You're well into your first year of teaching, and then you run out of energy. You try to keep going, but your mind and body burn out. Your effectiveness at work drops, and you find yourself depressed at home. It's only a matter of time before frustration overwhelms motivation and discipline.

No need to despair—the slump is a common experience among your colleagues. Regardless of your original disposition, priorities will always come together in ways that can overwhelm the ability to cope. Getting through this period requires a mental formula for success.

For some, fighting the frustration means leaving work at work. Others find strength in remembering the needs of their kids or make conscious efforts to remain postive. MENC member Mandi Vacey says, "When I get down about my teaching, I remember what I'm doing and who I'm doing it for." The key is to recognize the slump and be prepared to change your attitude at the right time.

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Coming in two weeks: They Liked The Other Teacher Better Syndrome

-- Paul Fergus, October 1, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)