A lot of people struggle to find motivation during the winter months, including teachers. As Spring lurks just around the corner, and third quarter is quickly racing to a close as we head towards the fourth and final quarter, it seems like everyone struggles to recharge and power through to the end of the school year.
Mr. Allen, a CCRD teacher shares, “I motivate myself by staying active, exercising, going to the gym, spending time with family, setting goals, and continuing to work on my goals.” Essentially, spending time with others and time with yourself is what works for Mr. Allen. This shows how being social while being with yourself can be a good motivator.
Just as teachers try to think of things to help motivate students this time of the year, there are things students can do too, that motivates themselves but the class as a whole. Ms. Franklin, an English teacher, shares, “Bring your whole self to the class! When students come to class and show their personality and interests, it makes teaching so much more fun than when students are there physically, but are mentally checked out.” Students also have a part to play so we should always be our best selves for our teacher.
Everyone needs support in getting motivated at some point. Mr Allen encourages, “Teachers could lean on family, coworkers, school leaders, and therapists as well. All of these resources act as a form of support for the teachers.” Teachers, who are usually the one being leaned on, sometimes want to lean someone else’s shoulders for support for a change. It’s important to find that really good support during those times it’s hard to motivate yourself forward.
Whether teacher or student though, Ms. Franklin encourages everyone, “Just a few minutes every day to practice self-care to whatever capacity you can has many benefits.” Ms. Franklin thinks that even just a little bit of time to focus on yourself can make a big difference.
It’s a time of the year to stay motivated. Though taking care of your mental health is important all year, it’s not uncommon to need a little more self care this time of the year. Math teachers Ms. Eaton adds, “If we do not take care of our own mental health, we cannot function to our greatest potential. Also, you have to take care of your own mental health – others can not take care of your health for you.”
To help energize students, KHS is trying out what they call no tech teach days where you won’t use your school issued device or any device all period while you engage in lessons with paper, more hands on, or with more purposeful movement around the classroom to get students up and out of their seats throughout the day. There are also several incentives happening for attendance, grades, and behavior. Fun Fridays and the VIBE Tribe is back in action this Spring.
Wherever you’re at this time of the year with feeling motivated Ms. Eaton strongly believes in Henry Ford’s quote, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Finish the year strong. You got this.
