I used to work as a teacher in a private school, but I recently had to tender my resignation due to stress, which was already affecting my health. As a phonics teacher in a not-so-big private school, one might assume that the workload would be relatively light, given the smaller class sizes and the fact that the total number of learners I had was just 48, spanning from Year 1 to Year 6. However, unforeseen circumstances and changes in school policies can quickly escalate stress levels, as I personally experienced.
Game time with my learners,image is mine.
I was deeply passionate about my job, and I am still passionate about teaching because I am happy impacting knowledge and shaping young minds. At some point, I found myself taking on additional responsibilities beyond my primary role as I was assigned to act as a class teacher due to a sudden relocation by the previous class teacher. Despite initially manageable workloads, I was still able to curb the stress involved with teaching. Whenever I feel overwhelmed and tiring, I take my learners out for outdoor activities on the playground so I can rest a little. Sometimes I divide the class into two groups (I have just 8 learners) to compete in a mathematics game, or I tell them to go over their daily class routines. Doing so helps me to relax and feel refreshed before I continue teaching.
Enjoying my bumper ride, image is mine
Usually, at the end of the day, I try to relax from the day's work by taking a shower and watching movies while I enjoy my meal. Sometimes, I play board games with my neighbours before retiring to bed. In times of heightened stress, I go to the park with friends on the weekends and during holidays. I am always eager to ride the large pendulum. I also get excited playing virtual reality games (VR games), driving bumper cars, and jumping on the trampoline—yes, I'm a huge baby—because these activities let me detach from the stress of my job.
Unfortunately for me, the situation changed for the worse when the school management introduced new policies. I was given additional tasks for my teaching job, particularly the responsibility of typing and printing test and exam questions for multiple subjects as a class teacher and a subject teacher. The fact that the school could not employ the services of a typist and printer disrupted my work life. I was given the task of printing instructional materials, tests, and exam questions for both primary and secondary levels.
The school management suddenly created a toxic work environment by imposing rules that were unfavourable, like teachers can only close from work at 4 p.m. instead of the normal 2:30 p.m. since the school closes by 2 p.m., staying beyond official school hours for unnecessary meetings, and the introduction of weekend and holiday trainings. Who trains teachers on policies? This new policy left me feeling overwhelmed and drained.
Despite my love for teaching, the excessive demands took a toll on my health, leading to fluctuations in my well-being. During peak periods, such as test and examination periods, the pressure intensified, requiring me to work overtime to prepare materials for multiple classes. Despite the sacrifices and extra effort invested, the management never appreciated me. As the workload became increasingly unbearable, I had to make the difficult decision to resign at the end of the term. This was triggered by the management's disregard for our well-being, which was evident in their insistence on unnecessary training and policies, especially during the holidays, which were supposed to be our time to rest and recuperate. I had to choose my health and well-being above all else.
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