BY: Dan Liu(Maggie)

Introduction to teachers’ work Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, they help students to learn and apply concepts in many subjects in variety of ways. Public school teachers must have at least a bachelors degree, complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed.

Including school duties performed outside the classroom, many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Most teachers work the traditional 10-month school year with a 2-month vacation during the summer. Those on the 10-month schedule may teach in summer sessions, take other jobs, travel, or pursue other personal interests. Many enroll in college courses or workshops to continue their education. Teachers in districts with a year- round schedule typically work 8 weeks, are on vacation for 1 week, and have a 5-week midwinter break.

Earnings Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers ranged from $33,590 to $37,890 in 1998; the lowest 10 percent, $19,710 to $24,390; the top 10 percent, $53,720 to $70,030.

 Do you know teachers have a lot health problems??

Classification:  Mental problems (Teaching has been rated one of the five most stressful occupations on numerous research studies. Nearly 90% of teachers experience moderate to high levels of stress.)  Physical problems

 Symptoms: 1. headaches, 2. frequent illness, 3. heartburn, anger, impatience, depression, 4. eating disorders and insomnia  heart disease, hypertension, damage memory and cognitive skills.

Mental problems  Reasons: 1. Teachers must plan their presentation’s time; sometimes they give too much to students who might not show appreciation, this causes time pressure; 2. Teachers do not teach for the money, the low status make teachers look down upon themselves and show regret to join this job, this causes low status pressure; 3. Students who have the will to learn will make teachers have passion and teach more, lack of motivation in students also cause teachers’ pressure; 4. Poor countries’ teachers should have plan how to use limited resources to teach 5. Poor school ethos, low level of supervision and colleague support and so on.

Mental problems  Solutions: 1. get exercise. 2. learn to say no. 3. join teacher discussion forums. 4. think positive. 5. cool down and takes breaks. 6. prioritize responsibilities, to think that which are most important things to do, do relaxing exercises, watch diet. 7. laugh everyday and smile to yourself more.

Symptoms: 1. back pain, 2. leg and back problems 3. neck problems 4. computer’s radiation  Pharyngitis

Physical problems  Reasons: 1. standing for a long time to teach 2. sit in front of computer to grade students’ homework and find information to prepare for their class’s presentation for a long time, 3. the computer’s radiation will harm their eyes and face,

Physical problems  Pharyngitis:  Symptoms: sore throat, fever, headache, joint pain and muscle aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck

P HYSICAL PROBLEMS Solutions: 1. Drink warm liquids, avoid alcohol and caffeine, gargle several times a day with warm salt water, use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat. 2. Take a break and have relax between each hour. See some green plant, it is good for eyes.

Solutions to insomnia Fix a bedtime and an awakening time, avoid napping during the day, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4-6 hours before bedtime exercise regularly, but not right before bed. comfortable temperature you can also try a light snack like milk and bananas, don’t take your worries to bed and take a bath, find your favorite sleeping position

 References: “Do teachers have more health problems?” “Teachers- Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary” “Health Guide Pharyngitis” gitis/overview.html gitis/overview.html “Sleep Hygiene: Helpful Hints to Help You sleep”

Have a good day!