How To Fall in Love With Teaching Again and Other Morale Boosters
‘Positivity’
I came back from winter break to a classroom of two students. Now, suffice it to say, I am a special education teacher, so my class sizes are already small. But I was supposed to have six students. Throughout the day, I averaged about 50 percent of my high school students in class.
Like in many schools, we have recently struggled with teacher absences, a lack of substitutes, and a dearth of bus drivers. But what I find gets little coverage is the lack of students in our classrooms, whether because of their own illnesses, the need to support their families, or fears of getting sick. Add this to our struggles before winter break—a wave of threats of violence on social media and an increase in physical fights—and you have a recipe for chaos, confusion, and unpredictability that would stress out even the most laid-back person.
I have followed all the “self-care” advice. I am getting fresh air and exercise. It helps a little, but our current times are challenging the basic, tried-and-true advice. At the same time, I am trying to use time in the classroom for learning, balancing the pace of my instruction so students who are out don’t get too far behind with no way to catch up. With so many competing needs and such unique times, teachers have to start at the beginning to maintain their morale. So, I am making it up as I go along. Here is what I have been doing to sustain my morale and the morale of my students.
The most helpful approach for me has been to be very aware of my mindset and my stress level in real time. I observe my thoughts, actions, and self-talk through this lens. I don’t think ahead but stay grounded in the present. Recently, I snapped at some students in the hall and I quickly, in the moment, observed the tone of my voice and my reaction, and it was a wake-up call. It was not the voice I normally use and it signaled to me that I needed to take a deep breath and be aware of the pressure and stress I was experiencing from the recent disruptions in our schedule. I listen to this internal voice surveying my self-talk for any hints of negativity that need to be addressed and unpacked.
Another key to ensure some hint of positivity is to surround myself with supportive people. My colleagues reassure and refresh me. Just a few minutes of talking and checking in with these educators rejuvenates me. I am also limiting my use of social media and other types of media—print, radio, and television. Finally, it is just not possible to teach as I used to. Flexibility is key! I think this is a major oversight of many of our leaders at the district, state, and federal levels. We are being forced into a new reality that cannot be maintained based on the old structures, expectations, and systems. We are living a new normal that requires innovation, flexibility, and creativity.
The more calm and centered I am, the better it is for my students. High school students are proud and protective of their families and often will not share what is going on. The grace I give myself is the same grace I need to give them. I rely on the rapport and relationships I have created with them before break to motivate them and maintain some momentum in learning. Lesson objectives are made clear and explicit with time for explanation and review, review, review. I give more time for conversation and discussion. Lastly, I let students know how thankful I am to have time with them in a physical classroom. I luxuriate in this time and I soak up the energy of being surrounded with them in person. I feel grateful for this time, remembering how much I missed this feeling last year during virtual learning.
In closing, I am reminded of the Brené Brown quote: “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” I feel there’s no better time for this advice than now—for myself, my fellow educators, and our leaders alike.