Being a Positive Force Judy
Jones
Your state of mind defines you as a professional! Each year and every
day we educators are faced with incredible challenges. This year,
as I returned to my high school, I was confronted with the fact that
our six year-old high school is now overcrowded. We have 14 science
teachers and 12 science rooms so it is necessary to have traveling
teachers. I have volunteered to travel since I cannot see placing
this entire burden on our new teachers. So I am teaching 3 classes
in one room, navigating the crowded halls (in six minutes!) to reach
my fourth period, and then after lunch and a prep period, I wheel
my trusty cart to another room in another quad to teach my last class.
I have three different preparations - one of them new. Our computers
have been reimaged and out network upgraded and there is a myriad
of glitches! We are using a new state-wide system for taking attendance
and recording grades (NCWise) and I can't begin to describe the problems
we have encountered! (And I know that many of you out there have challenges
even more formidable to face.)
I have learned over the years that when I seem to have lost control
of many pieces of my life, I still have absolute control over one
thing - my attitude. I can face my challenges with a smile or I
can grumble and grouse about them, but the reality is that they
will be there no matter what. I choose to face each day with a smile,
with enthusiasm, with humor, and with the welfare of my students
uppermost in my mind. Knowing that I can make this choice gives
me power and helps me influence those around me. I feel that I am
contributing to the total school environment. This is my first step
in presenting myself as a professional.
If you are a new teacher and feeling overwhelmed, maintaining an
upbeat, positive attitude will go a long way toward helping you
cope with your situation. Here are some tips.
- Maintain a sense of humor. Look for those crazy things that
give you a laugh each day. Years ago I read a book by Bel Kaufman
titled Up the Down Staircase. This book gave me such a laugh.
Bel Kaufman highlighted her first year experiences in a large
inner city high school - these experiences haven't changed that
much. The unique spin that she put on her challenges was filled
with humor.
- Try to avoid jaded, discouraged experienced teachers. In my
experience there are not many of them, but the few that there
are can wear you down and make you feel discouraged, too. Sometimes
this means avoiding the faculty lounge!
- Find some time for yourself each day. Try to find a little nook
at school where you can find a few minutes of solitary to reflect,
rest, and recoup. I know you won't get much of this, but there
are some tricks. I go back in my workroom during my preparation
period and take just 10 minutes to have a snack, a cup of coffee,
and to read an interesting article. That much can revive me for
the next set of challenges.
- Walk into the school each morning with a smile (even if you
have to force it a little). Stop and talk to students, other teachers,
custodians, and secretaries. Ask how they are doing and really
listen. This only takes a few minutes and it connects you with
the people at your school. Sharing a few words and a smile with
other people really sets off my day in a positive way.
- Get together with other new teachers at your school. Our new
teachers like to meet Friday afternoon at some local restaurant
to share their week, to laugh, and to let some of the stresses
roll off their shoulders. This helps to build friendships and
builds strength around shared experiences. And it might only take
one hour a week.
- Reflect on your students one-by-one. Think about them as unique
individuals each with gifts and each with many things to learn.
When I do this, I appreciate even more the problems they face
and the efforts they are making. It gives me joy to be part of
their lives.
Please email me and let
me know the ways that you maintain your positive attitude! |