After dedicating over 25 years to teaching, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of my mental health, much like many of my colleagues in this profession. While I wouldn’t label teaching as the most stressful job globally, it undoubtedly ranks high in terms of emotional and mental demands. Yet, I consciously steer away from dwelling solely on the challenges and stresses of this incredibly rewarding career.
The mental health challenges I’ve faced have, for the most part, not stemmed directly from my profession. Rather, they are the result of personal life events, which are too intimate to detail here. But it’s crucial to acknowledge that teaching, with its unique pressures and triumphs, intertwines deeply with our personal lives, often blurring the lines between professional and personal challenges.
One of the most transformative experiences for me has been engaging in therapy. The journey through counseling has equipped me with tools that I still use to maintain my mental well-being. One such practice that has become a cornerstone of my daily routine is reflecting on gratitude. Each evening, I take a moment to list what I’ve received throughout the day – not just material things, but also emotional and intellectual gifts. This includes the joy of witnessing a struggling student’s ‘lightbulb’ moment, as well as the invaluable openness of a colleague who shares their expertise in an area of pedagogy I’m also exploring.
This practice of focusing on the positive has reshaped my outlook. It doesn’t diminish the weight of my problems but rather places them within a broader, more balanced context. It’s about recognising that alongside challenges, there are countless moments of connection, growth, and joy that enrich our lives.
This blog aims to extend this perspective to a wider audience. It’s for teachers, certainly, but also for anyone who’s ever been influenced by a teacher (and let’s face it, that’s just about everyone!). The core message is simple yet profound: gratitude can be a transformative force in our lives. By acknowledging and appreciating the positive impacts, both big and small, we can foster a more balanced and fulfilling experience in both our professional and personal spheres.
Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge. It’s a journey of constant learning, not just for the students, but for us, the educators, as well. In this blog, I hope to explore how the principles of gratitude can be interwoven into our teaching methods, our interactions with students, and our personal growth. I’ll share stories, insights, and practical tips on embracing gratitude in our everyday teaching lives, along with exploring how this simple yet powerful mindset can impact our overall well-being.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to share your experiences, reflections, and insights. Let’s create a space where we can celebrate the highs, navigate the lows, and above all, recognise the countless reasons we have to be grateful in our unique, challenging, and immensely rewarding teaching careers.
By Alf Collett (founder of TeachGratia)
If you would like to submit an article for TeachGratia, please contact me at alf@teachgratia.com
