Secrets of Success for Teachers: A new school year

"Teaching was the hardest work I had ever done, and it remains the hardest work I hve done to date." Ann Richards

Dear Fellow Educators,
It's the first week of school in the district I used toteach in. Ah, the first week...

For the students there's the uncertainty of what their teachers will be like, whether they will have any friendsin their classes, what this school year hold for them.

Teachers face similar thoughts, wondering what challengesface them with this year's roster of students, uncertainhow they'll implement the inevitable changes that have beenenacted since last school year. What about all the ramifications of technology? Teachers not only have to dealwith new classroom technology but they must also cope withthe problems caused by the latest tech device in the handsof their students. Hard to believe but teens are nowvideotaping teachers without their knowledge and posting those same videos on YouTube!!

Couple that with the early hours, the heavy work load thatonly another teacher can comprehend, getting the vocal chords back in shape (not to mention getting used to standing all day again!) and all the negative PR that'scirculating by unsettled teachercontracts and it's easy to
see why September is often a very stressful time.

This was the time of year when I used one of my favoritestrategies (from my Strategies of Success leadership/success course). Try it yourself and see if it helps make
this a less stressful year.

Take a 3X5 index card and write theten top things that instantly change how you feel (andare good for you.) The top item on my list was to go to the water. Lucky for me, I live near a beautiful bay.

As a teacher, I went there daily - sometimes for 5 minutes, other times for hours with papers to correct.It gave methe mental breathing space that helped balance the incredibly difficult job that teaching has become.

What works for you? A certain song? A band? A bikeride, significant other, a good book? Take a few minutesto make your card. Keep that card handy. Even more
important, take a few minutes just for you.

Have a great school year!