The Measure of a Teacher

(Stoicism. Series – Week 4)

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius.

The Measure of a Teacher

In education, we hear endless debates about what makes a “good teacher.” Is it high test scores? Strong classroom management? Creativity in lesson design? Passion for the subject?

Marcus Aurelius offers a sharper focus: stop debating and start embodying. For teachers, that means modeling the very qualities we hope to see in our students.

• Show patience when frustration would be easier.
• Offer kindness when criticism might come more naturally.
• Act with integrity even when no one is watching.

Students may forget the details of our lessons, but they rarely forget how we made them feel. Our everyday choices—our tone of voice, our fairness, our compassion—become the most important lessons we teach.

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, we face the same temptation to define goodness rather than practice it. We read books on health but skip the walk. We talk about balance but overfill our calendars. We dream of being more present but scroll through our phones instead of listening.

The Stoics remind us: you already know what matters. Virtue isn’t an abstract idea—it’s lived in your daily choices.

• Want to live with courage? Speak up in the meeting.
• Want to embody honesty? Admit the mistake instead of covering it up.
• Want to be more compassionate? Call the friend you know is struggling.

Don’t overthink goodness. Practice it.

Try This:

Choose one personal value—patience, kindness, courage, honesty—and practice it intentionally this week. Look for both small and big ways to live that value out.

Reflection

What value do you want your students, colleagues, or family to see most clearly in you? How will you live that value today?

Affirmation

“I live my values daily through the choices I make.”

👉 This week, don’t debate what a good teacher—or a good person—should be. Live it.

Series Wrap-Up

Thank you for journeying through this four-week exploration of Stoic wisdom. From focusing on what we can control, to reframing obstacles, to honoring the gift of time, and finally to living our values—these lessons remind us that strength is built one choice at a time.

I hope this series has encouraged you not only in the classroom, but also for life beyond it. Next week, we’ll begin a new four-part series on Mindset Shifts for Teachers, featuring practical strategies to help you reframe challenges, strengthen your perspective, and grow as both an educator and a person.

With Gratitude,

Jeremy