Even those of us who love teaching have our moments when we get down or discouraged or just plain tired. Here’s how to regain some joy in teaching.
Many negative elements of the education system are systemic issues and beyond our control. But focusing on what we can control is one way to keep ourselves positive and hopeful.
“Don’t let other people steal your joy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s not to let other people take what you love.”
~Riley Hart
1 – Find a fun journal and use it to write down one good thing. Just one. (Actually – you can write down whatever comes to mind as some days will have several good things.)
But even on the worst days – think of one good thing that happened during the day. One moment during the school day when you felt some joy.
I’m not going to suggest any of the toxic positivity recommendations of “remember your why!” or “you’re in it for the outcome, not the income!”.
But I do think it’s helpful to focus on what IS good and what IS going well. That does not eliminate or deny the things that are NOT going well, but looking for the good helps keep your focus in a positive place.
2 – Maybe you’ve heard of the circle of concern and the circle of control. Here’s an image from Positive Psychology.
This image shows that while we have many things that are outside of our control, we do have a circle of influence and a circle of control.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said:
“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.”
Focusing on what we CAN control and what we CAN influence will go a long way toward making us feel more joy.
Here are some ways to do that. Grab that journal and write down some things you can control or influence.
~Write down the names of students who you know are being impacted by your influence and your teaching.
~Write down one part of a lesson that went especially well.
~Write down one moment with a colleague that was affirming or encouraging or made you laugh.
~Write down one thing about your classroom that makes you happy.
3 – Speaking of your classroom, try adding some decor to your classroom that makes YOU happy.
Bring in framed photos of people or places you love.
Buy some inexpensive flowers once a week (or some favorite artificial flowers).
Add a plant that you like (or some artificial plants).
Buy some pens that you love. (My favorite are Flair pens.)
4 – Recognize that you will never reach the end of your to-do list until the last day of school (or the last teacher workday). Be willing to let some things go. Prioritize the essential tasks and don’t worry about the rest.
Take a look at your to-do list and think about what can be removed. Ask yourself the following questions:
~what will happen if you don’t do this task?
~is there someone else who could do this for you? (or help you get it done, if it’s a task that does have to be done?)
~can you half-do it and move on? (Not everything deserves your best energy and effort!)
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5 – Teaching, as you well know, can be exhausting. Think about what times of day and what times of the year are especially exhausting for you.
Then, think about how you can plan for those low-energy times and plan things to boost your energy.
If a certain time of day is difficult for you, think about what you can do that will help you get past that hurdle.
Can you walk outside and get some fresh air? Taking a walk, even if it’s just down the hall, will give you an energy boost. Sharing a laugh or having a conversation with a teacher friend are other good options.
Stop, take a break, and take some deep breaths. You can do this in your own classroom, in the restroom, or any place else in the school! I found that recess was a great time for this, but any time of day will work.
If a certain time of year is exhausting for you, here are some options. Try to plan some fun activities for your class during those times.
If there are some units or read-aloud books or other activities that you especially enjoy, see if you can save those activities for your more sluggish times of year.
Even though field trips take a lot of work and energy to plan, they can be great options for your low-energy times of year. They help get you and your students out of the same old routine.
Another good option is to plan to take your paid time off here and there. Plan for it by making your sub plans, yes, but also by planning some fun activities for your day off. Getting coffee or lunch with a friend, visiting a park, or doing something out of your usual routine are all good options.
6 – Avoid email at night and on the weekends. Your personal time is YOUR time.
7 – Seek out other people who can encourage you OR that you can encourage.
One of my favorite things to do in any school is to look for excellent teachers who have been teaching for ten or more years and remain positive. Talking to them and asking them for tips is always encouraging and helpful.
Another good option is to encourage other people. Leave a sticky note or a note of encouragement for a teacher friend, especially if it’s a younger teacher who you see doing a good job but might need a reminder of how good they are. Getting encouragement from others and giving encouragement to others are great ways to boost your own joy.
8- Be careful about comparing yourself to other teachers. We’ve all had the experience of seeing someone else’s perfect-looking classroom (on social media or down the hall) and feeling like what we’re doing is inadequate. But know that other teachers are probably looking at something you’re doing and admiring that. Remind yourself of the things you are doing that are good, and let go of the comparison.
Ask for opportunities to observe other teachers you admire in action. You will see all the good things they do, yes, but you will probably see mistakes they make as well. That will help you feel better about yourself and realize that we are all doing the best we can. Students don’t need a perfect teacher – they need teachers who care about them and do their best to present content in ways that they can understand. That is all.
If something another teacher does is inspiring to you, feel free to add that to your plans or your classroom. But if it brings you down in some way, do everything you can do to let that go. You are enough. You are doing enough.
9 – You hear it repeatedly but it’s true – take time to build relationships with your students. I have lots of posts about ways to do this. Implementing class circles and using dialogue journals are two practices that have helped me.
10 – Work with small groups as much as possible. This helps you target students’ learning needs, it enables you to get to know your students better, and it helps your students to feel more bonded to you because they got some of your time and attention.
11 – Keep your expectations of your students reasonable. Look for something lovable in every child (you may have to look harder with some kids, but trust me – something is there).
Be “real” with your students and apologize when you’re wrong. Thank them for what they contribute to the class (thoughtful comments, paying attention to you or others when they’re speaking, doing something helpful).
Be consistent – say what you mean and mean what you say. Students will respect you and rise to your expectations when you’re consistent.
12 – Take every opportunity to have some fun – with your class and with your colleagues. Smile at each of your students – every day. (Even if you have to address misbehavior at some other time, make sure that at least one of your interactions involved a genuine smile.)
Look for opportunities to laugh and tell stories. Finding humor in situations and enjoying your time together go a long way to helping you find joy in teaching.
13 – Do the best you can. That is all. And that is enough.
14 – Maintain a file of positive notes of thanks or appreciation, pictures your students draw for you, and positive emails. Any time you’re having a bad day – take a look at this file. Know that you are making a valuable difference, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
15 – Be kind to yourself. Remember that the work you do matters, every single day, regardless of what the politicians or anyone else say. Think about it – every single person in the world can name teachers who had a big influence on their lives. What other profession can say that? You are a very important part of your students’ lives. Never forget that.
All of my content is intended to save teachers time and energy. Making good teaching sustainable – while also having a life outside of teaching – is my goal. Let me know how I can help YOU with this quick form!