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Post: Teacher's lounge as therapy
Posted by barbtrip on 3/30/08
Teachers' lounges can be a hot topic. I can remember
college professors advise against the negativity and
warned against going into the lounge. All schools are
distinctive, with personalities that reflect the staff.
Many lounges can be toxic. But, not forming a support
group can be very alienating and isolating.
In one building in my district, I avoided it like the
plague. But, I have also had my most memorable
conversations, laughs, insights and learning experiences
in my teachers' lounge. I work in a very small district
where many of the staff are friends or acquaintances
outside of school, attending social functions together,
etc.
I treat our lounge as therapy. And....it's much cheaper
than $150. an hour at a shrink. Sometimes, you need
somewhere to vent. Scream, shout, rail at injustices and
frustrations. However, the reason a great lounge works is
that everyone lives by the unwritten mantra that whatever
happens in the lounge, stays in the lounge.
I might scream and holler about an unruly child in the
lounge, but always, always, walk out the door affording
the child a clean slate and new day. All of our staff is
caring, kind, and goes well beyond the extra mile for our
kids. That does not mean that we don't get angry or
frustrated with kids or the politics of the system.
That brings up a concern of mine. Many times, non-
teaching support staff/ parents end up in our lounge.
That's when the venting STOPS. It's like any job. You
don't understand until...yada, yada...
Our lounge is a fun place to be. I wouldn't miss a lunch
for the world. We play practical jokes, celebrate
birthdays, babies, and support one another in a very
stressful profession. Teaching is isolating enough.
Sharing can solve problems, get insight into a child's
problems.
We bitch, moan and complain, and yet, would give anything
for our kids.
Posts on this thread, including this one
I never had much time to spend in the teachers lounge, 3/05/08, by Jen H. But the article makes a good case for going there.
Great perspective, 3/07/08, by Addie/mo.
A Breath of Fresh Air, 3/13/08, by Yolonda.
teachers lounge, 3/21/08, by new teacher.
Why I work through lunch, 3/25/08, by hmmm.
One of the single most frustrating things a principal did, 3/25/08, by Donna music/TN.
Not every campus has relatable teachers, 3/25/08, by Broom Rider.
Re: That is a positive perspective, but new teachers should, 3/25/08, by Helen/HS/La..
Teachers Lounge - To go or Not to Go?, 3/27/08, by Ked.
Lounge, 3/28/08, by Emilio.
Teacher's lounge as therapy, 3/30/08, by barbtrip.
teachers lounge, 4/05/08, by Tracy.
If you had the power to make a difference, 4/06/08, by Kathy.
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