Teacher Strike Preparation Tips - What to Expect, Pack, and Plan For
The weekend earlier I went on strike with my fellow Los Angeles teachers, I scoured the internet, looking for tips. Oddly enough, I found a plethora of manufactures geared towards parents about teacher strike preparation, merely none for educators themselves.
Sure, our staff prepared signs, set up a group chat on WhatsApp, and fabricated arrangements for a couple of bathroom and parking options, but what else could be expected? The last strike in our commune was thirty years prior, and nosotros didn't take a signal of reference. As educators in Denver, Oakland and Virginia prepare for a piece of work stoppage, here are a few insights I gleamed from the experience.
Emotional roller coasters are normal.
Waking up the morning of Mean solar day One, a strange feeling churned in the pit of my stomach. Not only was I nervous, I was also scared. Since I had voted yeah for the strike and thought it necessary, I couldn't account for the fearfulness. Yet underneath my resolve, I felt afraid. As the days progressed, I experienced a rainbow of emotion: burnout, joy, sadness, pride. Virtually colleagues shared the same feelings at some indicate during the experience.
There'south a lot of truth in the Norwegian adage "There is no bad weather, simply bad clothing."
Anticipate the atmospheric condition and apparel accordingly, paying special attention to the feet. Typically sunny Los Angeles had intense rainfall the first iv days of our strike. Apparently, I needed my footwear to not just be comfortable, simply to also proceed my anxiety dry out. Rain boots, gloves, chapeau, rain poncho and sturdy umbrella helped me survive the atmospheric condition. Plan for the forecasted weather ahead of time. After a twenty-four hours on the picket line, the terminal thing you desire to do is to get shopping.
Limit liquids if restroom access is an issue.
Even though I needed my morning coffee and to proceed hydrated, I learned to be strategic in the timing of my consumption. Speaking of bathrooms…don't exist afraid to ask small businesses or random places. The Bureau of Street Lighting is around the cake from our school. In a pinch, we asked to use their restroom, and they gladly opened their doors to u.s.a..
"A strike 24-hour interval is a work mean solar day," it has been said.
All the same, by quitting time, the day proved to be more emotionally and physically draining than a day in the classroom. Between the rallies and the picket line, tens of thousands of steps were taken. Accept fourth dimension to become actress sleep and rest, and programme nutritious meals and snacks. In the late afternoons and evenings, surround yourself with loved ones and indulge in your favorite pastimes.
The chants will replay in your head once y'all go home.
You're not going crazy. This happened to virtually everyone I spoke to, and you lot simply have to get with it.
Attempt not to stress well-nigh your hereafter diminished paycheck.
Even though I had managed to sock away some money, I plant myself worrying about worst-case scenarios. I learned to accept faith. In the finish, our strike lasted seven working days, not every bit long equally some had predicted. To help ease the financial stress, our spousal relationship negotiated an arrangement with the commune to spread out the deficit.
People will have their opinions, and not everyone will be on your side.
"If you lot care and so much about the kids, why aren't yous in the classroom?" A colleague was questioned at a grocery shop by a stranger. Even family members may take a differing view. It's of import to clarify your position to yourself, and own it. If someone asks, y'all'll be ready to calmly stand your basis. Some people oppose work stoppages, but at the same fourth dimension, supporters are out there and will make themselves known. Over the course of our strike, I was overwhelmed by the generosity shown past family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Random people from the customs stopped past and gave us coffee, donuts, granola bars, and encouragement.
Focus your free energy on the greater skilful.
From Solar day I, our staff agreed that our strike went beyond the paycheck. We were standing up for all of our students. We were advocating for the demand for smaller class sizes, more nurses, counselors, and other resources our kids (nearly of which are Title 1) desperately need. Someone, somewhere will cross the picket line. Instead of spewing anger at the subs or commune personnel, we agreed to strike with dear. We spent our energy on communicating our message to the community. Our collective vocalization was kept positive.
Expect naught, but exist open up to everything.
Past the fourth dimension Day Vii wrapped upwards, the esprit amongst the teachers at my school was only strengthened. We even laughed about how drenched we were the first four days. We had helped each other through the highs and lows, and in the end felt satisfied with the gains accomplished.
Hopefully, your marriage will bargain a fair deal with the district. The moving ridge of teachers strikes around the nation is proving successful. Stand up firm in knowing that others accept walked the line, and we all support you lot. We are with you lot in spirit. We hear you lot. And yous will be heard.
Practice you lot have whatsoever teacher strike training tips or other things you wish yous'd known? Come up and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, why we all need to support teacher walkouts.
Source: https://www.weareteachers.com/teacher-strike-preparation/
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