Jim's Five P's for A Successful Teaching Career Part I: Pride

Five P's for a Successful Teaching Career

No beating around the bush. Here are my five P's to having success in the classroom throughout your teaching career:
1. Pride
2. Planning
3. Preparation
4. Passion
5. Perseverance

Part I: Take Pride in Your Profession

Today, I want to speak to you about what I believe is a most important issue for any teacher at any level--taking pride in your profession.

Experienced educators have witnessed the growing demands and expectations placed on  teachers and the ever-increasing amounts of criticism. Teachers are an easy target for many of society's ills and it's common to feel as if there is a bullseye on your chest. Though you may find it difficult to ignore, stay focused on meeting the needs of your students.

Always be proud of the job you are doing. Never fall prey to disparaging remarks of those outside the teaching profession. Take comfort and inspiration from the words of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman philosopher and politician: "What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of a man who instructs the rising generation." (See Tip 74: Ready-Set-Teach!). Post these words where you will see them every day. They will help to sustain you through many challenges.

Good teachers are worth their weight in gold and a great teachers are priceless. Let students and parents know that you enjoy and are proud of what you do. Post your credentials for all to see. "Display framed copies of your degrees and certificates including those from your ongoing professional development. This not only speaks to your credibility, but to your commitment to being a lifelong learner." (See Tip 2: Ready-Set-Teach!).

Never for a moment believe that what you do isn't important. Continue to touch the lives of your students every day—and affect them profoundly. Let everyone you meet know that you are proud to be a teacher and that your students are doing great things. (See Tip 59: Ready-Set-Teach!).

Order Your Copy Now!