It is halfway through the term and things have not progressed as well as you had thought. The room is not adorned with student work. There are a few centimetres still to be covered. The students have not met all the KPI’s you had set for yourself and them. The parents have thrown some curve ball questions that requires a bit more attention than normal. The email screen is black with unread communication and growing.
Holidays are a distance memory. The stress is starting to build. So much to do and so little time to do it.
Enter the common thought when times are tough,
“Why do I put myself through this every day?” “It is not getting easier.”
I have asked 100’s of teachers during my workshops, “Why do you get out of bed and go to work?”
Without fail the common theme is:
“To make a difference in children’s lives.”
“To provide a safe environment where learning is fun and engaging.”
“To help every student become a contributor to the community.”
I think you would agree this is why teachers do what they do.
When times are tough, teachers need to be reminded why they keep coming back to make a difference in children’s lives.
Here are 5 actions you can take that will support you in being the best version of yourself when in front of the students.
1. Collect the thank you cards.
During the final days of fourth term students and parents show their appreciation for a year’s worth of tuition. Thoughtful gifts that reflect a relationship built on communication. They listened to your stories and understood your passions. But the true recognition are the words in the cards. A simple thanks for a journey of transformation. All due to your commitment and purpose. Don’t throw these cards away. They have value. They have power.
Keep a few special ones in your drawer or pin them on a wall. The ones that remind you of the student who saw the light you were shining and arrived a better person. The student who made your life different in a positive way.
2. Capture the moment
We all have lessons that go really well. The working noise is loud but engaging. The student’s faces exhibit curiosity and enlightenment. Take a photo and capture the moment. This is you at your best. This is a big why.
Create an album in your phone – “Great Learning Moments” Save these photos. Keep adding to the album. Look for the emotion within the students.
3. Smiles are worth it
Children love being in a classroom where smiling is part of the curriculum. Engaging lessons are created to bring awe to a child’s world. We all smile when we move from the unknown to the known. We smile when we feel part of something bigger than ourselves. When they are smiling because of you, then take a mental note. At the end of the day reflect on the number of smiles you saw today. There is no technology for this. Just a reflection of your day’s efforts. Call it a Smile Analytic
4. Everyone thanks a teacher
No matter who they are, everyone thanks the efforts of at least one teacher in their life. The teacher that challenged them, took interest in their journey, showed them the alternative. We don’t know which student or at what time, but we do know they will thank a teacher. Contact an ex-student to see how they are getting on. One that you connected with. They will reinforce your dedication.
5. Parents love teachers
At times it seems some parents can be against us. Their communication and actions are contrary to the students' needs. But they would rather you be there than not. They express their appreciation differently sometimes. Let’s face it, a good majority of parents are on the bus supporting your actions and enthusiasm. These people are your best supporters. Nothing better than asking a raving fan how am I doing? You already know the answer, but coming from the source is uplifting.
There are times when the world of education is overwhelming. However, there is not an occupation that doesn’t have its tough times. The upside for teaching through the hard times is the life changing rewards that are created. Add the ripple effect and you can’t help but smile.
Never forget your why.
Create those reminders so they are easily accessible.
One look and you’re hooked, again.
My mantra is:
Stress free teachers equals high performing students.
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