The path to becoming a trainee teacher is exciting as you are starting your career. But it can also be challenging. Not only are you learning how to manage a classroom and prepare lesson plans, but you are also adjusting to a professional environment.
Being a teacher myself, I can say that many trainee teachers quickly realize that balancing work responsibilities along with personal life is not as easy as it sounds.
And if you are currently in a teacher training program or PGCE, you might already feel the burden.
There is good news.
To have a healthy balance between work and life, you just need the mindset along with simple tips.
Let us have a look at them.
1. Understand That Balance Is Essential & Not a Luxury
When I first started training, I believed that you had to sacrifice your personal life to succeed. And that is what other teachers think too. You should be dedicated but not so much that it ruins your social life.
This balance is not about only doing work. It is about managing your time in a wise manner. This way you can give your best both in class and in personal life.
2. Plan Your Week in Advance
Planning your week ahead is a magic trick that can make your life easier. Every Sunday, set aside the time to organise your lesson planning hours. Write down a schedule about how you will balance school responsibilities and essential deadlines.
Get a planner to keep track of things. Also, break the tasks down. This will help you manage everything.
3. Set Boundaries
Sometimes you let your work take over your evenings and weekends as a trainee teacher. However, setting boundaries is important. It is easy to let your work take up all the time being a trainee teacher. That is why you need to set the proper boundaries. For this you can decide a fixed time when you will stop working.
4. Learn to Prioritize
You do not need to make every task picture perfect. Or not everything has to be done on the spot. Never let perfectionism consume you. Instead ask yourself is this task urgent? Or is it essential?
Focus on what truly matters such as the lesson preparation and assignment deadlines. Make the changes to small details over time when you feel like it.This is your earning phase so it is okay to make mistakes.
5. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Managing the academic tasks and classroom challenges? It is tough if you are tired. So do not neglect your phsyical health. You should get good sleep, eat balanced food and stay hydrated.
Are you an exercise person? go for it. You should do something that can lear your mind and improve your mood.
6. Manage Academic Pressure Smartly
You have to do different essays, research papers and assignments as a trainee teacher as they test your skills. And it can be hard to manage all of this along with teaching practice.
What you can do is start early with assignments so that you are not stuck at the end moment. And if you ever struggle, consider seeking help from the tutors. Many trainee teachers even hire the PGCE assignment Help to understand their requirements better. You can do too. Just make sure they are not the hurdle in your learning.
7. Build a Support System
Many trainee teachers go through the same challenges. That means you are not alone in this journey. I would suggest that you talk to your fellow trainers and friends about your experiences. Share your struggles. This can help reduce stress and help find practical solutions.
8. Accept That Some Days Will Be Hard
Not everyday is going to be the same. Some weeks there will be more pressure than the others. So instead of feeling guilty when you become busy do not blame yourself. It is about balance rather than perfection. Having demanding days is okay. Just be consistent.
Final Thoughts
That is a wrap. Plan smart to have a proper work and life balance. Also be real with your expectations. And never compromise on your happiness to be successful in your field. Organize your time properly, set boundaries and get consistent. This will help you succeed. And never strive for perfection as it can ruin your plans. You can even get help when you feel like things are not going how you want them to go. Remember becoming a teacher is a great journey. Be consistent and see how you succeed.
All the best.
