In a typical (of the time) sign of being far too keen for my own good, I once set up a system of peer observations in a summer camp in Turkey where most other teachers were understandably concentrating on enjoying the beach to make up for only getting 25 pounds a week plus school meals and a bunk bed. One question from a peer observer that always stuck with me was “Do you always teach so energetically?”, to which my only possible answer was “Yes”, and that remained true as I came into my thirties, then mid-thirties, and then a little bit past that. In fact, I’ve basically made a whole career out of having more energy than the average person and putting more of that into my job than my boss had any right to expect. But then…
… factors like my approaching 40th, a baby who seems to have inherited my energy levels and TEFL online getting overwhelming as much as inspiring have all conspired not just to rob me of my former superpower, but also to make me reconsider that piece of observation feedback. I’d always taken it as a compliment, but now I see it as giving me a chance for reflection, or even a warning. Didn’t listen then, but that may be because I knew that I didn’t have an answer. In fact, I don’t have an answer 11 years later either, but the question is now impossible to ignore. Anyone else got any tips?
TEFLtastic 
It’s a tricky one, and it seems we have a lot in common (am approaching 40, have an energetic 2 year old who is a sleep-refuser and am spread very thin workwise because I get caught up in exciting things…)
my major tip would be to have a reserve of class games that you can draw on and relate to topics. Web 2 stuff is also great, and at this stage (in my state at least) not many teachers use a lot of this fantastic and often free stuff.
the advantages of these is they often energise your class – and when the students are energised you can get a lot of energy back from them. Also meaningful, engaging stuff is really important.
But, I suspect you already know all of this! have a blog with lots of games ideas for MFL classes, generally very easy to adapt to esl classes if you are interested…
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Thanks Danielle
I find going back to a few classic activities like the Alibi Game etc is great when you have a temporary drop in energy, and as I’ve always suffered from these the fact that you can put in energy at some points and cruise off the results of that at others has always been one of my favourite things about TEFL. However, if that relying on old favourites goes on too long it become demotivating and therefore reduces the energy you have even more, I find
Always happy to have links to more educational resources
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Hi Alex
I am sure what you are experiencing is only a temporary “dip” in energy levels and before you know it, you will be bouncing back!
By coincidence I have just written a post on “Renew the Passion and Go with the Flow” for OUPELTGlobal blog, which asks the same question. I have listed 10 ways to re-ignite the flow, but I suspect, you may have already considered these ways.
Maybe do something completely and absolutely different from the norm. For example, I have found co-teaching is a really fun way to do my job and it is great to interact with another teacher. The few times I have done this have often left me on a high.
Another thing you could do is take a complete break from teaching, ie a sabbatical, where you could focus on other interests that you are passionate about. My self imposed sabbatical has certainly renewed my enthusiasm to get back into a class in a few weeks!
Janet
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First, Your posts and resources are constantly enriching my own practice of TEFL, so a BIG thank you for your enthusiasm and energy.
I think it’s perfectly ok to go down in energy sometimes. Life comes in cycles someone said. Look at it this way; a chance to back off, relax, retreat, mellow, grow wiser, recharge, invest in other areas (your kids, further qualifications, your fitness even..). Might be a good thing after all. I know from my own experience, ‘burn out’ creeps up suddenly but can go away just as quickly if you treat it right. Practice feeling comfortable in this state and you’ll soon find the passion returning.
Meanwhile, don’t worry about your students either. They’ll forgive you if you are less energetic in class sometimes.
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Thanks for all the tips on getting my energy levels back and coping with the tides of energy guys. The other way of looking at is that I am not going to get the energy level of my 20s back now, let alone have it in my 50s or 60s, so I wonder how my teaching and general approach to life is going to have to change.
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Well, the difficult thing, I guess for you Alex, is to actually try to slow down your pace. You are so used to your incredible fast and dynamic way of working that to even contemplate slowing down a tad might seem unthinkable at this stage in your (still young) life.
I have personally found that in my 50s my enthusiasm is still there, but now I have accepted that I can’t be like I was in my heyday, when I was always bouncing around here there and everywhere with boundless energy.
I occasionally SIT down in my lessons(!!), which I never ever used to do and this is ok. It’s happened gradually over the past few years and it was a huge change in my approach to teaching. I observed a few very calm-like and excellent teachers who managed to get everything achieved without seeming to use up too much energy. This made me reflect, and I try to bear it in mind when I’m in the classroom nowadays. A slower pace does not mean a less effective teacher. It means a more relaxed and confident teacher.
I’d like to say a big thanks to you for all your inspirational work. I have huge respect for you. As Nina so wisely mentioned above, take this moment in your life as a chance to recharge and re-assess your priorities and hopefully, the way forward will come naturally.
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“TEFL online getting overwhelming as much as inspiring”. Do you teach at a TEFL online school? if so, where?
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Jana- No, I meant the number of blogs and other teaching resources that are available online getting overwhelming
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Thanks Janet, those were the kinds of things I was thinking about. I think I need to get back to one to one and other small classes so that I sit down without guilt!
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