"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we
are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented,
fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your
playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about
shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you. We were born to
make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of
us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates
others.
--Nelson Mandela
- Communication with other teachers - As much as we can love our
jobs and be passionate about them, at the end of the day we can all admit
that sometimes it is very challenging working with teenagers. It is
important to be able to share feelings with someone who understands the
stresses and pressures that are associated with teaching. Tip number one
is all about ensuring that you have a person in your life (preferably in
the workplace), who you feel comfortable to talk to and share advice and
experiences with. I also believe that by making sure that you are
approachable and available to other persons within your job is just as
essential and ensures a healthy mind set and helps you to maintain a
positive approach to your work.
- Connecting with students - Do you remember when you were a
student and may have bumped into a teacher in the supermarket or at the
movies? Do you remember how shocked and horrified you may have felt to
see that a teacher actually had an active life outside of the schoolyard
and how intrigued you were to know what they were doing and who the
person was that they were with?
Keeping this feeling in mind, do you think that some of your students may
be putting you into this category?
Tip number two is all about relating to your students in a 'REAL' way by
showing them that you are a real person, with real problems, interests
and fears and that you have also made mistakes in your own life. I am not
suggesting that you sit down and tell students intimate details of your
private life, but, it is all about making it real and showing that you
are not 'untouchable' and 'aloof'.
Students will respond better to you if they feel that they know and
relate to you in some way. Telling relevant stories or memories may help
to break down barriers. In turn, they may begin to see that you are not
the enemy and eventually respect your decisions and fairness when it
comes to discipline.
Remember, Don't be scared to have fun with them and
let them see the silly side of you!!
