It’s that time of year.
We’re in the middle of March, and I’m hearing about many teachers feeling a little overwhelmed.
Danielle Mizuta shared in her guest post about going through the “tough time” in a year, and for many teachers, it feels like they’re in that time every day.
It’s easy to feel a little disillusioned and even a little depressed.
This is when we have to remember a new hashtag: #I4TK.
It’s For The Kids.
I took the liberty of replacing the “For” with “4.” It looks cooler online.
If you’re feeling a little frustrated about what’s happening at your school, you’re not alone. There are a lot of teachers who, for one legitimate reason or another, feel a little helpless about the parents, the politics, the gossip, the administration, etc.
No school is perfect.
No administration is perfect.
No parent is perfect.
No co-worker is perfect.
No class is perfect.
I want to encourage you, if you are having these feelings of frustration, to remember the hashtag: #I4TK.
Focus on the kids. Remember, became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of children. They’re counting on you to keep that positive energy flowing in the classroom. They need you to do your best work for THEM.
It’s frustrating, I know, to see how the teacher next door just does the minimum, or even less than the minimum, and there is no accountability. You ask yourself, “Why am I killing myself to create these detailed and engaging lessons, when nobody else does?”
Or you ask yourself, “Why do I stay after school to offer extra help to these kids, when their parents don’t even do their part at home?”
Or, “Why do I give up my lunch to open my classroom as a study hall, when the administration doesn’t even care?”
The answer: #I4TK – It’s For The Kids.
If you haven’t had these feelings of discouragement yet, you will. It’s the unfortunate part of the job.
But, please don’t stop being that amazing teacher. Please don’t let the actions of others decrease the impact that you are having on the students in your care.
Surround yourself with other forward-thinking teachers. Hang out with those teachers who believe the hashtag.
Don’t hang around those teachers who spend their time complaining. There is only one thing worse than poor morale in a school – the person who is talking about the poor morale at the school. Stay away from them.
Teaching can be a lonely job sometimes. It’s easy to fall into mediocrity, especially if so many others have adopted this state of being.
Fight the temptation to be mediocre. Be amazing – even if you are the only one. Be amazing – even if nobody notices. Be amazing – even if you don’t win any awards. Be amazing – even if you don’t feel like it anymore.
Your kids need you to be amazing.
Remember: #I4TK – It’s For The Kids.
I hope you are in a place where your efforts are being appreciated. If not, let me say, “Thank you.”
Thank you for all you do to make the lives of your students better. Thank you for all the time and effort you invest in helping your students succeed. Thank you for spreading the joy of teaching to those around you. Thank you for changing the world – one student at a time.
Thank you.
Until next time, here’s to your Success in the Classroom!
Sam
