Teacher: The Dream Role in the Pursuit of Happiness

What are the differences between happy teachers and unhappy teachers? While I have no data, I can say after 44 years in this ever-changing, fast-paced, engaging and spirited profession, I am happy! I owe it to some of the following:

Love vs. Fear I address each student as I have been taught; teach each as if she/he was my own. I want their successes, happiness, and inquiry to be central to my daily work. Each moment, each challenge, each person is a key to discovering more about self-improvement in order to enhance the opportunities and the world around each of them. Because I am in a school that expects daily prayer, I have the opportunity to thank God and my high school students every day for their gifts to me!

Acceptance vs. Resistance I  can't really change every situation in fear or resistance, but I can definitely change anything by first listening, then understanding what might be the reason for the problem's existence. My focus, whatever the problem, must remain child-centered not adult-centered. When something unpleasant happens, arguing is not my first destination; first, I question, "What can I learn from this? How can I make this better?" Then, I focus on the positive, rather than on the negative. My students need me to teach them why listening for understanding an clarity is an alternative to the blame-game!

Forgiveness vs. Un-forgiveness I try not embrace anger; I state my peace, and move on to the next challenge that I am graced with solving! One the problem is done, it is over! Choose to forgive and forget, understand that forgiveness is a gift to you first and foremost; this keeps me going when I want to scream. Keep giving this gift of forgiveness and understanding away every day! Teaching students is also a way into an angry unsettled heart. This stillness brings a peace and calmness into the classroom. Forgiveness is hard work and needs daily practice with students. 

Trust vs. Doubt I trust myself and others until I am made a fool! I work on the assumption that everyone in our school environment is here to help children succeed until they prove otherwise. From the outspoken parent to the quiet cleaning lady, each one wants to make life better! Place love, laughter, dignity and respect, central to communications! Happy teachers know that learning wears many hats; make no distinction between age, sex, social status, color, religion or race. Maintaining a smile and a sense-of-humor is part of the daily pursuit! 

Meaning vs. Ambition My life has meaning and I can bring that ideal into the lives of others with a sense of purpose. Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life as Wayne Dyer says. I care more about living a life full of meaning than living a successful life. The irony here is that most of the time I get both success and meaning because I choose to focus on doing the things I love the most. I encourage students in their passions and try to bring in examples of their needs into my lessons. Shows them that their dreams are part of their legacy is uplifting as they too pursue their happiness. 

Praising vs. Criticizing I don’t criticize the absence of a behavior I want to reinforce. I praise the person and the behavior I wish to reinforce. When the situation permits, I can be heard saying, "Thank you for the joy and laughter you bring to class today." When the time is right students beam with that recognition and I see more of it from others. "Thank you too for your focus and cooperation." "It was especially enlightening today when so-and-so added her comments." High school students respond well when praised for what they need, so do I for that matter! Being safe in a classroom is being happy there! 

Challenges vs. Problems I see problems as challenges, as opportunities to explore new ways of doing and seeing things, expressing my gratitude, understanding that underneath these challenges are opportunities that will allow me to expand and to grow. One of my colleagues calls them, "Tensions to be managed not problems to be solved." The amazement that others too feel when you thank them for this problem, "we can try to resolve together" is quite astonishing as well as empowering. Empowered people are more engaged in their own development and self-awareness. 

Selflessness vs. Selfishness I enjoy finding meaning, empowerment and happiness in the lives of many. I look for ways to give and to share the best with the world, and to make other people happy too. I seek ways to incorporate that into my lessons. It makes my day to celebrate the students before class begins, or when class is ending. Celebrating what we have explored together is a great summary strategy of everyone! 

Abundance vs. Lack/ Poverty I have all I need; I am living a balanced life, achieving everywhere and happy for all that I have daily! I remind kids of this fact while trying not to nag about how  we all have much! These lessons are easily taught in social studies, art, and English content areas! Giving thanks for the little things makes a difference to students!

Dreaming Big vs. Being Realistic I am NOT realistic. I love and dare to dream big; I always listen to my heart and intuition; I accomplish much and I now realize, I can scare people. But, I also know I will continue! Kids deserve my biggest dreams even if adults don't understand that about me! Help students reach for a contest that they didn't think they could, join a team or an activity that will push them, read or solve a problem beyond their understanding, and struggle with new ideas! Push boundaries! Then, when students do one of these things, take time to discuss it with them! Celebrate the new learning! 

Kindness vs. Cruelty Being kind to a student is a life-time gift! It is just that simple! There is no place for sarcasm or negativity. Raise kids in laughter, reflection, "what if" questions, and "why not try" are kindnesses we need to extend! Treat them as if they are your children not someone else's children! 

Positivity vs. Negativity No matter what happens, I am always trying to keep a positive perspective on everything and by doing so, I tend to irritate a lot of negative people. Kids need me to remain positive and show them how to do the same! My goal is to help students laugh at themselves, love themselves, and respect others and the world for its gifts! I am adult enough to take full ownership over my life and rarely use excuses for my short comings; I have many shortcomings and God helps me everyday to get better. Happy people understand that the moment you choose to blame some outside force for whatever is happening to you, you are in fact giving all your power away. I choose to keep my power and take responsibility for everything that happens to me; I try to model this for kids too

      Be Happy! I know I am every day with my life's calling—teaching is the pursuit of happiness!