Cancelling Grind Culture
Oct 13, 2020
O&M SYMPOSIUM
Have you ever felt like being a good teacher meant staying late at school, having a Pinterest-worthy classroom, or constantly pushing your students to work harder? If so, you might be caught in “grind culture”—a mindset that glorifies overwork and perfectionism, often at the expense of our well-being.
In this week’s A Step Forward podcast, we explore how grind culture impacts both teachers and students. It’s a culture that’s been ingrained in us for years but doesn’t lead to long-term success or happiness.
What is Grind Culture?
Grind culture in education suggests that being a great teacher means sacrificing your time, pushing your students beyond their limits, and aiming for perfection. But this isn’t sustainable. It leads to burnout, stress, and ineffective teaching.
My Personal Struggles with Grind Culture
In this episode, I share my experiences with grind culture—working late hours, stressing over classroom appearance, and constantly feeling the pressure to do more. After becoming a parent, I realized that teaching with balance made me more effective and healthier.
How Grind Culture Affects Students
Grind culture isn’t just harmful to teachers; it also affects students. When students are constantly pushed without enough breaks or rest, it leads to exhaustion and a lack of retention. Rest is vital for focus, memory, and overall well-being.
Escaping Grind Culture: What Can We Do?
Breaking free from grind culture starts with small changes:
- Prioritize Rest: Teachers need to rest to teach effectively. Take breaks to recharge.
- Redefine Success: Success isn’t about working longer hours or having a perfect classroom. It’s about creating a positive learning environment.
- Encourage Rest for Students: Let students have breaks to process what they’ve learned.
- Build Relationships: Take time to connect with students outside of academic work for their emotional well-being.
Let’s Start a Movement
To truly make a difference, we need to rethink how we approach teaching. It’s about balance—providing quality instruction without sacrificing health or happiness. Let’s challenge grind culture and create a more supportive education system for both teachers and students.
Useful Resources:
- Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
- Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
- Register for the TVI Symposium to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.
