teaching parallels

The other day as I sat in a new teacher workshop, the speaker said we should be hitting the Disillusionment phase. I immediately saw this as a parallel to the phases found in new Christian life at the beginning of our relationship with God (and I suppose romantic relationships as well, but I even start that dialogue right now).

• Anticipation - Teachers are eager and excited about their initial teaching assignment.  They have “big plans” about how it is going to be.   
• Survival - Reality hits.  New teachers can become overwhelmed with all the aspects of the job they didn’t anticipate.  They are working 60 hour weeks.  They still maintain their enthusiasm but are getting tired.  
• Disillusionment - New teachers are working hard, but feel they are not getting anywhere.  They are shocked at reality and wondering if this is the right profession for them.  Illness often characterizes this phase.  This phase also corresponds with parent conferences, first report cards, back-to-school night, and the first evaluation conference!! 
• Rejuvenation - New teachers have just had a few weeks off for winter break.  They have completed half the year and can see the end in sight.  They have gained some coping strategies to manage the problems they may encounter.  They begin to feel a sense of confidence.  They begin to focus on curriculum development. They are more optimistic about their capabilities. 
• Reflection - Towards the end of the year, new teachers begin to reflect on changes that they want to make for the next year.  They begin to critically analyze the past year, thinking ahead to what they will change for next year.

Steps towards coping with the Disillusionment Phase:
      1. Avoid highs and lows.
      2. Let go of perfectionism.
      3. Expect obstacles.
      4. Seek support.

Plug and chug "Christian" with the word "teacher" and you can see that with any meaningful and transforming event in life, there will always be stages of self-discovery, high energy, disappointment, struggle, loss, gain, reawakening, reflection, sorrow, and joy. However, the difference is that we don't rely on ourselves because we are too prone to sin and failure. Thank God we can always go to Him for wisdom and strength to win victories....

Isaiah 55:8-9  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.