Education is by far one of the most rewarding professions. Every day is different. Every new challenge is a gratifying puzzle to be worked out.
If, however, you find yourself flagging, don’t worry. There are many easy ways to spice up your professional life and rediscover the joy of teaching.
Sometimes all it takes is a slight mindset shift. And six of the best, teacher-tested ways to get even more satisfaction from your job.
Examine your passions and use them
Your passion and energy brought you into education. Never let go of that wonderful dynamism.
The best teachers are truly immersed in their specialist field of knowledge. They are inspired by new ideas that challenge their thinking. Their love of constant learning sustains their chosen vocation.
But research shows passionate teaching also links directly to students’ willingness to understand new concepts. This, in turn, helps to further their learning.
Be truly present
There are many lightbulb moments in the classroom. For example, when a student transitions from remembering by rote to fully understanding. These moments are especially enjoyable for any teacher. But allow yourself to be distracted and you can easily miss them.
Aim to genuinely connect with individual students whenever you can. Focus on what they are saying. Be truly present in the moment. The immediate and long-term rewards will be worth it.
Remember to have fun
Your classroom is full of different, sometimes challenging, very often humorous personalities. Recognise and appreciate this.
Above all, indulge everyone’s sense of fun. Yes, the goal of a teacher is to impart knowledge but your students will thrive on fun. So give them enjoyable lessons and they will learn and remember more.
In a recent study, more than 90% of students agreed that learning should involve fun. And when the class is having fun, you will too. This is important for your own mental health and even greater job satisfaction.
Continually evolve
Remember why you loved teaching in the first place? It was because in education you are always learning and growing. It is an enjoyable and never-ending evolution.
So continue to innovate and adapt your lesson plans. This keeps things fresh and engaging for both you and your students.
Why not seek out new skills too? Try new tech tools. Engage with different kinds of social circles. Reaching out for new experiences in this way will fine-tune your own teaching methods. Ultimately, it will widen and deepen what you can offer to your students.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Even when you truly love your job, burn-out is possible. This is why it’s okay to say no to extra work.
It’s okay to not allow yourself to be pressured into agreeing to do something. It’s okay to take care of your own health and wellbeing.
Yes, it’s okay to make your own students your number one priority.
Keep moving forward
Be sure to take charge of your own professional development. You’re worth it, after all. It’s also how you become the best teacher you can be while meeting career ambitions.
There are many online courses available for teachers to help you progress. They cover everything from subject-specific skills to best classroom practice.
Another great, yet often untapped, potential lies in our ability to learn from one another.
Of course, that’s where Teacheroo can help. We offer the ideal space for sharing ideas with your peers in education. You can also find lots of top tips for enhancing the job you love. Connect with teachers on Teacheroo and enjoy the positive vibes!
