With the beginning of a new year comes new resolutions. We want to lose weight, exercise more, quit a bad habit, etc. This year, I decided to make a change nine days into 2015. My resolution? Strive to be more optimistic in my professional life. To assist in this process, I turned to the article "Teachers: Staying Positive in Trying Times". This article gives the following list of suggestions to remain positive in the field of education.
1. Pinpoint what you love about education and live in it.
2. Find others who can offer solutions, not just an ear.
3. Pick and choose the news you read.
4. Know your limits.
5. Never close your door to collaboration.
6. Be supportive of one another.
7. Pick your battles.
8. Don't get sucked in.
I also read some other great articles about remaining positive in the field of education. Based on my findings, I made a list of ways to help me achieve my goal.
1. Converse more with other educators. I plan to make a more concerted effort to collaborate and learn from my co-workers.
2. Focus on what I can do, instead of what I can't do.
3. Teach part-time to middle school students at my church, which will give me more opportunities to grow and learn as a teacher.
Teaching can be a stressful profession. It is easy to fall prey to the negative forces surrounding us. Next time something gets you down at school, don't let it consume you. Instead, figure out a way that works for you to remain optimistic and persevere.
References:
"Teachers: Staying Positive in Trying Times"
"5 Powerfully Positive Teaching Strategies"
"Staying Positive in Negative Times"
