Thread: Counseling for teachers - does it help?

Not for work, but it was in a counseling session that I was told I would make a terrible teacher and would hate every minute of it. HA!

You might get the Anxiety taken care of by quitting, but probably not the depression. Depression is not caused by one single thing. Though added stress can accentuate the feelings. Who knows, after counseling you might feel better about your job.

have any of you ever seen a psychologist for work-related stress?

Not me- the mention of the word psychology makes me go "Bah, humbug!" But a couple of thoughts- a lot of your stress seems to be as much internal as external- if you are putting too much pressure on yourself, its hard to bear that and the outer ones also. I've found being less demanding on myself sometimes helps.

I tihnk I saw you post somewhere that you really enjoyed teaching in the private school setting but that you needed the salary of this job. Please excuse me if I am mistaken.

I know the dilemma as I teach in a private school and have taught in the public system as well. It doesnt matter what you are doing, if you dont enjoy it, then no amount of money is worth it. Could you possibly make your way back to private education?

Best wishes, I know it has been a struggle for you.
~Tater

TaterTot- you're right about my background. Thanks for your thoughts. I am thinking seriously about what you've said... you may be right.

Even if I decide that I want to go back to teaching at a private school, however, I think I need to get through this year at the public school. I feel that if I quit mid-year, it will be very hard to get a good teaching position in the future in any school, public or private. So if I want to stay in education, it seems to me that I need to stay in this job at least for one more semester. The question is how I will keep from driving my husband insane with my sleepless nights, tear-filled Sundays and general grumpiness in the meantime!

Hey, I dont know what your deeper beliefs are, but this verse has proved very meaningful to me at different low points in my life.

Psalm 94:19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul.

Also this one:

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.



Personally, I think you should make it through this year. Learn what there is for you to learn, and you will be a better teacher and person for it.

Jumping ship mid year will only hurt you if you do it poorly. Spell it out for them. I am sure they will understand. That was how I got my first teaching job. The teacher who took over my classroom in September jumped ship three weeks after school started. We are wooing a teacher who wants to jump ship at the end of the semester. We want her here.

You might want to consider the following situations:

1-Things will be uncomfortable if you live in an area with a teacher shortage.

2-Have you discussed your on going problems with your admin? If not start. This way they don't think everything is fine and dandy and are surprised. If they know you are this unhappy they will most likely not hassell you over the resignation. They want someone who is comfortable in the classroom. if you are not then they will see it as best for the kids and you if you leave.

3-Have you started looking for other positions. Start applying and interviewing. Things will be easier and less stressful, if the light at the end of the tunnel is not the freight train called unemployment.

Sounds like you have made up your mind, and that should put you at ease, at least some.

I go to a counsellor who is also a school teacher. It is really helpful. This is my first year of teaching. Counselling is good to get a different perspective on things.

Originally Posted by Mark

We are wooing a teacher who wants to jump ship at the end of the semester. We want her here.

Just curious - did she tell the admin that she was thinking of leaving, or did you all just figure it out? I guess my question is - if I'm not sure if I'll quit but am thinking about it, should I tell them? Or will I just be setting myself up for trouble in the event that I don't quit?

2-Have you discussed your on going problems with your admin? If not start. This way they don't think everything is fine and dandy and are surprised. If they know you are this unhappy they will most likely not hassell you over the resignation. They want someone who is comfortable in the classroom. if you are not then they will see it as best for the kids and you if you leave.

I have tried. I went to see my AP and told her of the problems I'm having. She was sympathetic and mostly told me that reading is just one of those classes that is hard to motivate students with. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned to her that I'm having serious discipline problems in one class, but so far nothing has happened. On Monday I sent her an email reminding her of the problem I'm having with this group. We'll see what happens.

3-Have you started looking for other positions. Start applying and interviewing. Things will be easier and less stressful, if the light at the end of the tunnel is not the freight train called unemployment.

You're absolutely right. I wouldn't quit without having another job lined up. I plan to start looking for work seriously over the holidays, if I decide to leave.

Sounds like you have made up your mind, and that should put you at ease, at least some.

I have? What did I decide? :wink: Seriously, I don't know. I want to quit, but I also don't want to quit. I still think that if I quit I'll be done with teaching, and I'm not sure that's what I want. Argh. I don't know what I want.

Originally Posted by Xyphir

I go to a counsellor who is also a school teacher. It is really helpful. This is my first year of teaching. Counselling is good to get a different perspective on things.

Thanks, Xyphir. We'll see if I can figure out a way to do this. I'm not sure where I'll find the time or the money, but something has to change.