Things happen. Interruptions fall from the sky. Events and incidents out of your control invade your well-ordered peace like the hordes of Cimbri. A fire alarm. A student yelling outside your classroom. A schedule change. A recess downpour. Colleagues you count on drop the … Read more
What if while on vacation a coconut fell from a tree, bonked you on the head, and took away your ability to get annoyed at your students? You’d never lecture again. You’d never sigh, glare, or shake your head in frustration. You’d never scold … Read more
You can’t just talk about your teaching-related stress. You have to do something about it. You have to make changes. Hoping it’s going to be better this year isn’t a solution. Only action will yield results. The power is in the doing, not the … Read more
There is a choice you can make today that will insulate you from all school-related drama and politics. It will also transform how your colleagues view you. I must emphasize that it is a liberating choice, a glorious choice, a choice that will improve … Read more
In The Happy Teacher Habits, I covered several ways to leave work at a decent hour. This is important because it . . . Lowers stress. Makes the job more enjoyable. Frees you to enjoy your family and hobbies. Helps you avoid burnout. Gives … Read more
If you take misbehavior personally, then you’re weakening your ability to manage your classroom. You’re also: Creating stress. Building resentment. Increasing the odds you’ll lash out at your students. But you’re not alone. Scores of teachers struggle with this. So what to do about … Read more
Admit it. You can’t stand correcting daily work. It’s tedious. It’s boring. It’s stressful and adds hours to your work week. It’s also a colossal waste of time. Here’s why: Students don’t look at it. One of the worst kept secrets in teaching is … Read more
Teaching during Covid—be it online, hybrid, or in person—has brought about a whole new level of stress. And you must find a way to combat it. Or it will eat you up inside. It will douse that little light of yours. It will manifest … Read more