YOU Are the Most Important Part of Education!

For months, I’ve been reading articles and watching videos by teachers and educational organizations addressing the challenges of teachers being overworked and exhausted. I’ve addressed the issue myself a few times on this blog. On the surface, it can feel like all this “teacher tired” talk can have a negative overtone — something that Teaching in Pink is NOT about. All of the things that have been said are absolutely true. Yes, educators are overworked! Yes, educators are underpaid! Yes, there are systems in place that aren’t beneficial to students, teachers, or communities! However, it doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. We can use these challenges to motivate and inspire us to make the changes we need to provide a more fulfilling educational experience for all.

The most important discovery I’ve made in the past couple of years is to be true to who you are as a person. Every educator has a unique presence in the world. That’s what your students will always remember. You, yes YOU, are the most important part of the education process! That being said, if something doesn’t feel right to you, then you have an obligation to make it right for yourself and your students.

Now, remember that there is a difference between what doesn’t feel right and what we just don’t want to do. For example, grading is something that most teachers don’t find to be a pleasant experience. But, it’s a necessary evil. We are most likely never going to be rid of grading. So, grade in the way that makes most sense to you. How you evaluate your students’ progress, share your process with students’ families, and physically work on evaluating student work is entirely up to you. There are so many great resources to help you streamline that part of your work, all you need to do is find what’s right for you. And, this applies to whatever challenges you’re facing in your teaching practice.

So, get in your classrooms and be the best version of yourself every day! Find what works for you and be true to it. Being an educator has it’s challenges, but you can be a force for good by just being yourself.