Essential Question 2
ESSENTIAL QUESTION 2: What role does professional satisfaction play in the effectiveness of a classroom?
"Mediocrity is incapable of motivating." (Burgess, 2012, p. 147). It seems so obvious that if we are not fulfilled by our careers as teachers, we cannot inspire our students to do great things. But, on some days more than others, it is difficult to find that inspiration.
So when the topic we are supposed to teach isn't our favorite or the kids are really wearing us down how are we to dig deep and come out on top? Dave Burgess says it hinges on a "mighty purpose". He says there is no higher calling than being teacher because we are shaping the future. "We're uplifting lives and helping students fulfill their human potential." (Burgess, 2012, p. 150) Burgess really sent this home for me when he quoted George Bernard Shaw in saying "This is the true joy in life; the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." (Burgess, 2012, p. 149).
It's no surprise that teachers are generally better at their jobs when they feel happy and satisfied while doing them. However according to Madeline Will, research shows that teachers tend to have higher job satisfaction when there is a strong, collaborative school culture. She states that strong Professional learning communities can be a critical factor in teachers' job satisfaction and ultimately students' achievement. (Will, 2017).
So here is my takeaway: If we live our mighty purpose and have the support of our colleagues, we will feel great professional satisfaction and then we can go to work each day and inspire our students to do great things!
Resources:
Burgess, D. (2012). Teach like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator. San Diego, CA: Dave Burgess Consulting.
Will, M. (2017, February 16). Study: Teacher Satisfaction, Collaboration Are Keys to Student Achievement. Retrieved May 30, 2019, from https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2017/02/study_teacher_satisfaction_professional_learning_communities_keys_to_student_achievement.html
"Mediocrity is incapable of motivating." (Burgess, 2012, p. 147). It seems so obvious that if we are not fulfilled by our careers as teachers, we cannot inspire our students to do great things. But, on some days more than others, it is difficult to find that inspiration.
So when the topic we are supposed to teach isn't our favorite or the kids are really wearing us down how are we to dig deep and come out on top? Dave Burgess says it hinges on a "mighty purpose". He says there is no higher calling than being teacher because we are shaping the future. "We're uplifting lives and helping students fulfill their human potential." (Burgess, 2012, p. 150) Burgess really sent this home for me when he quoted George Bernard Shaw in saying "This is the true joy in life; the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." (Burgess, 2012, p. 149).
It's no surprise that teachers are generally better at their jobs when they feel happy and satisfied while doing them. However according to Madeline Will, research shows that teachers tend to have higher job satisfaction when there is a strong, collaborative school culture. She states that strong Professional learning communities can be a critical factor in teachers' job satisfaction and ultimately students' achievement. (Will, 2017).
So here is my takeaway: If we live our mighty purpose and have the support of our colleagues, we will feel great professional satisfaction and then we can go to work each day and inspire our students to do great things!
Resources:
Burgess, D. (2012). Teach like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator. San Diego, CA: Dave Burgess Consulting.
Will, M. (2017, February 16). Study: Teacher Satisfaction, Collaboration Are Keys to Student Achievement. Retrieved May 30, 2019, from https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2017/02/study_teacher_satisfaction_professional_learning_communities_keys_to_student_achievement.html
Yes, a collaborative work environment makes it more enjoyable to be there. And, if you feel you are truly accomplishing something worthwhile, you are happier.
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