Most, if not all educators will agree that it is not easy being a teacher. We all know the joys and frustrations that teaching can bring. We know the day-to-day realities and the trials that pop up as we give our best to educate our students, a goal we all share. We also know that it is important to keep a positive attitude that will communicate itself to our students and encourage them as they strive to achieve success. We know this, but it is far easier said than done.
Frankly, on some days it is not easy to keep a positive outlook and a high energy level. So much can happen to override the enthusiasm and joy we once felt every time we set foot in the classroom, that it is easy to find ourselves discouraged. We know this from personal experience.
We do our best and still there is a child who refuses to learn; we work and spend extra time and effort on helping a child with a behavior problem only to see him or her slip back into old habits; we do our best to teach and to inspire only to have someone who does not know the situation criticize and complain; we plan and prepare for learning experiences that will be unique and inspirational only to have those plans dissolve before us when something happens over which we have no control.
Oh, yes, there are so many things that can lessen our enthusiasm. It is extremely easy to get discouraged and allow this discouragement to lead to “teacher burnout” — that state where we go through the motions while the spirit lags behind.
During those times when I feel beat down and discouraged, I reflect on my favorite quote by Larry Bell, “On your worst day on the job, you are still some child’s best hope.”
Somebody needs you!
Somebody needs you to do the very best you can so that they can have a future that is better than their present circumstances. Somebody needs you to challenge their minds so that they can get accepted into an Ivy League school. Somebody needs you to go above and beyond so that they can see firsthand servant leadership. Somebody needs you to show true commitment and caring so that they in turn can care and empathize with others. Somebody needs you to take a stand for him or her when no one else will.
The lessons teachers teach far outreach the classroom. On those days when nothing seems to go right, how you handle the situation can inspire or discourage a child. Being a good communicator is being a good educator. When you think about how you are molding the minds of future, productive citizens and that what you do above all else really matters. Being an educator is not for the faint of heart. You must keep on keeping on because somebody depends on you.
Dr. LaTonya Goffney 