Sunday, February 9, 2025

Elementary vs. High School Teaching: Which Grade Level is Right for You?

Should You Teach Elementary or High School? A Guide for Future Teachers

Choosing between teaching younger students or older students is a big decision that can shape your entire teaching career. Whether you’re an education major, a career switcher, or just starting your journey into teaching, understanding the pros and cons of each grade level is crucial.

As a longtime teacher, coach, and Army officer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between elementary and high school teaching—helping you determine which path might be the best fit for you.

The Pros and Cons of Teaching Elementary Students

The Rewards of Teaching Younger Grades

One of the greatest joys of teaching elementary school is being part of a child’s foundational learning
experience. Younger students are learning the basics—reading, writing, and math—and their growth can be truly inspiring.

I remember back in high school when I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a first-grade classroom. At the beginning of the semester, some students didn’t even recognize their names or letters. By the end of six weeks, they were reading and writing—a transformation that completely solidified my passion for teaching younger students.

Challenges of Teaching Elementary School

With great growth comes high energy! Younger students are full of excitement, but that also means they require a lot of classroom management.

When I was a STEM teacher for K-5, I loved seeing their enthusiasm for science and technology, but keeping up with their energy was exhausting. After a full day, I would come home overstimulated, needing a “stimulation detox”—no music, no lights, just quiet time. If you love an active classroom environment, this might be a great fit. But if you prefer a more independent student dynamic, you may want to consider teaching older grades.

The Pros and Cons of Teaching High School Students

Why Teaching High School Can Be Rewarding

One of the best things about teaching older students is the ability to dive deep into complex topics. Unlike elementary students, high schoolers are capable of critical thinking, analysis, and discussion. If you love deep conversations and exploring big ideas, teaching high school might be your calling.

Another huge benefit is student independence. Unlike younger students, high schoolers can work independently on projects, study in small groups, and take ownership of their learning.

Challenges of Teaching High School

However, with independence comes new classroom management challenges. You’ll deal with attitude, defiance, and disengagement in ways that elementary teachers don’t. Instead of wiping noses and tying shoes, you’ll be confiscating phones, addressing vaping issues, and motivating students who are juggling jobs, sports, and extracurriculars.

The behavior challenges may be different, but they are still present at every grade level.

How to Choose the Right Grade Level for You

If you’re still on the fence about whether you should teach younger or older students, here are a few key questions to ask yourself:

1. What’s Your Teaching Personality?

If you’re patient, nurturing, and love hands-on learning, elementary might be a better fit.
If you prefer critical discussions, deep subject matter, and independent learners, high school could be a great choice.

2. What Subjects Do You Love?

If you enjoy teaching a variety of subjects (math, reading, history, science), elementary might be ideal.
If you’re passionate about one subject area, high school allows you to specialize in that subject full-time.

3. What Are Your Career Goals?

If you want to become a principal or administrator, teaching experience in either grade level can help—but some leadership positions are more common in certain grade bands.
If you enjoy working with a variety of students across different schools, consider working with your Intermediate School District (ISD) instead of a traditional classroom setting.

Final Thoughts: You Can Always Switch!

Here’s the good news: Your decision is not permanent.

Many teachers start in one grade level and transition to another. I’ve had colleagues who spent years in elementary and then moved to middle school or high school—and vice versa.

If you end up teaching a grade that isn’t the right fit, you can always change. The most important thing is to start somewhere and gain experience.

What Do You Think?

If you’re an education major, new teacher, or career changer, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below:

Which grade level do you think you’d enjoy the most?
If you’ve switched between elementary and high school, what was your experience like?

👨‍🏫 About John VanDusen:

John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves.

This podcast is here to give teachers fast, practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.

See more at www.johnvandusen.com

Engage on X: https://x.com/classcoffeebrk

Email: classroomcoffeebreak@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lgzDkcMo0e99wLRcRCpLZ?si=mYt2kuf8T0-P5UGW6jb8nA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLem94-SAKHMOb7mrV_ZM8154crZDAbYDe&si=ZqYZNlM5f4EqX_95

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Why Every Teacher Needs a Schedule: Tips for Burnout Prevention and Efficiency

As teachers, we juggle countless responsibilities every day. From lesson planning and grading to attending meetings and providing one-on-one support for students, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a schedule is not just a good idea—it’s essential. In this post, I’ll share why a schedule is crucial, how to create one, and some practical tips to make it work for you.

The Importance of a Schedule

1. Burnout Prevention Burnout is a real issue in our profession. A well-structured schedule helps reduce stress by giving you a plan to follow. It’s easier to adjust and accomplish more throughout the day when you have a framework in place rather than operating on the fly. A schedule also helps maintain work-life balance, ensuring you allocate time for personal activities alongside professional responsibilities.

2. Increased Efficiency Scheduling helps tackle procrastination and ensures that even the less enjoyable tasks get done. Seeing these tasks on your calendar allows you to mentally prepare and approach them with focus.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Routine

Before building a schedule, take stock of how you currently spend your time. This can be as simple as keeping a notecard on your desk to jot down daily activities or using digital tools like Google Calendar or Apple’s iCalendar. If your days vary, track multiple days to identify patterns and inconsistencies.

Step 2: Identify Your Priorities

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance:

High Urgency, High Importance: Must be done immediately.
High Urgency, Low Importance: Delegate these tasks.
Low Urgency, High Importance: Schedule these tasks proactively.
Low Urgency, Low Importance: Eliminate these tasks.

For a downloadable Eisenhower Matrix template, visit my website at johnvandusen.com.

Step 3: Embrace Time Blocking

Time blocking involves reserving specific periods for focused work. For example, block 30 minutes for grading, 20 minutes for email replies, and an hour for lesson planning. Tools like Google Calendar make this easy, allowing you to share your schedule with colleagues or family. Don’t forget to include self-care activities like workouts or hobby time.

Step 4: Batch Similar Tasks

Group-related tasks to streamline your workflow. Instead of switching between emails, lesson planning, and making copies, dedicate blocks of time to each. For instance, reply to emails for 10 minutes, then plan lessons for 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes at the copier. This reduces distractions and saves time.

Overcoming Common Challenges

1. Interruptions While some interruptions are necessary, others can be minimized. Close your door, turn off notifications, and create an environment conducive to focused work.

2. Overcommitment Avoid taking on too much by revisiting your priorities. Incorporate “slush time”—buffer periods between tasks—to handle unexpected delays or enjoy a quick break.

3. Procrastination Start small to overcome procrastination. For example, if you need to grade essays, begin by simply taking them out of the bin and setting them on your desk. Break tasks into tiny steps to
gain momentum.

Start Small and Adjust

Begin by scheduling just one part of your day, such as your morning routine. Test different tools and methods, and adjust as needed. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but consistent improvement.

Share and Learn

I’d love to hear your strategies for effective scheduling. What works for you? How do you stay efficient and balanced? Share your tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and grow together as educators.

Thanks for stopping by Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen. Until next time, stay organized and inspired!

www.johnvandusen.com

Podcast: "Classroom Coffee Break" on You Tube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLem94-SAKHMOb7mrV_ZM8154crZDAbYDe&si=7CNxcrA2bjieouGi

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lgzDkcMo0e99wLRcRCpLZ?si=3aa975074057471c

Blog post is written with the assistance of AI using the video transcript from my Podcast: "Classroom Coffee Break- Episode 7- Teacher Scheduling Tips: Prevent Burnout, Boost Efficiency, & Improve Work-Life Balance" https://youtu.be/_Op0ZsGc0JU?si=2l17VNk3SyRRfqT2

Saturday, December 14, 2024

How to Prevent Teacher Burnout: Practical Strategies for Educators

How to Prevent Teacher Burnout: Practical Strategies for Educators

Teacher burnout is a real challenge—and it can hit at both the micro and macro levels. Whether it's been a rough couple of days or you've been in the classroom for years and are simply feeling “done,” the exhaustion that comes from lesson planning, grading, and managing everything else can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever found yourself running on empty, let me assure you—you are not alone. Fortunately, there are strategies you can implement to help prevent teacher burnout and reclaim your energy and passion for teaching.

What is Teacher Burnout?

Teacher burnout happens when you find yourself mentally, emotionally, or physically exhausted from the high demands of teaching. Some common signs include:

Feeling drained or waking up tired
Dreading going to work
A loss of enthusiasm and creativity
Experiencing fatigue, frequent illness, or even a lack of interest in hobbies and personal activities

Burnout can occur when you feel a constant pressure to meet the demands of your classroom—balancing lesson planning, grading papers, and addressing the unique needs of each student. It can also stem from a lack of support at home or in your professional environment or difficulties maintaining work-life balance.

If you can relate to any of these feelings, don't worry. There are practical steps you can take to manage burnout and prioritize self-care.

Strategies to Prevent Teacher Burnout

Here are four essential strategies to help you build balance, reclaim energy, and reconnect with the joy of teaching:

1. Set Boundaries

Boundaries are vital for maintaining balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life. Even though you might have your school emails on your phone, you don't need to respond to them immediately. Consider turning off notifications to create mental space and protect your time at home.

Here are a few ways to establish boundaries:

Turn off email notifications: Avoid the temptation to check emails as soon as they come in. You
can check your inbox periodically if necessary but allow yourself mental space by managing when you engage with emails.
Keep work at work: Grading papers or lesson planning at home can quickly blur the lines between work and personal life. Try to finish as much work as you can at school—during prep time, lunch, or before/after school—so you can leave work at school instead of bringing it into your home life.

2. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

Sleep and nutrition are foundational to mental health and overall well-being. While it can be tempting to stay up late binge-watching shows or scrolling on social media, prioritizing rest is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health.

Here’s how you can focus on improving sleep and nutrition:

Get adequate sleep: While it may seem simple, consistent and quality sleep can improve your mood, decision-making, and ability to manage stress.
Eat clean, nutritious food: Avoid fast food and processed snacks. Consider meal prepping on weekends or subscribing to healthy food delivery services like Green Chef or Purple Carrot to save time and ensure healthy meals are always available.
Stay hydrated: Teachers often struggle with this, as balancing water intake with bathroom breaks can feel tricky. But drinking water regularly—starting your day with a big glass, having water at lunch, and replacing soda with water—can greatly improve energy levels.

Small choices like these can lead to big changes in how you feel during your workday.

3. Build a Support Network

A strong support network can act as both a buffer during tough times and a source of encouragement. Whether it's colleagues, friends, or family members, having people you can vent to, celebrate with, or rely on makes a huge difference.

Here’s how to nurture your support network:

Connect with colleagues: Having a trusted group of fellow educators can help you share challenges, successes, and advice. Whether it’s through a group text, lunch, or social events, being able to lean on peers is invaluable.
Create external connections: Don’t rely solely on work friendships. Join a club, attend a class, or find a hobby group to connect with people outside of your daily school life.

Support is essential for maintaining balance and emotional well-being.

4. Make Time for Hobbies

Hobbies aren’t just about fun—they’re vital to mental health and stress relief. They give you a space to engage in something you enjoy without having to make constant decisions, which can be mentally exhausting.

Here are some tips to make time for hobbies:

Schedule them like a work meeting: Just as you would block off time for an IEP meeting or professional development session, block time for your hobbies. Treat this time as non-negotiable.
Engage in low-pressure activities: Choose hobbies that bring joy, relaxation, and creativity—whether that's hiking, reading, gardening, or painting. The goal is to unwind and recharge.

When you prioritize hobbies, you're allowing yourself the mental space to return to your students with renewed energy and creativity.

How to Sustain These Strategies

Implementing changes is easy at first, but maintaining them over time can be challenging. Here are a few ways to ensure you don’t lose sight of your self-care goals:

1. Accountability Matters

Find someone to support you on your journey. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a family member, having someone to check in with can boost your motivation. For instance, you could send a simple daily text, like “I did my devotional today. Did you?”

2. Block Time on Your Calendar

Scheduling self-care just like you schedule professional commitments is key. Put boundaries, sleep routines, and hobbies on your calendar to ensure they’re not pushed aside by other demands.

3. Audit Your Time

Take a day to track how you spend your time. Look for patterns of procrastination, distractions (like excessive social media), or time that could be better used for rest and personal activities.

Debunking Common Teacher Burnout Myths

Let’s address a few misconceptions that can lead educators down the wrong path:

Myth #1: “If I work harder, I’ll feel better about myself.”

Truth: Rest and recovery are proven to increase productivity—not endless hustle. Think of the analogy
of two lumberjacks. One spends time to sharpen his axe and takes breaks, while the other works non-stop. The first cuts more wood over time because rest allows for efficiency.

Myth #2: “Self-care is selfish.”

Truth: Nothing could be further from the truth. Teaching is a profession of giving—giving time, energy, and resources to your students. If you’re constantly depleting your energy without replenishing it, you’ll eventually have nothing left to give. Prioritizing self-care allows you to continue showing up for your students.

Final Thoughts

Teaching is a noble profession, but it can take a significant emotional toll if you’re not prioritizing your mental health and well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, building a support network, and making time for hobbies, you can build habits that prevent burnout and help you maintain balance.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can continue to inspire and educate your students.

If you found these tips helpful, check below for more resources and videos on managing teacher burnout. Thank you for stopping by for your “classroom coffee break.” You’ve got this. ☕✨