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
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