Every morning, when you walk into your classroom it is a clear and loud declaration of the ‘YES’ to this mission YOU have chosen. It is saying YES to all the ordinary moments that are in fact momentous.
Dear teachers, I know this blog “The Power of Saying YES in Teaching” seems out of the ordinary, but I have felt these words of encouragement brewing, and the desire to share them with you as a sense of refreshment and hope and empowerment. There is so much beauty in the power of saying YES – and the empowerment that accompanies it.
The Power of Teaching
Sometimes, maybe many times, it feels as though the profession of teaching you find yourself in, has chosen you. Maybe the years have morphed, time has elapsed and you find yourself in the continual rhythm. It may feel less like YOU have chosen this path as the years, lesson plans, endless expectations, and holiday breaks have continued to roll like the continual waves of the ocean meeting the sand.
Maybe the profession feels invasive and it has shifted from an extension of yourself to becoming your identity. ‘I am a teacher’ is such an encompassing description of a person – and though it does say so much about your plethora of abilities and the soulful work you do, let this be your gentle reminder, it is not all you are. It is a gift you give the world, and it does change you, but you are so much more than a title.
The Power of Saying ‘YES’
Every morning, when you walk into your classroom it is a clear and loud declaration of the ‘YES’ to this mission YOU have chosen.
It is saying YES to all the ordinary moments that are in fact momentous. The ordinary and beautiful moments in a world of Instagram picture perfect and TikTok viral videos.
It is saying YES to those unseen moments.
It is saying YES to being a person that could change the trajectory of a life for the better.
It is saying YES to mediating conflict within your classroom, helping build a future of citizens who can disagree with grace.
It is saying YES to building minds to become critical thinkers, who will not take a thought as face value, but know how to think and research for themselves.
It is saying YES to being an example of kindness, empathy and love to future generations.
It is saying YES to loving the individuality of each student and cherishing it – creatively and masterfully meeting each student where they are, and helping them know their strengths to envision the hope of their future.
It is saying YES to having the faith YOU are making a difference. Knowing you may never see your work come to its full fruition. You, yourself, are the creator of ripple effects that will go on and on and become so much more than you can imagine.
It is saying YES to stretching yourself and challenging yourself – thinking ‘outside the box’.
It is saying YES to not only advocating for your students but for yourself as well.
It is saying YES to having chosen this path, claiming it as your own, and one to be proud of.
Acknowledge that you are a teacher, but it is not all you are, rather a glorious mission you get to complete. It is powerful, one that challenges every part of you mentally, physically, emotionally. It is one that changes you from within, making you stronger, more powerful yet tender all at once.
You are a teacher. You get to teach. You get to say YES. You are powerful. And so much more. You are a world changer.
10 Ways Saying ‘YES’ Can Change the Course of Your Teaching Career
And as that mind shift sets in, here are 10 little gifts you will begin to see sprinkled throughout your life:
- Confidence in advocating for yourself – Ask your administration for opportunities you might not otherwise have if you don’t speak up. …what if they say YES!!!
- It helps foster connection with your students.
- Growth in having an open mind and collaboration with other teachers.
- It builds your confidence as a teacher!
- You realize failure becomes part of the process and is not something to be feared. This way of thinking does wonders for your mental health!
- Tasks become easier!
- Creativity will take over your teaching. Each day turns into a ‘let’s try it” attitude!
- You start to enjoy Mondays again, which means no more ‘Sunday scaries’! Miracles of miracles!
- You will fine tune your instinct on the things that need a ‘NO’.
- Watch and be amazed – as your mindset shifts – everything begins to fall into place.
So let everyday you walk into your classroom become a YES day full of YES moments. You are the captain of your ship and you have a million ripple effects to put into motion! There truly is so much hope in the power of saying ‘YES’ in your teaching!
XOXO,
Mel
P.S. Shop Schoolgirl Style decor for happy classrooms everywhere!
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