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Medicate to Educate

Teachers often ask me how I manage to stay so motivated as an educator. I used to find that question odd, until I realized all the pressures, frustrations, and disappointments we face every week as teachers. Now, I often joke with new and beginning teachers that there are only two reasons why anyone would become a teacher: you’re either ‘called’ to teach or you’re just plain ‘crazy’ to teach, because who would choose to do this job (teach) if he or she wasn’t “called” to do it? Only a crazy person. The teachers laugh, but I think there’s some real truth to what I say.

About the Author Professor Joe Martin is an award-winning educator, trainer, and author of several books, including Good Teachers Never Quit, When Students Just Won’t Listen, and Tricks of the Grade. Regarded as “America’s Top Educator Motivator," he speaks, trains, and consults with more than 50 school districts a year in the area of teacher retention and student motivation/behavior issues. Joe supports teachers through his family of Web sites at NewTeacherUniversity, RealWorld University, and Teacher Pay Raise. Click here to read his complete bio.

So, what do I tell those teachers who ask me for “my secret” to staying motivated in the classroom? I tell them to “get medicated.” Now before you panic, I’m not condoning drug usage. I know we live in a country that’s already over-medicated. What I’m referring to isn’t a prescription; it’s more of a philosophy. It’s the secret weapon I like to call “the medicine cabinet.” It’s one of the greatest teaching resources you can create for constant and never-ending motivation.

Ever since I started teaching, I’ve saved every note, e-mail, card, gift, and letter I’ve ever received from a student or parent. I keep all those letters and notes in a file cabinet near my desk. I call it my “medicine cabinet” because every time I feel like I’m having a rough (i.e., emotionally sick) day -- you know, one of those days when you feel like maybe teaching was a mistake -- I simply reach over to my file drawer, close my eyes, and blindly pick out a letter. After reading the letter, I feel better almost instantly. Each note or letter reminds me of my purpose for teaching, and of the difference I’m making in the lives of students -- even though I’m not always aware of it.

My medicine cabinet helps me hang in when I feel like letting go. So I challenge you to either create your own medicine cabinet or go back and read a few of those notes and letters you’ve received. They’re guaranteed to put you on an emotional high for at least one full day (if not longer).

So, if you’re feeling a little under the emotional weather, just read a couple of student letters and call me in the morning. I must warn you, though, this form of medication can become very addictive.

As always, teach with passion!

Article by Joe Martin
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