Why Teachers Need to STOP Being Positive (And What to Do Instead)

Have you ever felt pressured to put on a happy face at school, even when you're having a rough day? If so, you're not alone. Many teachers struggle with the expectation to be constantly cheerful - but there's a better way.

Let's talk about positivity - but not the fake, "everything is awesome" kind. As teachers, we need to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy positivity to create better classrooms and take care of ourselves.

Understanding Real Positivity

Healthy positivity means being real about challenges while staying hopeful. It's okay to have tough days - that's just part of being human! On the other hand, toxic positivity tries to force cheerfulness all the time, which just isn't realistic or helpful. We create space for authentic emotions and genuine growth when we embrace healthy positivity. This approach allows us to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining optimism about solutions. By accepting both positive and negative experiences, we build emotional resilience. Teachers who practice healthy positivity tend to foster more authentic connections with their students. Most importantly, this balanced perspective helps create a classroom environment where everyone feels safe expressing their true feelings.

What Science Says

Barbara Fredrickson, who studies positive psychology, explains that true positivity shows up in simple ways: being curious, showing empathy, feeling content, and keeping an open mind. Her research demonstrates that experiencing positive emotions can broaden our perspective and build lasting personal resources. She found that people who practice genuine positivity are more resilient in facing challenges and better at finding creative solutions. Additionally, her studies show that authentic positive emotions can strengthen social bonds and improve overall well-being. Fredrickson's work emphasizes that even brief moments of positive emotion can have lasting benefits for our mental and physical health. Most importantly for educators, her research indicates that creating an environment of genuine positivity can enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. These qualities help us build stronger relationships and better teaching practices.

Finding the Right Balance

Here's the key: you don't need to be happy 100% of the time. Aim for feeling positive about 75-90% of the time. When tough moments hit (and they will), use them as chances to grow and learn. Research shows that this balanced approach leads to better mental health and resilience. Remember that even the most successful teachers have difficult days - it's how they respond that matters. Most importantly, maintaining realistic expectations about positivity helps create a more authentic and supportive classroom environment.

Practical Tips for Teachers to Become More Authentically Positive

Here are some ways to bring healthy positivity into your teaching life:

• Start each day by noting one thing you're looking forward to in class
• Create a "wins folder" to save positive notes and memories
• Take real breaks during prep periods - don't work through them
• Connect with colleagues who lift you up
• Set boundaries around work hours and stick to them

Making It Work at Home

There are things you can do at home too! Try these strategies:

• Develop a relaxing after-school routine
• Find a hobby completely unrelated to teaching
• Practice saying "no" to extra commitments
• Spend time with people who energize you
• Celebrate small victories in your daily life

Remember: being positive doesn't mean ignoring problems. It means facing challenges with hope and wisdom while taking care of yourself along the way. This balanced approach will make you a better teacher and a happier person.

STRONG Teacher Toolkit

Here are some of my favorite resources, ideas, tools, services, and miscellaneous gadgets and goodies that keep me STRONG in both my personal and professional life.

WHY EDIFYJeremy Jorgensen

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