I genuinely love what I do, but that didn’t come in a linear fashion. Ebbs and flows are part of human nature (motion of the ocean) and let me tell you: the past 3 years of COVID wrecked public school education.

Yes, teachers are resilient but, we’re still human.

Teaching in the system (and sometimes despite it) is no easy feat. To paraphrase a veteran Arts teacher at my school, teaching in today’s world is a revolutionary act.

Whether you’re making a career change into Education or just starting out, here are 7 tips to guide you along the way.

1. Be strict and fair. Your students will not hate you for being strict. They’ll disrespect you for not stepping into your role as the adult.

2. Your two best friends: Connection to whatever you’re teaching and a thirst for knowledge.

Which brings me to #3.

3. Teach because you feel it’s your REAL purpose. There is no “I’ll do it for the summers off”. Visualize how you’ll create and make your curriculum fun by bringing your joys into your teaching. Do you like to paint? Great, bring that into your curriculum!

Why?

Because if you’re not having fun, neither are the students.

4. Stay curious about life. It’ll liven and enrich your own life and even your curriculum.

5. Be real with yourself and live your truth. Not sure what it is? Think about what brings you joy while awake.

I teach 7th grade — the “bad stepchild” of the K-12 spectrum. These kids are just happy for an authentic role model. They also see through the fake BS just like you, the teacher, can. Stay true to you.

6. This is cheesy but for real: Falling in love with the Earth as a planet helps. Something about connecting with the planet and knowing that your purpose is tied to teaching kids about caring and loving this “home” is extraordinary. Soak it up.

7. Most importantly: don’t put your happiness last. If the “burnt out” feeling is real, pause. Take your evenings, schedule your joy into your week and unplug. This tip will be your lifeline.