Dr. Melissa Read

Liset, So true. Multiple choice is quick to grade and we can use the scantron to do it. I like to mix these formats with short answer and essay formats to deeply test knowledge while speeding the grading process. Dr. Melissa Read

Bethanne, All great points. It's interesting to hear your thinking around the stress that you cause yourself. Some of us have a tendancy to get really worked up about things. Sometimes - to your point - this has to do with lack of organization on our part. Other times we build things up in our minds. It's important to take a step back and try to put things into perspective when we feel stress rising, if for no other reason than to be better role models for our students. Dr. Melissa Read

Leigh, That sounds like a tough challenge. When you have to play two roles in the same environment, it can be hard to switch between them. It sounds like you are also not satisfied with your compensation for teaching. You might approach your administration respectfully with these concerns. It can be good to be open and honest about our expectations. Dr. Melissa Read

Benjamin, Walking is an amazing outlet. It can help us physically deal will stress and can also help us clear our minds. This is especially true when we can find a way to leave technology that connects us with work responsibilities, like cell phones, behind. This is easier said than done of course. Dr. Melissa Read

James, You raise an important point. Coping mechanisms are great when used in moderation. When overdone, they can introduce new sources of stress into our lives. It's important to find good balance. Dr. Melissa Read

David, Sounds like a nice approach moving forward. Yes, assessing consequences of not performing tasks is often a great way of figuring out priorities. This process helps gives us the clarity we need to decide what to focus on first. Dr. Melissa Read

Faith, So true. I often tell my students that it's not the stress we face in life but how we choose to manage through it. Dr. Melissa Read

Jonathan, This sounds like a highly organized and regimented approach. It also sounds like it could work well. Once challenge you might face is the time that you'd need to invest in order to make it happen. You might consider being a little less regimented in order to get over any obstacles relating to the time commitment. Dr. Melissa Read

Bethanne, Thanks for sharing your story. Yes, it sounds like you have come a long way. Too bad you didn't come to know these things about yourself before but it sure is nice to hear you know them now. Now it's time to help others. Take a look around and see if there is anyone around you who was once like you. Reach out to them and offer support where it makes sense and where you think people will be receptive. Dr. Melissa Read

Mitchell, Administrative tasks can be tough for teachers. Often times, we didn't get into this profession because we wanted a bunch of paperwork. Instead, we are often inspired by shaping young minds and giving people great direction. So it can take the wind out of our sails when we are tasked with fulfilling requirements that don't relate directly to that passion. Dr. Melissa Read