The Days of Reflection
Day 14 – Sleep
As a teacher I am no stranger to being unable to sleep the night before Ofsted or a lesson observation. Some nights I’ve worked past midnight to get my marking or prep work done.
All this followed by waking up at 4 or 5 to worry about how I’m going to get everything done that day. I’d get up early to ensure I’m in work with at least an hours prep time before the first bell rings.
After very little sleep I will do my best to deliver my lessons and provide a quality education for my students.
After all this I’m still bombarded with comments such as “well you get 13 weeks holiday a year” or “you get to finish at 3 every day”. I can tell you now… My job is never done.
However, is this behaviour the best for my students? I think not. I have found that I perform best when I am well rested. I am sharper in the classroom improving the quality of my teaching and less snappy which makes behaviour management easier. By working less and getting some rest I am actually able to give more.
There is of course a balance and I’m by no means advocating doing no work after the last bell rings; but it is important to get some rest and get some sleep. So to my fellow teachers, who ate exhausted… please, have an early night; you owe it to your students (and yourself of course). Be a better you tomorrow.
Do you agree? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading