"Ways That I've Kept Up My Morale While Teaching" by Z. Sanders
Introduction: Multiple studies have reported a high teacher turnover rate overall. Different factors lead to longevity in the field. Something (in addition to the considerations detailed below) that I’ve found helpful in dealing with challenging or negative situations or people is this list of “The Paradoxical Commandments.” (NOTE: Personally, when I read “The Paradoxical Commandments,” I replace the word “are” with “can” and the word “will” with “might.” It feels better to me that way). I truly believe that most teachers really care and are committed to teaching and to student progress. I believe, though, that we must manage our thoughts, emotions, feelings, attitudes, speech, time, and energy levels so that we can teach joyfully anyway to acquire joyful longevity. Aside: Martina McBride has a beautiful song out entitled “Anyway” that references some of “The Paradoxical Commandments.”
Ways That I've Kept Up Morale while Teaching
In this area, of course different strategies work for
different teachers. What works for me is first, being effective
and professional (please see my article
“Top Personal Lessons that
Have Enhanced My Ability To Be Effective and Professional as a
Teacher”), and second, all of the following:
1) To unwind: Scheduling in favorite pastimes and recreational
activities that are both free and not free: attending a church
that I enjoy, going to comedy clubs or watching comics on TV or
DVD, playing Scrabble and Spades and Taboo, going to the movies,
window-shopping (especially in new-to-me, not-too-distant
towns), getting a manicure, reading, etc.
2) To stay motivated: surrounding myself with inspiration. I spend time with inspirational people (in general and at teacher conferences), I constantly leaf through the books that inspire me the most, and I have a spiral of 4x6 index cards that I constantly flip through containing words/strategies/reminders that keep me confident, focused, resolved, etc.