Feeling Disenchanted with Teaching? You Aren’t Alone

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Show Notes:

Before getting into the teaching profession, we have a lot of dreams, images, and ideas about what it’s going to be like. Being a teacher is something we’ve always wanted and expect that it’s going to be a certain way. However, once we’re in the classroom and teaching every day, sometimes our ideas don't match the reality of our situation. 

When this occurs after a few months into the school year, it’s called the disillusionment phase. This comes from Ellen Moir’s idea that there are six phases that first year teachers go through, and the disillusionment phase is the third. Some characteristics of this phase include realizing things aren’t going the way you expected and questioning your confidence as a teacher and commitment to the profession. So if you’re feeling any of these things, know you’re not alone and I’m here to help.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into what the disillusionment phase means and then providing you with practical strategies that will help you get relief from that feeling. After characterizing the traits of this phase, we'll look at how to navigate the disillusionment phase successfully. I'll give you three strategies to help you physically and mentally by thinking positively and adjusting your expectations.

There’s no question that teaching is hard. But just because you’re having feelings of disenchantment doesn’t mean you should doubt yourself or are in the wrong profession. So if you’re currently in the disillusionment phase, I encourage you to start acknowledging and celebrating how far you’ve come since the school year and begin to focus on the positives until your next phase of teaching.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• What the disillusionment phase means and strategies to help give you some relief from it
• Where this idea comes from and a few characteristics of feeling disenchanted
• 3 strategies to help you navigate this phase successfully, which will help you both physically and mentally
• Why the struggle for teachers is the distance between reality and what was imagined and ways to adjust your expectations

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Out-of-Control, Chatty Class Rescue Bundle
• Phases of First-Year Teaching by Ellen Moir
• Sleep and Mental Health: Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School
• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• The Disillusionment Phase: How to Get Relief Now
• Feeling Disillusioned About Teaching? Here's Why
• The Phases of First-Year Teaching

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