You're a hero, Teach!

Looking for some motivation as a teacher?  Need some inspiration to continue the cause of education?  This blog is just what you've been looking for.  We've all heard it said that teachers are some of the heroes of society.  Today I want to take a look at just how true that is. Like this sign and T-shirt displays,  YOU ARE A HERO!

During the following experience I realized just how true it is that teachers are appreciated and even viewed as heroes.  I am writing this in April 2020, at the time of the Covid 19 "coronoavirus" outbreak.  As you know, students are not allowed in most schools throughout the country, and in many school teachers aren't allowed in.  We all have to stay at least six feet apart and avoid congregations of people.  I've enjoyed recording my thoughts about this unique situation and having my students do the same.  Here is the journal page I've used.

Like many areas, our school decided to have a teacher parade.  We decorated our vehicles.  (Mostly with the window markers shown below, which worked well for us.)  We drove around our rural community in our own vehicles waving and honking to students in their yards, street corners, etc.  Of course, I was having  fun with it--trying to be a stereotypical man about it rather than touchy feely emotional like  my female colleagues--when all of a sudden, we went around a corner and I choked up with what I saw and experienced.

Families were lining the street (six or more feet apart of course).  As you can see in the picture below, many were holding up signs, such as "We love teachers".  Many had tears, but it was the kids' smiles that stuck out to  me.  They were so happy at just being able to see us teachers!  Then a song came on the radio with the lyrics, "everything's gonna be alright" from the album "No Zip Code".  As manly as I try to be, at this moment--with the outpouring of love and the reassuring song on the radio--I couldn't help getting emotional...Luckily, my wiper blade suddenly flew off and I had to focus on driving through the wisps of rain with no wipers, which saved me from entirely confronting my emotions. 😃

During this experience, I felt like an Olympian returning from their gold medal event to the fanfare of home.  I truly felt like an American hero.  The point is...it's not just me that deserves to feel like a hero for my efforts as a teacher.  EACH OF YOU TEACHERS ARE A HERO AS WELL!!!  Keep up your heroic work of inspiring students!

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about how you are making a difference. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive (on the right if you're viewing this form a computer) to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank
P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

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Resilience, Teach

Resilience!  All educators need it.  It can help you press forward in teaching and help you stay motivated and inspired when times are tough in your classroom.

When teaching is frustrating, it's tempting to throw yourself a pity party.  (I know I've thrown my fair share of pity parties.)  However, a better approach is to look outward.  Notice that all educators have gone through similar experiences.  Most importantly, start thinking of others...and you'll soon find yourself feeling fulfilled.  It's strange how that can happen--when you put others first, somehow happiness starts creeping in.

One such example of this is Anne Sullivan. Keep reading, and I give a few more details, but to really get into detail about Anne's incredible life, check out the following links: Book, cartoon, and more

Anne Sullivan is a famous educator.  She taught Helen Keller (who was both blind and deaf) to communicate.  What you may not realize is how defeated Anne Sullivan felt at times--yet she pressed onward.  Anne Sullivan was visually impaired.  She was raised by a single father, who was abusive.  She taught Helen for more than a decade and accompanied her to college to translate/note take. It was not easy--yet she stuck with it.  Talk about resilience!  Anne's teaching has been called miraculous, but it was neither easy nor instantaneous.    

As educators, we all experience discouragement.  But press onward!  You can do it!  Be resilient.  Resiliency is among the most important traits an educator can possess.  So when you're feeling down, keep on going.  Know that we've all been there, and you can do it.  Just put one foot in front of the other.  

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and how it teaches us that you are making a difference--even if you don't realize it. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages.

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank
P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

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Be sanguine, Teach!

Having a hard time with teaching?  You should be, it is tough!  Here's another blog post to help give us educators inspiration to press forward.

I am writing this at an unprecedented time in history.  Most schools throughout the country--including mine--are physically closed (though open digitally) because of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.  It can be a distressing time for many of us.  I hope this message can provide another ray of hope for educators at this time, as well as in the future when we are struggling with the more normal classroom challenges educators always face.

Recently I was reading about a famous historical figure, Joseph Smith.  Many--including myself--revere him as a hero and forerunner of the westward expansion of the U.S.  There were many times when he was imprisoned unlawfully.  The book I was reading described him as "sanguine".  I didn't know what that word meant, so I had to look it up.  It means "optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation".

I've been thinking about that term ever since I first came across it.  I've come to believe that educators are the most sanguine of any group worldwide!  What other group collectively faces the distresses and disappointments and demands and struggles that us educators face...and yet through it all remains optimistic and positive and cheery. The signs on the following links remind us about this principle.  I think it's a great idea to put up one of these signs somewhere in your classroom.

So, Teach, keep being sanguine!  Keep being optimistic and cheerful no matter what.  Keep pressing forward no matter what.  Keep being positive no matter what.  Even when the difficult times come (as they do constantly do in our line of work), keep your head up and rise above it with a positive outlook.  Keep being sanguine.  That's what teachers do.  That's what YOU do.  Keep it up!

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about how to notice the happiness in our line of work. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

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Speak Softly, Teach

Ever wondered the keys to being a great educator?  On this blog, you'll find inspiration to continue on your teaching journey.

Teachers are much happier when they are not mentally exhausted from constantly butting heads with admin, colleagues, parents, or students.  This is a message to remind us educators about choosing our battles; we do have great power as teachers--we just need to choose when to use it.

Teddy Roosevelt had the ideology to "Speak softly and carry a big stick." (Below is a great classroom poster to remind you of that.)  He even promised that if you do, "You will go far."  How can that apply to teachers?  Teachers have a huge impact!  Never forget that!  That impact could be considered "a big stick".  Remember the power you weld.  Also remember to choose your battles.

You may want to argue with admin; for the most part, don't.  You may want to argue with parents; for the most part, don't.  You may want to yell at students; for the most part, don't.  I recommend getting a journal like the one above to write your aggravations in for when you are frustrated about something, but you also know it's not the right time to cause a fuss.  You'll find that just writing it down helps get it off your chest. 

Although it's true that you will gain more ground when you speak softly...remember, you do "carry a big stick."  Again, you weld great power!  The things you do are important!  The world could not continue in a path of progression without you, and others like you.  Stand up for what's best for students--just choose your battles thoughtfully.

To summarize, you will find positive self-pride, a peace of mind, and satisfaction as you battle for what's best for students; you will also enjoy yourself more as you synergize with colleagues. Battling for your students and getting along with colleagues are two of the important keys to enjoyment as an educator.

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post  with a famous quote about how you are only one person--yet you are one person making a difference, which counts for a lot. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

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The die is cast, Teach!

Teachers, I hope this inspiration helps you find motivation for your classroom.  The famous words of Julius Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon to begin a great battle were "The die is Cast" or "alea iacta est".  Teachers, the die is cast.  At the time that I am writing this, we are in the middle of the Covid-19 quarantines.  I am writing this from an empty classroom because students are on a modified schedule where they are learning from home.  There is no going back until we get through this; in other words, the die is cast.  You can read more about Caesar here:

I know that message sounds dismal, so now for the message of hope.  The die may be cast in many ways, but remember on the flip side the words of the famous Invictus  poem: "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."  In other words, you can't control whether or not students are allowed in your school.  (The die is already cast.)  But you can control your own attitude and the actions you take.  When this Covid-19 crisis is over, there will be many other things that you cannot control, but there are always many things you can control.  During this crisis, you can still be an amazing teacher online (as applicable in your area); you can still be an amazing role model; you can still refine your skills  through webinars.  You are in control.  You are the master of your own fate.  You are the captain of your own soul.  You are the captain of your classroom.  Go out and be the best you can be under the circumstances you've been given.  I recommend hanging up a copy of Invictus where you can easily see it for some quick inspiration.  Below is the link to a great decoration of it.

Alea iacta est.  The die is cast.  But that does not mean your career is over.  You are the master of your fate.  Go and make the best of things, as educators always do.  You got this, Teach!

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about teacher laughter. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages.

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank
P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

(Click to see the resources I've created)

HANG IN THERE, TEACH!

At this time (with the Coronavirus quarantines), our lives are turned upside down.  For example, in my district we are currently doing a modified schedule called a "soft closure" where teachers essentially teach using online resources and students do assignments at home.  But we are expected to be in our classrooms striving to work all day.  It's a tricky time to teach. 

Instead of having some fancy quote today, I would just like to refer you back to the title of my blog: HANG IN THERE, TEACH!  Seriously, hang in there.  Teachers, this coronavirus craziness won't last forever.  You can do it!  Again, I say HANG IN THERE!  Just keep loving and keep doing your best.  As Dory says in Finding Nemo "Just keep swimming!"  If you need some good laughs and a pickmeup, Finding Nemo is actually an excellent place to start, in my opinion.  Click on the link below to watch it. 

Next I would say to take heart from the famous quote credited to Robert Schuller, "Tough times never last, but tough people do." It's so true.  These tough times won't last forever, but we can pull through them together.  (Look, I even rhymed in that sentence.)  You may even want to read his book from the link below for more encouragement.

If you are looking for even more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post called "You Make a Difference, Teach". (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

(Click to see the resources I've created)

You are making a difference, Teach!

Have you ever felt like you're not making a difference as a teacher?  Have you ever doubted the impact you're making?  Educators, I hope this message helps motivate and inspire each of us to know that our teaching is making a difference.

Meriwther Lewis (of the Lewis and Clark expedition) may not have been an educator in the traditional sense, but he did a lot to educate the world about the West.  We can learn a lot from him about not doubting the positive impact our teaching is having.  If you want to learn more about him, here's the link to a book or audio book about him.  I've also linked a recognition desktop decoration you can get yourself or a colleague to remind you that just like Lewis, you are having a positive impact and making a difference.

 

Anyway, following is the lesson we can learn from Lewis: Lewis did a lot to lead to our current happiness as a country as well as to advance our knowledge. . .Yet a few years after the expedition he felt like a failure in these ways specifically, stating that “I had as yet done but little to further the happiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation.”  This statement was AFTER the expedition where he created maps, named and illustrated wildlife and plants, developed peaceful relationships with Native Americans, paved the way for the settlement of the West, and so on. 

In other words, Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition felt like a failure--even though he has gone down in the annals of history as one of the most accomplished explorers of all time.  

Most of us educators also feel like failures at times as well.  We fail to help a group of students; we fail to reach testing demands; we fail to please administrators or parents; we fail to help a student reach the potential we see inside; the list can go on and on.  Whatever the reason--to borrow the terms of Meriwether Lewis--we feel like we’ve failed to advance the happiness or the information of the next generation.  

Lewis advanced the happiness and information of the next generation to an immense degree—even though he didn’t feel like he had.  THE SAME GOES FOR YOU! You are making a difference--even when you (or even others like admin or parents or colleagues) don't see it.   Again, I say you are making a difference regardless of whether or not you feel like you are.  Keep it up!

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post entitled "You are one, Teach". (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

(Click to see the resources I've created)

Each one is special, Teach

What's the secret to being happy as an educator?  This simple tip for teachers brought the joy back into my classroom, and it can bring you the same motivation and desire to teach.

Each student is important.  Remembering that brings me the teaching inspiration I need.  To help me remember this, I place a penny in my shoe. For most of the day, the penny goes un-noticed.  Occasionally, however, I feel the penny and when I do I make a mental note to remember how special each and every student is. As I treat each student with special care like they are somebody important, I find myself enjoying teaching.

In my personal life, I believe that everyone is a child of God, so that's specifically what I remind myself of--each student is a child of God.  It helps me to think about how Jesus would treat each student.  It also helps me to think about what the bible states in Matthew 25 that Jesus will say to those who show kindness, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these...ye have done it unto me".  I try to imagine the face of my Savior on each child because according to that scripture, when I show care to any one of them I am also showing it to Jesus in a way.  As I do this, the stresses of teaching (standards and grades and assessments and more) melt away.  I still need to take care of all those things, mind you, but I am filled with happiness as I do because my focus is on the people rather than the other stuff.

If you don't believe the same way as me, you can modify your self-message accordingly.  But this strategy of using the penny (or some other method) to remind yourself about how special each student is remains a powerful way to find fulfillment as a teacher.

You may even consider using the rocks shown in the Amazon link below to give to students reminding them of their worth. Click here to view them.

If you are looking for more encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about teacher laughter. (Click here to view it.) You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

(Click to see the resources I've created)

You make a difference, Teach!

What do teachers make?  Pay can be little, so what inspires them to teach?  What motivates them to come to work each day?  What keeps teachers from getting burned out when the pay alone doesn't seem worth it?

Poet and teacher Taylor Mali penned one excellent answer.  He became famous for his poem (and later his book) entitled What Teachers Make.  He penned the words to this poem after a discouraging dinner party.  The host—a lawyer—seemed to be set on the idea that your income determines your importance.  For instance, the host said, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach. . . I mean, you’re a teacher, Taylor.  Be honest.  What do you make?”  

Taylor didn’t lash out at that moment.  In his own words, Taylor comically says, “I decided to bite my tongue instead of his and resist the temptation to remind the dinner guests that it’s also true what they say about lawyers. . .”  Taylor went home later and wrote his famous poem—the response he wished he had given.  In effect, he wrote that he makes a difference (as the T-shirt image below portrays).  His book is really meaningful for us teachers. If you buy it or the T shirt, please use this link as I get a very small commission off of each sale.  

Following is an excerpt from his poem to remind you that each of us amazing teachers are making a difference. (If you’d like, you can watch him perform the poem in the video below.)

You want to know what I make? 

I make kids wonder, I make them question. 

I make them criticize. 

I make them apologize and mean it. 

I make them write. I make them read, read, read. 

....I make a difference. 

KEEP MAKING A DIFFERENCE, EDUCATORS!  You got this! If you are looking for further encouragment for teaching, you might enjoy my blog post about noticing the good in your classroom. Click here to view it. You might also enjoy just browsing my blog archive to read all the uplifting messages

As always, hang in there, Teach!
Happy Teaching,
Frank

P.S. If you enjoyed this content, you can receive each post I publish by filling in the "follow by email" box at the top right (on the desktop version of the site)

(Click to see the resources I've created)