When I feel myself starting to think negatively or beginning to stress more than is necessary, I have learned to change my thinking. It sounds a little corny, but one of the ways I do this is by watching inspirational teacher videos and reading other educator blogs and webpages. Below are some of the tidbits I always find refreshing.
- A reminder of why we are all here....Rita Pierson's Ted Talk "Every Kid Needs a Champion"
- As my mother would always say, "an oldie but a goodie," Taylor Mali's What Do Teacher's Make?
- Make life and your outlook more positive by visiting The Positivity Solution - I've linked you to one my favorite posts, Stop Complaining!
- When I was a first year teacher, my amazing principal, Joy Trollop, gave each teacher in the building a small starfish along with a copy of The Starfish Story. When I was a classroom teacher and would have a difficult time with a student or felt I wasn't reaching one in particular, I would often re-read that story (the original copy of which still hangs by my desk to this day). Last year as I was preparing for a teacher inservice, and I came across a video version of the story ~ LOVE.
- I don't think I could create an inspirational page on my blog without including one of my all time favorite films. I have watched Freedom Writers a kazillion times and each time I think I love it more. These scenes capture what teaching is all about for me....the kids....the connection....the success...but also the hard work and dedication it takes to get there. Students who struggle and don't "fit" in school will always hold a special place in my heart. (1) I am Home (2) You Are Not Going to Fail (3) We Mattered (4) The Line Game.
- At the end of the year when you are reflecting, questioning and possibility even questioning your ability to make a difference, read the letter posted on Petals of Joy entitled "Dear Teacher on the Tired Days." Your spirit will be renewed.
- If you're a Twitter user, you know how a hashtag on the end of a tweet can categorize information and make it easy to search on a topic. The#ThankATeacher hashtag is an example of the movement to show teacher appreciation. A quick search of this hashtag can offer a reminder of how our jobs leaves a lasting impact on the lives of all those we touch.
- The Common Core State Standards are important. Giving kids access to high-quality, relevant curriculum is important. Providing top-notch, researched based, engaging instruction is important. Designing appropriate assessment tools and differentiating for diverse learners is important. But I NEVER want students to lose sight of what it means to be a good human being ~ to be kind, to cooperate, to love. Check out this video that had a few of my junior boys in tears.
- Overcoming obstacles - just watch. It's fabulous.
- Hollywood's depiction of differentiation and inclusion. For once, I think they were on to something: funny in some cases, inspirational in some, and down right real in others. I shared this with a group of teachers during an inservice and they appreciated the video montage. Besides, who doesn't love Ben Stiller in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds and Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society?