It has been an interesting start to 2023.
No one expected this year to be normal, but we couldn’t have predicted the wild weather events that seem to have dominated summer.
At best, they have been disruptive. At worst, they have been devastating.
A timely reminder that things don’t always pan out the way you thought they would.
It is the unpredictable at the front of my mind as I write this article. So, let’s look at how you can navigate your certification throughout an unpredictable 2023 while preserving your wellbeing and maintaining focus.
Navigating Your Certification In 2023: What You Need To Know
Permission To Step Back
It is easy to fall into the trap of pushing yourself to the max constantly. But, when the pressure is on, you need to give yourself permission to step back and take a breather.
Since the pandemic first arrived on our shores in 2020, it feels as though life was turned upside down. Both 2020 and 2021 were consumed with lockdowns and other public health measures. Then, 2022 became the year of the pandemic fallout. And now finally in 2023, even though covid and its associated precautions have become a way of life, things have not returned to “normal”.
Add in the pressures of recent weather events and life continues to be unpredictable. So it will be important to make 2023 the year of rolling with unpredictability and not letting it overwhelm you. When things feel like they are getting too much, have a chat with your mentor and decide how you can lessen your load momentarily.
Create Balance
While the work at your Centre is incredibly important, and so are the tasks required to complete your certification, another thing that is really important too. That is your health and wellbeing.
Despite everything that is going on in your super busy schedule, you need to find a way to create balance. Without downtime and refilling your cup, you will find yourself burning out.
Try to create distinct boundaries between your home and your ECE work. You might find that there are some work tasks that you need to do at home, like planning and reviewing. However, set an allocated time to do them so that they don’t impact the time you have with your friends and family. That time is invaluable for recharging your batteries and allowing you to tackle each week fresh and focused.
Consider Wellbeing
There weren’t many good things that came out of the pandemic. But we can be thankful for one major advancement. There has been a renewed focus on maintaining good health and protecting the health of those around you. If you are feeling even a little unwell, it is recommended that you take the time to recover in your own home.
I believe that this renewed focus on good physical health should also include your mental health and wellbeing. With so much uncertainty plaguing our lives, we can fall into the trap of pushing through to maintain “normality”. But, things aren’t necessarily normal.
In 2023, wellbeing should be a huge focus, both personally and within your Centre. Consider ways that you can put good mental health at the forefront. Perhaps you could introduce (or maintain) wellness initiatives with your Centre, and wellness check-ins with all team members. Keep the communication flowing between yourself and your mentor, flagging any wellbeing concerns along the way.
Maintain Focus
In the midst of creating balance, dealing with uncertainty and being mindful of your wellbeing, there are still your certification requirements to consider.
Some days it might seem completely manageable. Other days, it might seem like a lot to have on your plate. And it is totally normal to have these fluctuations. The important thing is maintaining focus and prioritising the right things at the right time.
Obviously, if you have an inquiry deadline, the priority will be to meet that deadline. However, if you are feeling tired and burnt out, then your priority should be your wellbeing. These priorities will shift as the weeks go by so it is good to be fluid and recognise what you need to focus on in the here and now.
Lean On Your Mentor
One of the greatest resources you can have as a provisional teacher is your mentor. Experienced and knowledgeable, they are there to help you on your journey to becoming a fully qualified educator. So, make the most of that expertise where you can.
Don’t be afraid to ask for their help and advice. They want you to succeed and can help you reach your end goals. Use their expertise when you are setting inquiry goals and conducting reviews. But, also let them know when you are struggling as they will have suggestions to support you.
Remember that there are also other support options available. As an ECE expert, educator and mentor myself, I can provide an additional layer of support if you are experiencing overwhelm or feel an external support source would be helpful.
You Are Not Alone
Probably the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. Your mentor is your first port of call with any concerns. But, they are not your only support.
Connect with the other educators at your Centre as they will understand exactly what you are working through right now. Make sure to also lean on your friends and family for support. They may not be undertaking the study requirements themselves, but they are living the journey with you!
AND, perhaps one of the most helpful resources would be to connect with other educators at the same stage of the provisional teaching journey as you. The Roadmap to Certification resource guides you through each step of the provisional teaching journey AND the most valuable part is that the resource comes with a private Facebook group full of people at the same stage of the journey as you.
Check out the Roadmap resource here: https://steppingforwardtosuccess.co.nz/roadmap-navigating-ece-provisional-teaching/
Click here to read more about the Roadmap or click here to purchase the Roadmap to Certification ebook for Provisional Certified Teachers. Alternatively, if you are wanting to learn more about my packages, reach out today.