Appreciation Folder

Appreciation Folder: We have all had those days where you wonder how you ever got your teaching degree or how anyone could have possibly thought were were qualified for the job you hold.  Prior to teaching, I used to call my family for reassurance and to help calm me down from an impending hysteria (dramatic teenage years).  Once I started teaching though, it got harder for my family to really relate because they were not in the teaching fields.  In addition to that, in the moment, I may not have time to call someone for reinforcement as to my effectiveness as a teacher.

My worst moment came one morning after I had a parent-teacher-principal-counselor meeting with a student who was continuously displaying troubling behavior.  After meeting with his parents, it seemed that there was nothing I could do because the parents didn't see any value in an education or respecting the system (or anyone for that matter).  I left that room, asked for a sub to cover my classroom for 20 minutes, and cried in my car almost uncontrollably.  I felt completely useless!  I was a failure as a teacher because there was nothing I could do for this kid.  

I heard the familiar ding of an incoming email and opened it.  My principal sent me a reassuring message telling me I was an amazing teacher, that in some way, the student would look back and realize I was trying to help him grow and he would appreciate all I tried to do for him.  She reminded me that she hired me because I was too stubborn to give up on kids, that just because they have given up, it's okay to still do my best for him.  

That's when I started my Appreciation Folder.  Any email, picture, or message anyone sent me that reminded me why I love teaching and why I was born to teach, I put in a folder online or sometimes even print out and highlight.  In moments of discouragement or failure, I look over to the printed out email from my principal or pull up a picture of a thank you note from a student or parent.  I am comforted in the fact that the bad moment does not define me or my career, it is only a stepping stone to grow from.  It also helps me to remember those moments when I say to myself: even if nothing else goes right this year, this is one moment where I was able to make a difference in someone's life, and that will help me get through any bad day.  

Takeaway: It's not selfish to keep items or memories of moments when you got a pat on the back.  Save them for yourself, they don't necessarily have to be part of your resume, but it is good to have a pick-me-up on your off days :)