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I'm Struggling & Need a Break | Honest Teaching VLOG

Pocketful of Primary

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I’m going to be real and honest with you… this isn’t my usual positive and cheery vlog. The truth is I’m struggling. Between my team teacher being out on maternity leave, new subs coming in and out of her position, new data tracking requirements, and the final few weeks of my powerlifting meet prep, I just feel like I can’t get ahead and honestly feel exhausted. I’m trying to keep my positive pants on but I’m definitely feeling stressed and overwhelmed in this current season of teaching and life. I share all that and more in this vlog so you can get a better sense of how I’m feeling overall but I’ve decided to cut back on my vlogs for the next few weeks so I can try to catch my breath and prioritize taking care of myself.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:53 New updates and information since my last vlog
6:46 Conference tracker
11:33 How I’m currently feeling
15:47 Good things & glimmers
18:02 Updated science & math word walls
20:04 Social studies notebook stickers
20:50 What does this mean for my vlogs
25:12 Outro

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20 Comments

@trishf7529 1 year ago

I’ve been teaching for 25 years in New York, and I have two classes of 25 fifth graders each day. In all honesty, I think you might be doing too much. It’s perfectly okay and actually beneficial to simplify your lessons some days. My students consistently score at or above grade level on state exams, and part of that success comes from balance. There are days when I simply teach a short mini lesson and then let students work independently or in small groups. This student-centered approach not only gives them ownership of their learning, but it also gives you some breathing room. I also mentor new teachers, and one thing I always tell them is this: you can’t give 110% every single day. It’s not sustainable and the truth is, the kids will appreciate the more “chill” days, too.

@RideWithRee 1 year ago (edited)

“I feel like I’m doing everything I can and still not getting ahead “ @ 0:32. This statement, right here is the exact reason why I resigned from public school teaching seven years ago, and have not been back since! I still love children, I love learning, and I love teaching. But looking at this beautiful woman’s absolutely meticulous classroom with all its color coding and systems that are running , reminds me of why in my opinion, the school system and the expectations it has for teachers, needs a complete overhaul!

@MsApallo 1 year ago

EVERYONE I know in teaching is struggling, including me. This is so validating.

@aron.rrustemaj 1 year ago

The thing is Michelle, educators are so swamped all of the time. So please take the time you need. The amazing thing about your YouTube channel is that your classroom vlogs are already posted so we can binge watch them on repeat 🤭🤭. Maybe that’s just me but I’m convinced I’ve cycled through your classroom vlogs playlist about 3 times in the past year 🤣. I’m sure the rest of your subscribers will join me in sending you a “Pocketful of Hugs” 🫂

@chocojavachip 1 year ago

I think each teacher needs an assistant teacher in the class, all day long!

@Iteach1999 1 year ago

Michelle, it's okay to say NO. Please take care of yourself. At the end of the day, life will go on even if we don't get it all done.

@galfor54 1 year ago

Omg Michelle why are you at school at 5.30am!!! That’s absolutely crazy.

@katiedavies8999 1 year ago

We completely understand you need a break. Look after yourself and your teacher brain and we can’t wait to see you when you feel better!

@Solsoilandsmiles 1 year ago (edited)

Girl. This is a lot. It's okay to say no to being the lead on everything. You are such an inspiration, but it's okay to not do it all. You'll still be amazing. You're doing a great job.

@sum8572 1 year ago

With 36 years teaching experience I always tried to support younger teachers by saying “you can’t do it all, take something off your plate, take care of yourself.” I also recommend your channel 😊 Thank you for sharing this side of teaching.

@barbmclaughlin638 1 year ago

I’ve been a follower forever. Teaching for 32 years. This is so normal. I love that you realize you’re overwhelmed, admit it, and then do something about it. As teachers we are pulled in so many directions, and stretched so thin. Unfortunately this is part of the job nowadays. Just know that these feelings will pass and you’ll feel on top of your game again. I also love fitness, but don’t compete. I know how all-consuming that is. Good luck!!!! One more thing, I’m also very Type-A, perfectionist, things have to be “just so.” It’s taken a long time but I’ve learned that some things I just have to let go. For my own sanity and mental health. Appreciate all you do so thank you! Oh and I just remembered! I’m usually too busy to watch both vlogs each week so one is fine! We love you! ❤😊

@KaylaDiane23 1 year ago

I’m struggling too. I had to take 2 mental health days Monday and Tuesday this week. I moved to 4th grade from 2nd this year and the attitudes, sneaky behavior and meanness is SO MUCH more prevalent. And so much of this behavior is happening outside my classroom, but the drama from it comes back into my classroom during their transition into the class (specials, lunch, recess, etc.). That’s making it so much harder for me because it is pretty much out of my hands at that point and it shouldn’t be my job to contact parents for that or log those entries in PS, it should be on the adult with them at the time. Add on to that the low scores and how we are teaching things and it seems like they get it whole group or when working on things like IXL or whatever and then you give them a wkst or an exit ticket/end of unit test and they are FAILING in drones. It is soooo disheartening.

@Erin_C1010 1 year ago

Struggling here too! Teaching full time, working latchkey before and after school, and currently touring assisted living facilities for my dad who has dementia and lives 3 hours away (trying to move him close to me) Not to mention being a wife and mom and trying to eat healthy and exercise. It’s a LOT. Please do whatever you can for your mental health, for me it’s reading, exercising, and quality time with my family.

@juanaf298 1 year ago

Thank you so much Michelle for always being so genuine and vulnerable with us. I’m so sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed. I pray that your team teacher gets back from maternity leave soon. It seems that you’re having to do the job of two teachers because the expectation is that you fully support the temporary sub. It’s not only unfair but, unrealistic and is definitely adding to your stress. Please do take care of yourself. Looking forward to seeing you whenever you’re ready. Good luck in your competition!

@coreenjohnston1827 1 year ago

Michelle, remember, you are a human being, not a “human doing.” 💕 While I enjoy watching your vlogs, as a seasoned teacher, I am hoping you are careful to take the time to ask yourself, “Is what I am doing sustainable?” It’s okay to step back for a bit or for as much as you want, as life is so much more than checking off the to-do list.
Make no apologies. I think most of us would be overwhelmed if we were even faced with making one Vlog and posting it, let alone one a week!

@widalysgonzalez1770 1 year ago

Michelle, please take a break and take care of you! As a teacher myself and going through a lot this year, I understand perfectly. Taking that step back is about conserving yourself and keeping yourself sane and healthy. Vlog when you can and if you are willing, if not, we will be here waiting for you.😊 Also, delegate some of those tasks that you are doing in school. It is also okay to say NO to people trying to overload you with their responsibilities. I guess during this break also teach yourself to say NO to people. That is part of taking care of self. I pray for blessings over your life and for peace of mind, soul and body. ¡Un abrazo fuerte! Breath dear, you got this!❤

@katiewarriner9070 1 year ago

Hi, I'm a high school teacher from Toronto. The overwhelm is very real, but my advice is look at the tasks you've designated as "have tos" and consider if they really are. For my conferences for example, a sign up sheet is sent out and then I email any parents I want to meet with who didn't sign up...and that's it. I try to ask myself "what does my job actually require?" and "what is the most I want to do more than that?" A lot of the things I sometimes think are "have tos" are actually just things I've convinced myself are essential, when they're not. I understand wanting to do the extras (stickers, fun activities, etc), but if I burn myself out, I will be a worse, less present teacher who will probably quit one day.

@johnc3teacher 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you. People need to hear the truth. Especially the ones who are not in the daily grind. P.D. takes time away from what we really need to do.

@sararf1021 1 year ago

My teacher friend told me, “You don’t have to do all the things." Over the years, I have realized as a wife, mom and teacher (16 years), you cannot give what you don’t have. I experienced burnout spring of 2024….quit my job going into the 2024-2025 school year to take me and stay home with my little one. It was the BEST decision ever! I taught full time for 15 years straight. I am back on the classroom this year, and doing much better! Take care of yourself and take the time you need!