Hey friends! It's been a minute! Last year, I decided to transfer from my middle school to high school. I really like the idea of helping teens right before they graduate, and perhaps my impact could be even greater at this level. Funny though, students ask me questions: Why do I like to teach? Why would you want to work with teenagers who can be disrespectful? Why would you want to work here? After hearing these questions, sometimes they do make me question my resolve today.
Why do we do what we do? Remember that your passion is to help people and make a difference. This is a service-oriented job. Maybe today you will just help one person in the classroom. If you succeed in helping that single person, today was a job well done. It’s an emotional job at times. You’re trying to teach students content that may or may not connect to real life. Our aim is to always relate the content to their lives, but how much can we alter and change our lessons to 100% relate? It’s impossible.
What is your passion? Remember why you became a teacher. Believe me, I have had days where I questioned my entire career because of student disrespect or a lack of confidence. Keep at it! Bring your positive energy to the classroom. Let go of trying to control them and their actions. Nobody is perfect here. Students come from all “walks of life.” I used to stress so much about their behavior. Let it go to the universe. When the behavior happens, deal with it after class or when the time is appropriate for you and the student. Leave the anger out of it. How do you remember your passion? Try the following steps to give yourself a great day when you're down on teaching.
- Pray before the school day. I understand not everyone believes in a higher power, but I like to say a few prayers and ask God for a great day and help.
- Learn to meditate. There are a lot of free apps and YouTube channels for this. Meditation helps clear the mind of attachments to negative emotions and thoughts. It creates space between you and your feelings. This becomes very refreshing for the meditator.
- State affirmations “I am” statements.
- Read positive quotes
- Lastly, remember you’re human, not everyone can do the job you’re doing. You’re making a difference. Don’t forget that this job is special. It’s spiritual to some degree. You’re impacting many lives, so do it in a very positive manner. Be the difference maker you chose to be. Let all the stress after work go to the universe. Be nice to yourself and smile because this is a short ride.