Dear Educators,

The education system can be a stressful place. The demands of the classroom bring with them pressures in securing a job, producing standardized test scores, and delivering and conducting our own professional development. Add to this the busyness of home and as a result we can begin to feel stressed, tired, and discouraged. It can be a challenge to remain optimistic.

I can see the effect this attitude has on my own thoughts and actions, as well as the people around me.

A positive attitude can make learning joyous and inspire creativity. Being passionate about what we do and say allows others to see and hear our enthusiasm and transforms us into role models. Sharing our passion can promote a love of learning with students and colleagues and supports the learning journey of the people in our lives. As educators we can help guide learners to a place they wouldn't go on their own.

We can encourage learners to engage, question, reflect, and take control of their own learning. We can benefit from each others' strengths.

A positive attitude helps us to connect and build relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and administrators. It gives us and others the security to be open with our insecurities and take a chance. Taking risks can be scary for students and teachers but with a positive attitude you can change your thinking from I’m wrong and I’m giving up to that didn’t work but maybe this other way will. We learn a great deal from our misunderstandings, and reflecting on them in a positive way helps us grow. As we model this, students begin to adopt an attitude of being willing to try anything and each barrier they encounter is seen as a healthy challenge.

Attitude is a choice I make every single day and it can make a massive difference. As a teacher, I have a tremendous power to do good or cause harm. To discourage or inspire. My attitude matters. Your attitude matters.

The next time you feel the smile fading from your face, try reflecting on the following quote: Attitudes are contagious... is yours worth catching?

Marci Duncan
Learner and Teacher