When We Teachers Walk Through the Door - New Teachers, Take Note

This article by Lamartine delves into the strategies that aid in achieving a productive and positive mindset while teaching. The author highlights ten key areas of focus that help to sustain energy and positivity during rehearsal.

In a shortened reprint of the article, the following are listed in the hope of helping teachers regain energy and feel positive about walking into a rehearsal.

1. Pracitce - “We begin to practice what we want to be every day, as a person, as a teacher, and as a musician.”

2. It’s Not about You, but Be You - “As soon as we release self-consciousness, self-judgement, and perceived student judgement, we can be true and honest humans.”

3. Acknowledge Each Person - “Enter the room with love.”

4. Breathe Before You Open the Door

5. Live an Example for Students Even if You Feel Goofy - “Know that you influence someone’s day.”

6. Allow Your Cup to be Filled - “It is by giving that we receive.”

7. Do Something Amazing Every Day with the People Who ARE There - “Make the best music you can with the people in front of you at any given moment.”

8. Energy - “Create an expectation of energy.”

9. Let it Go - “When you don’t feel like you can…tell yourself that you can because we teachers must be the best possible self for our students.”

10. Smile

From time to time, we all have a day when we’re just not feeling it. For many of us, if we’re in a bad mood or just don’t want to be bothered, that doesn’t stop us from completing the task on our agenda, such as going to work. For those of us who lead ensembles or teach in a classroom setting, we often realize that it is not about us but about the individuals walking into our room. It is up to us to be welcoming, nurturing, and, most importantly, educating them to be better at whatever subject we may teach.

For myself, I have come across many days like this. There have been times when I have not wanted to be in front of a group of people and felt as if the day would not be successful. But, by reviewing the list by Lamartine, I noticed that we had many similarities that got us through the day, and most often, ended up feeling ten times better than I did walking through the door at the start. This article also allowed me to think about what I do to help me be a better person for my students. I encourage you to read this article and create a list for yourself. Maybe even post them in a place in your home or classroom that you see constantly, as this could serve as a simple reminder when you’re having one of those not-so-good days.