#ClockOutStachler

#ClockOutStachler: An affectionate hashtag developed by a long-time friend and fellow YCS teacher. This hashtag has been used by several others on occasion when I text, tweet, or email them with a school related idea or tip on the weekend or in the evening. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve earned it. Since taking my job a year and a half ago I have haven’t been good about “clocking out”. Being a connected educator is awesome! I am constantly learning, constantly problem solving, and constantly sharing. This makes me better at my job, right? I like to think so. However it’s not until I actually “clock out” that I realize how much I need a break to be the best I can be when I’m actually supposed to be working. 

This past week I did my best to “clock out”. I spent five days on the beach with my family and friends, toes buried in the warm Florida sand. We spent our days laughing, playing, and simply relaxing. While my computer bag was with me on my trip, I chose opening the latest edition of Cosmo over opening it. I disconnected.  I’m not going to lie, this is only the second time I’ve done that in a very long time. Why, because I may miss something. That something could make the difference for one of my teachers, our students, our corporation, or even for my own learning.  Even as I type that, I realize what a ridiculous reason that is. With all of the information being shared, we cannot possibly keep up. That in no way means we shouldn’t try, it just means that we should accept the fact that we will miss things, and THAT’S OKAY! The good news is if there are enough connected educators out there and we keep collaborating, that great tip we missed will probably be delivered to us in a different way.

Now as we are driving home from the beach on Interstate 65 just outside of Bowling Green, I felt that I needed to share this message with all my teacher friends. (Guess who has clocked back in!) October is Connected Educator Month, and leading up to Fall Break, I had been very busy making sure my teachers understood the importance of being connected. I stand by my belief that being connected is the single most important thing each teacher can do to better him/herself professionally.  Personally however, I want teachers to understand how important it is to take time to disconnect, for yourself, your family, and all of the moments that you may miss if you are looking at a screen instead of looking up. I say this in an effort to remind myself as well.  

So, I would like to say thank you to my dear friend who isn’t afraid to send me the #ClockOutStachler message.  I encourage each of you to do the same for someone you work with if you feel they need a break. Just remember to change the last name.  Teachers are workaholics.  I wouldn’t want my hashtag to start trending!