I recently read an article entitled Is Positive Possible? by Samantha on TeacherLingo.com. In the article, she writes in part:
Why are we so depressed? Why do we only feel needed and understood when we are griping together? I think about this a lot. It is as if we are all addicted to the frenzy, the wretched wreck of it all. “Who said this? Who is quitting? What are they making us do now?” If you say anything good-everyone looks at you like you’ve got to be kidding.
My response to her was:
Dave Ramsey says “If your broke friends are making fun of your financial plan, you’re on the right track.” Similarly, if your miserable colleagues are making fun of your positive attitude, you are on the right track.
I don’t get invited to parties or other social gatherings with other teachers from my school. In fact, I was in the teacher’s lounge doing some work one day this year during lunch and “the regular gang” evidently showed up to complain. I just sat there doing my work and it was kind of funny hearing them try to avoid saying negative things. I laughed about it after I left.
Check out the video at the end of this article, after you finish reading it. :)
Bloggrrl also left a comment on my site that said:
Most of the time, I enjoy teaching. I do tend to isolate myself, however, because I simply can’t stand listening to the other teachers call students stupid, trashy, etc. It seems that almost everyone else does it, and after offering an alternate viewpoint, I prefer not to be around it. Anyone who can stay positive and yet flourish in the environment that is Texas public schools has my respect and admiration.
I guess that means she respects and admires me. Oh to be so lucky!
I wanted to give a list of 15 tips to stay positive in the education world.
- Avoid the teacher’s lounge
- Remember why you entered the teaching profession
- Offer solutions instead of just complaining of problems
- Take control of your life and remain sane
- Declutter your life
- Make friends outside of education
- Read The Chief Happiness Officer blog
- Make POSITIVE friends inside education
- Give time, money, and/or love frequently and liberally
- Ignore arguments about “what teachers are worth”
- Remember What Teachers Make
- Make a fool of yourself
- Smile
- Avoid work on days off as much as possible
- Actively seek out ways to avoid work at home (have students grade papers, limit office hours)
I find that the less I allow myself to take home, the less time I tend to waste at work.
In case you were wondering
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will be posting the continuation of Polishing The Résumé tomorrow instead of today. I will not be online today, and do not have the time to research and write the second part. I hope you enjoy this article that I had planned to publish tomorrow.
