Anyone who tells you that a person with "bad" insides can be a good teacher is a liar and their pants are probably on fire as well. Teaching is not a profession in which we can spread negativity and still be successful. Our students can and will pick up on the subtle personality traits we exhibit throughout the school year. At the very least, they'll begin to mimic these traits and pretty soon you have a class full of crabby appletons.
Therefore, I propose that teachers spend as much time developing their teacher spirit as they do lesson plans (mind) or restroom stamina (body). I know, I know, add it to the never ending list that's written on a post-it somewhere in the piles of student work on your desk. But it doesn't take much effort to grow and maintain your teacher spirit. A fancy lady at my school told me that your spirit is like a cactus--it can store a great deal, but sooner or later it'll have to be replenished.
So, how do we grow some awesome teacher spirit? The easiest way for me is to read. Two years ago I read a very interesting book called The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life. Not only did this book help cultivate some teacher spirit, but later on it also gave me the courage to leave a teaching job that was shriveling my spirit up like a little raisin.
This year, I'm reading a new book, Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching. I'm hoping it has the same energizing effect on my teacher spirit. I guess I'll just have to listen very carefully to what my students are saying...that'll be the test.
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