Slippery Slope

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Happy Friday!

This week, I went from being an 8th-grade teacher to a summertime painter. I’ve painted houses each summer of my twenty-five-year teaching career. In the beginning, it was necessary because I needed the money. These days, I paint to be outside, stay active, and work with my friends (also teachers); the money also remains a motivator.

My wish for teachers and the teaching profession is that the workload becomes more manageable, that teacher pay increases so no teacher has to work a second job (unless they want to), and that teachers are more universally appreciated for their contributions to their communities.

Have a great weekend!

1

Teacher Phases

Did you know teachers' motivation and engagement can fluctuate throughout their careers? “Recent survey data shows that teachers, on average, experience a dip in job satisfaction a few years into their careers.” A recent study found six distinct professional life phases for teachers, each with unique challenges and needs. School leaders should understand these phases to provide appropriate support to help teachers maintain their effectiveness and commitment to the profession.

2

Slippery Slope

Too much compliance can lead to a lack of agency and innovation in teaching. It’s important for educators to take back their agency and resist the pressure to comply blindly with regulations and instead make informed decisions based on their professional judgment. By doing so, educators can resist the slippery slope of further restrictions and maintain the values and principles that drew them to teaching in the first place. I know in many school districts, this is easier said than done, but the schools worth working in are the ones that value the opinions of the professionals who work in them.

3

Not Always Roses

Beware of the shiny appearance of positivity influencers and self-help gurus preach; it might be more harmful than beneficial. “Ultimately, the extra effort and energy expended on avoiding things through thinking positively is likely to cause stress. Paradoxically, this stress then puts you in the firing line for the very same mental and physical health issues you were trying to avoid through positive thinking.” Instead, it’s better to accept all emotions and balance between a positive outlook and the reality of situations, suggesting that it's okay not always to be okay.

4

Autonomy

“Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement.” ― Daniel H. Pink

5

Teacher Commuter Playlist - Maybe Life Is Good - Em Beihold

Choose Your Own Adventure

• 10 Formative Assessment Ideas
• Smartphone Lessons
• Try this GIST Template
• Book Suggestion - Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity and Transform Your Life as an Educator*