How to keep motivated as a teacher?

We have all experienced that feeling of burnout at one point or the other in our teaching career. Here are five ways that you can follow to freshen up your state of mind.

1. Switch it up

One particular problem with this time of year is monotony. This can be reduced by either changing the seating plan, swap the subjects in your schedule or perhaps change up how you start your day. You can also start your lecture by reciting a poem that isn’t part of your curriculum.

2. Look after yourself

As a teacher your diet and health can often be forgotten about or the last thing on your mind. No matter how busy you are, always make time to cook a healthy lunch and remember to eat it. A chocolate bar is the best thing to have for lunch. 

3. Read educational books

This is a super easy way to revitalise your lesson plans. Read some educational books and try out the best ideas that will fit your classroom. Test out and see which ones work best for you and your students. This will not only help your students but also help you develop as a teacher.

4. Notice how far you’ve come

A great way to help get back your motivation is to see how much you’ve improved, whether that’s from the beginning of term, last year or over the past couple of years. Try looking back at old lesson plans and see how much better you can deliver it now compared to then. 

5. Observe other teachers

See what is happening in other classrooms. By seeing how other teachers teach, how they deliver lessons and engage students can help you develop ideas to use within your own classroom, or perhaps help you decide that you would like to teach another year group.

At last all I can say,

Be patient..... 

Just remember that all professions have their ups and downs. Talk to other teachers about it, most often they will tell you that they’ve been in the exact position you are in now. Try making minor changes and leave the door open for motivation to find you when you least expect it. Before you know it, you’ll be swimming in ideas and not enough time to try them all out. Perseverance is key, teaching isn’t an easy job but it’s a job worth doing and the rewards far out way any negatives.

By: Ms. Vidhi Sharma