Success Strategies Developed for Nations Stressed-Out Teachers (Cont.)
by Marli Murphy
5. Be prepared.
The more prepared a teacher is, the less chance there is for stress to enter the picture, King says. A well-prepared teacher is also more likely to be able to handle the unexpected. He recommends setting daily goals and "to do's" for both inside and outside the classroom - and doing them.
6. Improve your physical health.
The basics of getting plenty of rest, eating right and getting adequate exercise are crucial to reducing stress. In his training, King encourages teachers to begin a personal wellness program to head off the damaging physical and emotional effects of stress.
7. Dejunk your life at school and at home.
Piles of materials that need to be filed, stacks of papers that need to be graded and clutter all over the teacher's desk can only add to his or her stress level. Getting organized is a great stress reducer. Working harder does not reduce stress," King says. "Working smarter reduces stress."
8. Accept your mistakes and move on.
"Accept your mistakes when you make them. Not if you make them - when you make them," he tells teachers. Forgive yourself; use the mistake as a learning experience, and then move on to other things that need your attention. Dwelling on the mistake changes nothing, and only adds stress to your day.
9. Feed your mind a daily diet of positive thoughts.
Buying into the gripes, complaints and pessimism that can often be espoused by fellow teachers suffering burnout is a sure way to develop a negative attitude that fuels a teacher's stress level, King says. Teachers should instead listen to motivational tapes, read inspirational material and connect with positive thinkers.
10. Smile!
"Humor and laughter are nature's built-in 'stress-busters' for teachers!" King says. "Look for something humorous every day at home and at school and you will find it."
Improving teachers' self-esteem
King notes that two of the six success strategies deal not with how to teach or how to combat teacher stress and burnout, but with how to develop greater self-confidence and a super-charged, positive mindset.
"You hear so much about raising our kids' self-esteem, but what about our teachers' self-esteem? How can a teacher make kids feel important if the teacher doesn't feel appreciated and important? A teacher must be in the frame of mind that what they do is important before they can be effective in the classroom," he says.
"Most educators are aware that students' performance is directly related to teacher expectations of their students," King continues. "So school leaders train teachers to raise expectations of their students. They don't understand the necessity of first, training all teachers in how to raise expectations of their own abilities and performance."
Teachers will not expect the best of their students if they don't begin by expecting the best of themselves, King believes. "Teachers can raise their expectations by improving their own 'self picture' and confidence. It's the first, most important step in improving student achievement and performance."
Therefore, much of King's teacher training and a substantial portion of his book focus on techniques for developing a more positive outlook - about teaching, about students and about life in general. He also shares numerous stories, personal anecdotes and even jokes that illustrate the crucial role that teachers play in society.
"Teachers today need a pat on the back, need someone to tell them they're doing a great job," King explained. Even our nation's First Lady Laura Bush said in a recent address, "We need to comfort, encourage and say 'thank you' to every teacher in America. They can make a positive impact on our country."
"So much of what I do during teacher training is make the teachers feel important - remind them that what they do really matters. Teaching is the most important profession there is, I seriously believe that," King concludes. "It's easy for teachers to forget that they have the opportunity to change kids lives every single day when they go to work."
"Teaching - Take This Job & Love It!!" is available by calling King Training & Development LLC at (276) 238-8818 or by ordering online at www.kingspeaks.com.
Marli Murphy is a freelance writer and columnist in Kansas City, MO.