Teacher Venti

Let’s focus our “Monday Mindset” on making an impact this week! What we do as educators matters and we do make a difference! What impact are you going to make? Share in the comments below!

It's Sunday, and yes, you probably have a ton of things to do. But, it's so important to STOP and give yourself a break. If you keep going, and going, and going, it's only a matter of time before you crash. Make your well-being a priority because you won't be doing anyone any good if you crash. You can't pour from an empty cup, so fill'er up today with a little R&R!

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You did it! You made it through the week, and you survived! It may not have been perfect, and you may have had a few fails, but that's OK! No one's flawless, we all make mistakes, and all too often, we think about something negatively a whole lot more than others-be kind to yourself!

We also tend to focus on our missteps rather than our successes. What was something you did this week that made you happy? Please share in the comments below. It's Friday, and it's time to celebrate your WOO-HOO moments, no matter how small!

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Inevitably, we will become discouraged, frustrated, angry, aggravated, overwhelmed, stressed- the list could go on and on. Often, we find ourselves in situations that cause us to feel a certain way which can send us spiraling into a series of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors- Why should I bother? I’m never going to survive this. Why would s/he say that? Etc. The bottom line is that the only person we can change is ourselves, including how we respond to things.

Avoid the defeatest, end-of-the-world thinking and remember this- it was one day, and there will be a new day tomorrow. This time next year, you most likely won’t be able to recall the reason you are currently upset. And, if this is bigger than you and you’re not sure how to tackle it, reach out for help. There are people out there that don’t want you to fail, don’t want you to struggle, and don’t want you to suffer alone. You just need to have the courage to ask! No question is too silly, and no problem is insignificant if it’s something causing you distress.

Sometimes it’s easier to ask someone, not in your work and personal circle. A person that doesn’t know the key players in your life can often provide a more clear, objective perspective. If you’re not sure who to talk to, you can talk to me! I’m just a message away! I’ve made it my mission to support teachers because rarely are we getting the help we need. I’ve been there, I get it, and I’ve got your back!

Take a few minutes to remember how you felt when you walked into the kitchen or dining room the morning after dinner or a party when you hadn't clean up before you went to bed. You're groggy, trying to wake up, and the reality of the massive mess you avoided last night smacks you in the face. Now imagine trying to clean it all up while 30 middle or high school students walk in the room ready for you to teach them. You frantically shove things in places as you haphazardly throw together something that resembles a lesson. Your entire day spirals out of control, and when the last bell rings, you wonder how you got sucked into the tornado straight out of the Wizard of Oz without anyone sounding the siren that a category 5 catastrophe was barreling your way. Well, you don't need the Wicked Witch's crystal ball to figure out who's responsible for the pandemonium-the answer is you!

Now take a moment to remember the opposite-a time when you sucked it up and cleaned up BEFORE you went to bed. This time, as you walk into the room yawning, you see everything cleaned and put in the correct spots. Gasp! You even prepared the coffee, set the timer, and at that moment, the heavenly coffee aroma has now wafted into your nose, as you feel soothed by the gurgle-drip melody singing in the air- ahhhhhhhhh.

Which do you prefer-scraping funky taco casserole leftovers shellacked to a pan panicked as hordes of teenagers swarm into the room OR waving your hand saying hello (cue Disney music and cute cartoon animals climbing in the windows), eager to start your day?

Inevitably, time flies. It might be easier for us to say, "I'll do it tomorrow," but if we do that, tomorrow becomes a disaster. Even when you are exhausted and want to walk out of the building to decompress, taking the time BEFORE you leave for the day will set you up for success tomorrow.

When we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Leave your classroom set-up for tomorrow, so tomorrow you can experience the magic of teaching in a Disney "movie!"

You’ve got this, teachers! Students arrive for some of you today; for others, you’ve already been teaching your kids but today begins the September stretch. Regardless, spread your magic today! Everyone’s nervous adjusting to changes in schedules and expectations. Take it one day at a time, and remember- your students are looking to you to help them make this shift back to in-person learning successfully. Thank you for your commitment to education!

Have you unplugged yet today? If not, do it NOW! It’s Labor Day, it’s beautiful outside, and you need to give yourself some time to unwind because, believe me, this week is going to be crazy. Take a break, relax, and recharge!

When we believe in our students, they believe in themselves. Pushing and encouraging them to reach their potential is so important because, unfortunately, many do not have much support in their lives. If we can be a consistent source of optimism, our students will feel welcomed and valued, wanting to show us they can succeed. If you believe, they will achieve!

Consistency shows you follow through with what you say and do. When we are consistent, we gain trust. When we acquire our students' confidence, they become more willing to do what we ask. They start to believe in us because we've demonstrated we believe in them with our consistent interactions and communications. Consistency creates continuity, comfort, and contentment.

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Expect the best; you’ll get the best. When you have high expectations and show you believe in your students, they will rise to the occasion, and you will see results. Make the decision TODAY to expect the best and work EVERY DAY to show your students what that is and how they can achieve it.

If you are excited, your students will be excited. If you don't care, neither will your students. Enthusiasm is contagious. Yes, there are times when we don't feel passionate about our content, but if students sense we don't enjoy our job or the lessons we're teaching, they will be disengaged and may become uncooperative. Sometimes we have to fake it till we make it, especially when trying to create student buy-in. You've got this!

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