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
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