Ah, the life of a teacher. Long hours, mountains of paperwork, endless meetings that could have been emails, and a steady stream of disrespect from students and even sometimes colleagues. You are doing your best, but it feels like you are running empty. And let us not even talk about the toxic school culture. It is like you are trying to swim through molasses. Bottomline is teaching is hard. But here is the thing: you can still foster a positive atmosphere, even in the most frustrating and chaotic situations. And no, it does not involve a magic wand (though that would be nice).
We are going to explore ways to build a positive climate in your classroom and school, even when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Spoiler alert: It starts with you.
1. Set the Tone in Your Classroom
You cannot control the school’s culture or the behaviors of others, but you can control your own space. The way you set up your classroom, the routines you establish, and the way you interact with your students can have a huge impact on the overall climate. So, how do you set a tone that’s warm, respectful, and constructive?
- Model the behavior you want to see: It might feel like a broken record at times, but kindness and respect are contagious. Yes, even when your students are testing your patience. If you respond with calmness instead of frustration, they will notice. They will test you, of course, but eventually with consistency and follow through with consequences they will follow your lead.
- Create a space where mistakes are okay: Let us face it, everyone makes mistakes, and to err is human after all. Whether it is an off day for a student or an unintentional mistake made, creating an environment where mistakes are not met with judgement and shame but with understanding and a moving forward growth mindset makes all the difference. Students will feel more empowered to learn and take risks. But it is not only about the students, it is about you too. You will not always get it right and will have off-days and make mistakes. Give yourself as much grace as you give your students. Learn from your mistakes and move forward being better than you were in the moment of your mistake.
- Incorporate humor (even dark humor): Some days you will feel like the classroom is a battlefield, and let us be real, sometimes it is! But a little humor goes a long way in relieving tension (appropriate humor). A well-timed joke or silly comment can break the ice, lighten the mood, and remind everyone that It is okay to laugh, even in tough moments. Humor helps to negate feelings of being overwhelmed and hopelessness for both the students and the teacher. Find the humorous side of your struggle and use it to stay afloat in the moments that threaten to drown you in despair.
2. Create Your Own Support System – Because You Cannot Do It Alone
Here is a known secret: the best teachers have a support system. And no, I do not mean just a stack of coffee cups, though that helps. Surround yourself with colleagues who understand what you are experiencing. You do not need to handle everything on your own. You are not a superhero (and if you think you are, remember even they take breaks or get broken).
- Find your people: Seek out those who want and are committed to creating a positive atmosphere, or at the very least, those who will listen to your rants without judgment. Venting in a healthy way, in a safe space, can make all the difference in maintaining your own mental health.
- Share ideas and strategies: Collaborating with colleagues not only helps alleviate some of your burdens, but it can also bring new perspectives to the table. You might learn a trick or two that makes your day a little easier.
- Ask for help when you need it: Do not be afraid to lean on the administrators or district therapist if you are feeling overwhelmed. They are there to support you. Even if it does not always feel like your administrators are there for you, reach out and ask them to support you towards success.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins – Even When You are Drowning
It is easy to focus on what is going wrong. The students who did not turn in their homework, the meeting that dragged on for hours, or the report you still have not written. Focus on the small victories, even if it is just a student giving you a half-hearted high-five or a student finishing an assignment, it is worth celebrating.
- Give yourself credit: As a teacher, you are doing meaningful work that makes a difference. Recognize the effort you put in, even on days when you do not see immediate results. You are impacting lives, even if it does not always feel like it in the moment.
- Incorporate daily reflections: Take a moment every day to jot down what went well. This could be as simple as “Paige smiled at me today” or “Jasmin completed her work on time today.” These tiny moments of success are the seeds that will help you cultivate positivity, even on the toughest days.
- Recognize student growth: Celebrate when students make progress, even if it is small. Positive reinforcement not only motivates them, but it helps build a positive feedback loop. The more they feel recognized, the more they will respect the environment you are creating.
4. Take Care of Yourself – Because You Cannot Pour from an Empty Cup
As teachers, we often put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. After all, we are in the business of nurturing young minds, right? But if you are not taking care of your own mental and physical well-being, eventually, you are going to hit a wall hard!
- Set boundaries: It is hard, but it is necessary. It is okay to leave work at school. It is okay to take breaks. You do not need to grade assignments at home. Use your planning time wisely. Setting clear boundaries will not only help you avoid burnout but also give you the mental clarity to create a better environment for your students.
- Find your joy: Whether it is a hobby, a Netflix binge (anime, K-drama. etc.,) or just taking a walk outside, make sure you have something outside of teaching that fills your cup. You deserve it. The best teachers are those who take time for themselves so they can show up in the classroom as their best selves. Teaching should not be your life. It should be a part of your life.
5. Do not Be Afraid to Get Real – Authenticity Wins
Sometimes, it feels like teachers are expected to always be perfect, unflappable professionals. But let us be honest, no one is perfect. We all have bad days, and it is okay to acknowledge that. Authenticity goes a long way in building rapport with students and colleagues alike.
- Be open about struggles: Students can tell when you are being real with them. Admitting that you are having a rough day, if it, is done appropriately, helps humanize you in their eyes. They might even respond better when they see you are just as human as they are.
- Own your emotions (within reason): Being authentic does not mean having an emotional meltdown in front of your students (though, let’s be real, we have all been there). But it does mean showing your students that it is okay to express how we are feeling, even if it is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Creating a positive classroom atmosphere is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of grace for both you and your students. It is also okay to feel frustrated and burnt out. You are not alone in this, and there are ways to find light in the darkness.
You have the power to create change, even if it is just in your own corner of the school. By setting the tone in your classroom, building a support system, celebrating small wins, taking care of yourself, and staying authentic, you can foster a positive environment. And if all else fails, just remember even the toughest storms eventually pass. So, hang in there, teacher. You’ve got this.
Dr. Venecia Whyte-Foster