Never Give Up!

You don't need to be in education to see being a teacher is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. There is nothing quite like seeing the light bulb go off in a student's head when they finally understand a concept. Or watching them grow and mature in character and competency as they progress through their education.

But teaching can also be challenging and complex. There are long hours, demanding parents, and ever-changing curriculum standards. Over the last few years, it can be easy to feel discouraged and want to give up. But I encourage you to never give up on your students. They are counting on you. They need you to be their champion, their guide, and their role model.

Remember why you became a teacher in the first place. You wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. You wanted to help them reach their full potential. You wanted to see them become people of character and influence.

A mentor of mine recently reminded me, "you can do it, you can make a difference but you have to never give up". We need to keep our eyes fixed on the end goal and not be distracted by the nuances of the moving parts along our path.

Part of the reason I have chosen to write more often again is to hone my focus and remind me of my why.

Here are a few tips for staying motivated and never giving up on your students:

• Remember your why. Why did you become a teacher in the first place? What are your goals for your students? Keep these things in mind when things get tough. I often go back to my philosophy of learning and reread this, it motivates me to focus on my why and strengthens my belief in the impact I have.
• Find a support system. Talk to other teachers, join a professional organisation, or find a mentor. Having people who understand what you're going through can make a big difference. Having access to both of these has allowed me to find connections who are slightly further along the path than me. These people act a sounding boards to help me troubleshoot and set the course I take.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. When you're taking care of yourself, you're better able to take care of others. This is one tip that has been so helpful. You will often find me walking around my neighbourhood early in the mornings, this gives me the mental space to clear my head, discover the answers to problems and strategise. It has also allowed me the opportunity to create daily personal development time where I listen to a podcast episode or two. 
• Celebrate your successes. When your students succeed, celebrate their successes with them. Too often as educators, we are humble and hide what we have achieved. Be willing to share what has worked and what you have achieved. This will help you stay motivated and focused on the positive as it does for our students.

Never give up! Your students are counting on you and the difference you make.

Stay the Course!