. I think I'm coming to peace with the fact that as long as my schedule is ordered according to the school year, this will likely be a reality. I reckon making friends with it is as good as I can do...
Man, I’m with you. This is a great cathartic video! Im a history teacher taking on a new role leading my department - all while dealing with administration changing our entire LMS and testing software mid year. So much time spent doing STUFF and not enough doing fun teaching things. This stuff ain’t easy. Thanks for the video.
Holy crap! Me too! Dept chair (first time) new LMS (Canvas) serious admin curricular push (inquiry-based) and it's a WASC year. I actually teared up watching this. It was like unburdening to an old friend.
Maybe we, your viewers, can give something back to you given that you've given us so much. Burnout is real. It happens fast. I'm in year 22 and can't fathom putting in 8 more years until retirement. Add in the shortening daylight hours, the pandemic of smartphones in our schools, the fast paced AP curriculums, and everything else you mentioned, and we are indeed all dried up. I'm right there with you. But, don't forget your "why" for doing this work. Go back to it frequently. It can ground you back into purpose, even if only temporarily, which is why I do this weekly. It pulls me through...sometimes for an hour and sometimes for a few days. Maybe it'll help you, too.
You have a lot of company- you have done so much for students - and let us be honest, teachers- who are not even officially enrolled in your classes. It is always darkest before dawn, and the only constant is change❤🩹❤🩹❤🩹
Boy did this come at the right time. I should have watched it when you posted it.
Year 30. Everyone in my building is feeling this. Fall break is a week later than usual and we have had no days off since school started. Now that I am close to retirement I am looking at the end for self care. Now it is just putting out fires and trying to keep up with the increased training videos, keeping our kids in line, and dealing with demanding parents.
This is my fifth year teaching AP world and my 8th overall as a teacher. This might be the year where I give up on teaching. I just don’t have the patience and energy for it anymore. It’s causing major mental health problems in my life. I am just at a point where I am cynical, I hate going to school, I don’t care what happened every day, and I think some of that is rubbing off onto students. I am just desperate for some motivation to stay in this profession before contract renewals come up and I just can’t find it.
I'm a forty year teacher and believe me, your videos are what kept me going the last five years. So thank you!!!
It's my second week into teaching and I feel exhausted, being not-my-vocation, unable to do this, too attached, taking their misbehaviours persobally and whatnot. Coming across this video is relieving
I just know I'd rather come as "weak" to them than "rude". They're humans as well and it breaks my heart when I see sadness in their angst but I keep feeling unable to break that wall of theirs. I want to help them all and sometimes you just cannot
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."
- Clive Staples Lewis
I have always liked this quote and it is a good reminder today. This is my 30th and probably last year teaching but you nailed this time of year for me and many others. Today I started a new unit and I apologized to my students about how discombobulated I have been the last week or so. They may not have noticed it (but I sure did) and it made me feel really crappy! So thanks for this today; I'm glad I'm not the only one!
Everyone has highs and lows at times in our lives.
I'm a 5th year high school Science teacher at a Christian high school and I am teaching because I wanted to accomplish two things in the life I have left. I was 56 when I retired due to a wonderful Science career just running out of funding and my 34 year Research Science Group just broke apart fairly suddenly and I was left with no chair when the MUSIC ended.
I wanted to minister to students and gain in my personal Christian Wali myself. Secondly I had a BS in Chemistry and Physics and a minor in BIOLOGY and I completed my PhD coursework in Physics from Purdue University AND I worked 34 years in RESEARCH SCIENCE at a Prestigious National Laboratory and I had a full career of Science knowledge to IMPART to young minds!!
I am so THANKFUL MOST DAYS to be teaching but I have days that I am just DRAGGING at times and we all have these DAYS AND WEEKS!!
Keep praying and thanking God for your life and your many GIFTS and the ENERGY WILL COME BACK!!
Hits me around Jan, Feb, March up here in the PNW. We start after Labor Day so it's still the "high" of starting school. Meanwhile in the days mid winter it's go to work in the dark, hear the rain all day (look out my non existent window), and go home in the dark. Those days I just don't feel like teaching. It sucks and happens every single year.
Every year, during the depths of Wisconsin winter, I get the same feelings as well. I even start thinking (and sometimes doing) about updating my resume and looking for opportunities outside of education. My wife has gotten used to the cycle and does a good job of helping to bring me out of it.
I also think it helps to recognize it, and like you said, not think that there is some magical self-care that will alleviate what you are going through, but it is better to ride the tough times and understand the exhaustion and negative vibes won't last forever.
I saw the short vid on Instagram recently that went along the lines of, "when you have a bad day (or week), give up, go home and sleep. F it, try again tomorrow. Not every bad day can become a good day, some days are f'ed, and cannot be unf'ed, when you have a day that is f'ed beyond repair, that is the universe speaking to you, sending you a message, listen to the universe, go home and save your energy, tomorrow is another day. For now, just f'ing chill" Peace brother.
Yes! I saw that video… absolutely perfect!
I CAN RELATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have nothing else to give. I just show up with whatever I have.
The problem is, going home after work and having nothing left for my home/personal life!
I can’t repeat this next year.
It’s unhealthy for me and not fair to our students.
I'm right there with you. I have a fortune from a cookie I ate a couple of years ago...I'm looking at it a LOT this time of year. It says "Your best is good enough." It helps to know that I'm not alone. It helps to know that someone who helps so many people on a regular basis...that's you Heimler!.. also feels that way helps me a lot. Thanks for your candor and everything you do to make the study of history (and our society) better and more fun!
We'll get through this. Your best is good enough.
Cheers,
Solidarity brother!
Kelly Treleaven is the teacher that came up with DEVOLSON- the Dark, Evil Vortex of Late September, October and November, an acronym for the busiest and often the most difficult time of year. Thank you for your honesty! I'm running on fumes myself.
Thanks for being real. Much appreciation
I know you didn't put this out for compliments, but you are getting them and you deserve them. I have told my students that I have NO IDEA how you have the energy to do all that you do. But I, and my students ("I love Heimler") are glad that you do. I know there is no easy fix to what you and so many of us feel, but a partial fix is found in your video about how to get students to want to be in your class. It's about your purpose. Just like we have to remind our students of our purpose and get them to take it to their hearts and minds, we have to do the same for ourselves. I've been working on this for years- ever since reading Simon Sinek's Start with Why. Some of my colleagues and I will discuss our "Whys" from time to time to help each other. If we can remain driven by our Why, it can help put perhaps a little nourishment in that bucket. Won't fill it in a hurry, but it can help. You have been on a mission in pursuit of a just cause, and you've done great work in that pursuit. You will be right back at that great work very soon... and will be inspiring this 31-year teacher to continue to try to better himself for his students.
Absolutely relate - after 10+ years I experience this cycle every single year. Thanks for the reminder that this is normal and (nearly) universal.
I feel this in my bones. Keep on keeping on my history people :)
You're not alone!
Thank you for bringing the best you have every time…including now.
Hits home. ❤
I needed this so much! I've been feeling unmotivated (burnout for the lack of better words) and then me also blaming myself for being like that...anyhow thanks for keeping things real and always appreciate your vids:)
Yeah burnout is a real thing, and I've experienced that too-no fun. Sorry to hear you're dealing with that. But I'm glad you keep showing up to class-it's an astonishing accomplishment.
You are an inspiration to me and my kids. My kids love your videos and you bring a love of history with you to every video. You got this and APUSH at Dickinson High School is there for you!
"Some days you show up with what you have and not what you don't have"
Thanks Heimler. I feel overwhelmed. It helped me talk it out with the girlfriend and feeling like I'm not alone. We are all in this together as teachers. It's an upward battle it feels. Giving it all we got and still falling short. Wanting to be great for the kids and ending up draining ourselves. I understood the self-care example. I'm with ya!
Thanks for sharing and being honest. I'm not alone, and you aren't either.
I feel this. Ever since Covid, and even in the years leading up to it, my well has felt dry. I’ve had to learn how to have a better balance between all the different pieces of my life. It is super hard and something I still work on every day. Hang in there and know that your best is good enough.
Thank you so much for being real. I relate to this more than I could state. Take good care - we must be halfway through, right?
Right there with you and thank you for all you do. I appreciate you! We all need a Fall break, fog day, snow day, or whatever, just a day off!!!
My students love your videos. Can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, passion, and creativity. You make a big difference!!
Thank you for making this video. I feel that way every year around April & May. I push myself so hard for my AP students that by the time the AP test rolls around, I'm just done. This year it hit me doing after school review sessions and I was so exhausted but kept pushing. My student asked me who painted "The Swing" and I honestly replied, my brain is so fried... I have no clue. Luckily we get to coast in May! Take care bud.
Thank you for being vulnerable. You do shine all the time and its good to know you're human. Sending much love.
I -- I -- wow. This was real and raw and vulnerable and I'm gonna see myself out now so I can cry in my car. I have never felt so exhausted so early in the year, and I'm honestly also looking for other things that don't demand so much out of me, especially in my evenings and weekends, which is time that I need to sustain myself now that I'm almost in my second decade of teaching...
The past three years have been rough. I'm so grateful for my fellow workers who help me get from one quarter to the next, and to you for reminding us we aren't alone.
You have no idea how much that helped me. BECAUSE I felt similar, but was not able to identify it; I have a "so what" feeling, and the kids are asking me why I'm mad, or what is different. I did not realize this happens often, even in my 8th year of teaching AP World History. Thanks for sharing so I could put this in a better perspective. Now I'm thinking about those kids who began last year with no idea at all with what to do who are coming to me now and saying "thanks. - AP US History is a breeze because you taught me how to write." The end justifies the means, even when I feel mean. Thank you. RH
I’m just seeing this now and just wanted to throw out that I hear you. For anyone reading sometimes self care means doing less. Go fly fishing and then don’t do whatever you were supposed to. Honestly - not everything needs to get graded - or it can just get graded for completion. Do less everywhere and create more time for whatever you need to be happy.
I don’t want any of you to burn yourselves out or end up one of those teachers who dies 6 months after retirement.
Say no, work the rule, set boundaries, grade less.
Fly fish more.
Sounds like some wisdom to me...
I felt this Steve. Teaching can be such a joy, and also a struggle at times. It's a lot, and we give so much of ourselves, and sometimes we just need to take a break and reset. I hope you have one of those affirming moments soon where you realize just how fortunate your students are to have you, and for you to have your students. I know that my students and I appreciate you so much. Please take care of yourself. Peace, Sarah
Thanks for sharing. 26 years and I hope I can make it.
Thank you for making this video. I did not realize this was a normal teacher experience until now. I endured these feelings this time last year and now this year. I thought I was losing my mind. I'm now in my 4th year of teaching. I feel a little less alone knowing that even inspirational teachers like yourself experience this burden.
Thank you. Definitely feeling it right now, and appreciate that I am not the only one.
P.S. March is a killer, too...
I feel you brother...20 years teaching and I totally can relate to what you are sharing. I don't know if it gets any easier on the way down the mountain to the end of a career, which is where I am at right now; however, I can say without reservation that you keep this old man going and continue to inspire me to do what I can for my own kids. Keep on keepin' on!
Well, that's mighty kind of you to say. I think I'm coming to peace with the fact that as long as my schedule is ordered according to the school year, this will likely be a reality. I reckon making friends with it is as good as I can do...
Man, I’m with you. This is a great cathartic video! Im a history teacher taking on a new role leading my department - all while dealing with administration changing our entire LMS and testing software mid year. So much time spent doing STUFF and not enough doing fun teaching things. This stuff ain’t easy. Thanks for the video.
Holy crap! Me too! Dept chair (first time) new LMS (Canvas) serious admin curricular push (inquiry-based) and it's a WASC year. I actually teared up watching this. It was like unburdening to an old friend.
Maybe we, your viewers, can give something back to you given that you've given us so much. Burnout is real. It happens fast. I'm in year 22 and can't fathom putting in 8 more years until retirement. Add in the shortening daylight hours, the pandemic of smartphones in our schools, the fast paced AP curriculums, and everything else you mentioned, and we are indeed all dried up. I'm right there with you. But, don't forget your "why" for doing this work. Go back to it frequently. It can ground you back into purpose, even if only temporarily, which is why I do this weekly. It pulls me through...sometimes for an hour and sometimes for a few days. Maybe it'll help you, too.
100%. Thank you for doing what you do & your shirt is awesome!
Ha, thanks!
We all appreciate you!
I appreciate you right back!
You have a lot of company- you have done so much for students - and let us be honest, teachers- who are not even officially enrolled in your classes. It is always darkest before dawn, and the only constant is change❤🩹❤🩹❤🩹