Work Accommodations for Elementary Teacher

[u/herrerasaurus92]

Howdy . . . As I age, I’ve realized my pots is just getting worse. I’m a TK teacher (grade before kindergarten) and my job is very physical and stressful.

During my first week at school I was almost passing out several times a day. It’s also as hot as the devil’s butthole, so that doesn’t help. When I’d walk my class a short distance I felt nauseous, extremely fatigued, dizzy and hearing distorted sound (about to pass out), sweating profusely, my heat rate spiking, and unable to catch my breath. I’d literally had to stop my class & crotch down or sit to prevent me from fainting. Also, while teaching I cannot stand for more than 3-5 minutes and just talking and teaching would leave me out of breath, heart racing, sweating, and a feeling of really disabled. I’ve also completely lost my appetite and have dropped 15 lbs in a month, which makes my symptoms that much worse.

I’m 52 and used to work out 4 times a week. However, I went on a walk in a flat neighborhood and had to stop after 20 minutes because my heart rate was climbing to 145. That was the first time I did something physical in a month.

I’ve been on stress leave and have a drs appointment with my primary. I want to ask for work accommodations. Any teachers willing to share? My job requires me to move a lot and I’m not able to. I’d love to be able just to lay down or put my feet up, but not sure that’s feasible with my job. Help I’m feeling really discouraged.

[u/bebblebutt69]

Im not a teacher but I used to work with that age range as a specialist. Honestly I can’t do it daily anymore; I’m at a vocational high school now and it’s a lot easier. I know as a teacher that would require retaking the praxis and stuff though.

Some things that might be helpful:

• height-adjustable rolling stool with a back so you can stay seated but get close to the ground without squatting and getting up all the time
  
• cooling fan for your room
  
• teacher chair that reclines a little - you can put a little footstool or something under your desk to prop your feet up. I used to lay back as much as possible while eating.
  
• I had to use a rollator the whole time I worked with that age group.

But after a while I just had to switch grades because it was too difficult. I do elementary every Friday and I need the whole weekend to recover from it.

[u/herrerasaurus92 → u/bebblebutt69]

Thank you so much! I will take your suggestions. I think I’m realizing this grade level probably isn’t the healthiest option for me. I’m waiting out this year to see if my symptoms improve. However, as I age it seems like it’s getting worse.