Counselor’s Corner - October 3, 2022

Dear Teachers,

While touring a pioneer school this past week over fall break, I was struck with something profound.  It wasn't the stark contrast between primitive slates and today's virtual learning.  Nor was it the rough-hewn benches compared to today's cushy flexible seating.  It wasn't even the wood-burning stove fed bundles by students compared to our "Classroom Chores" chart of line-leaders and paper-passers.  No, it was the Rules for Teachers sign that served as an employee handbook that stood out most:

And although I don't worry so much about you "loitering in ice cream parlors" or "dyeing your hair," I DO worry about how often you have to run your out-of-town personal trip past your school board chairman, or gotten criticized about your dress by a church member.  Despite the 1901 standards of teaching, I know that some of your are NOT "home between the hours of 8PM and 6AM" and are instead burning the midnight oil in the classroom or at home on your laptops.  In short, I worry about your self-care and wellness.  

So this week, take a pass on "keeping the schoolroom neat and clean" and instead evaluate and practice self-care to make your wellbeing the new rule.

With strict non-adherence to the Green County School Board,

Mindy Salyers
SDA School Counselor