Do you have back to school anxiety about teaching during a pandemic? Here in our district we are doing a hybrid model which means we will be face to face with one cohort of students Monday and Tuesday and face to face with the other cohort Thursday and Friday.

It has us anxious for many reasons:
1. Will there be proper PPE for students?
2. Will there be proper PPE for staff?
3. How will rooms be cleaned and who will be responsible?
4. How will students move or will teachers rotate classrooms?
5. What will lunch look like?

And these are just a few of the many questions that we have yet to find the answers for. 

There is already enough anxiety as a teacher getting ready for the school year, and now we are faced going back to school during a pandemic.

So we have tried to come up with some tips, strategies and resources for you to help with your justified anxiety.

Tips and Strategies

1. Unplug from Social Media
I am sure you have already seen comments and posts by the general public and angry parents about those “lazy teachers.” You don’t need that. Put your phone, tablet, or laptop away. It will make a world of difference.

2. Do something for yourself
This could be binge watching your favorite show. You could have your favorite beverage or get your favorite carry out. It could be as simple as taking a walk too. You just need to schedule some time every day just for you. No, that is not being selfish. It is being realistic!

3. Connect with your colleagues
You are all going through the same thing right now. It will be so important to re-establish those teaching relationships heading into the school year. Human interaction is so important and we know we have missed being in touch with our teacher friends this summer.

4. Make sure to be on your custodian’s good side
This is a no brainer. But it is more important this year than any other year. Your custodian is probably stressed out trying to figure out how everything will work. Empathize with him/her. Show that you care. Heck, maybe even get a small gift card to show your appreciation. It will go a long way in these uncertain times. You might find an extra bottle of hand sanitizer or a willingness to help you out first. It is worth a shot.

5. Be there for your students
If you are like us, you miss seeing your students. This is what is keeping us going right now knowing that our students cannot wait to see their teachers and friends. That human social interaction is so important. Focus on the positives and the relationships you will form with them. Be a light in the darkness for them.

Resources

We also would like to share some resources that may help put a bounce back in your step this school year.

1. Teacher Morale Quotes Growing Bundle
We have included three sets of 30 inspirational quotes that will help keep you motivated these first three months of school. These are great to print off and look at daily on your teacher desk, or even to display in the classroom or online for students to see. We have them deeply discounted when you buy the bundle. 

2. Would You Rather Teacher Edition Cards
If you want to boost morale either in the building or online, try out these funny “Would You Rather” Teacher edition cards. These fun predicaments will have your colleagues laughing or showing signs of disgust, but more importantly, will provide your group with that much needed time to be together without data to look at or articles to read. find them here. 

3. Teacher Gift Tags
Who couldn’t use a back to school gift from a colleague? We have some teacher gift tags that would be perfect for any employee at school. Your colleagues will love these inspirational cards with treats attached. It is a sure way to boost morale in your building!

Thank you for all that you do for your students. You are appreciated!!