Wild-eyed parents. Petrified students. Bat-crazy colleagues. Changing policies. Uncertainties. Obstacles. Frustrations. STRESS.
Political division and its effects is enough to make you curl up rocking and sobbing on your kitchen floor.
But there is one thing you can control. A trump card, if you will. A doorway to another existence you can access anytime you like.
It’s your attitude. Get it right by focusing on just three things, and you’ll float above the fray, untouchable, like a bird on the wing.
Here’s how.
Be Okay.
It doesn’t matter what other people think. Your colleagues and parents, even students, can believe in mask mandates and vaccines or in neither one. They can think that anyone who feels differently than them is insane, or even evil.
Doesn’t matter. What matters is what you believe. Hang on to your dignity and let others feel however they wish. You don’t have to try to change their mind. You don’t have to dislike them or judge them. You don’t have to be angry with them.
They have their reasons. We all do. And it’s okay. It really is.
Be okay with others obnoxiously, and sometimes aggressively, trying to push their beliefs on the rest of the world. You can believe too, strongly and confidently, without publicly taking sides.
Be Accepting.
If you want to change something, then go through the proper channels. Show up to school board meetings, run for office, or gather and protest to your heart’s content. Otherwise, and while on the job, accept all that you cannot change.
Yes, everything. Go with it while on the clock, whatever it may be.
Take care of yourself and your mental outlook so you can be at your best for your students. Never, ever forget your purpose. It’s not to bristle at policy. It’s not to raise a fuss and complain. It’s not to let things you can’t control get under your skin.
It’s to do right by those kids. They come first. They matter above all. Love them and accept them, even if you feel they’ve been misled or misinformed. It’s not your place to fix them according to your own subjective view.
Plus, maybe, just maybe, you don’t have all the right answers.
Teach them well and stick to your content. Bring peace and normalcy to their life by reminding them of their own purpose for being in school, which transcend current events.
Be Quiet.
People who are comfortable in their own skin don’t take disagreement personally. They’re strong enough in their beliefs to not have to share them with the world or feel the need to change others. So stay quiet about masks. Keep your thoughts about vaccines to yourself.
Wait until you get home and vent to your friends or significant other. Otherwise, you’ll bring mountains of stress into your life. You’ll get so caught up in what others do or think that you won’t sleep at night.
Anxiety grows if you continue to feed it.
Left unabated, it can turn you into someone you don’t recognize. It can push you to extremes where you actually believe that half the country are terrible, stupid people just because they think differently than you.
So go about your business quietly. Do your job. Stay focused, meditative, and out of the fray, mentally and otherwise. Take the high road of grace and you’ll be in position to inspire success in your students and help those suffering around you.
Take Care
It’s okay to feel differently than your neighbors and colleagues.
What isn’t okay is to hate them for it. The refusal or inability to see things from other perspectives—yes, even things you diametrically oppose—is a sign of a closed and hardened mind.
It’s also blindly arrogant and will ruin friendships, divide families, and age you faster than the noonday sun. Bring it to work with you and you’re cheating the taxpayer and doing damage to an educational system that is reeling.
Be part of the solution by taking care of yourself.
If you’re getting fired up and stressed out over the state of the world, then catch yourself. Take a cold splash of water to the face. Breathe down deep into your diaphragm and control what you can control.
Reorient toward acceptance, calmness, and quietude. Stop scattering seeds of division and instead take the road less traveled by being an exemplar of teaching excellence and professionalism.
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Thanks for sharing.
What a great article – thank you for sharing it!
I teach high school at a residential treatment facility. These are at-risk students who really need the full attention of their teachers. I don’t have time to get caught up in political BS.
I hear murmurings and complainants in the hallway about vaccines, masks, and such and I leave it right there in the hallway where I heard it. I pull up my mask and head to class.
I couldn’t agree more with your article. Thank you for sharing your meritorious words with us.
How do you deal with the covid protocols at school that segregate the vaccinated from the unvaccinated? As far as bi weekly testing for only unvaccinated or no pay if someone who is unvaccinated gets covid. Thanks!
good question. I had same
This is great advice!
“ The refusal or inability to see things from other perspectives—yes, even things you diametrically oppose—is a sign of a closed and hardened mind.”
I’m curious if you would include the most harmful of perspectives—- racism, bigotry, homophobia in this definition. Because I’ve never felt closed minded for being diametrically opposed to these perspectives and their place in our world much less my school.
To the subject of this post in particular—it is at the very least reckless and selfish to oppose the safety measures in place to product students, staff, and their families. It’s doing right by my students to check my colleagues who don’t take this seriously even *after* we’ve literally had students lose parents to covid.
Hi Jessica,
Respectfully, I think you misunderstood the article.
Respectfully, how many students will you be teaching in a poorly ventilated classroom this school year? Because I think that answer informs a lot of the difference between my understanding of this article vs your intended message.
I can’t imagine being in your position. I think what the article was saying was in essence the serenity prayer. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
And take care of yourself emotionally & spiritually. If it’s genuinely that stressful, if you can, don’t leave any option off the table….see a therapist & see if you qualify for a paid leave till things settle back down / they have a booster for Delta, etc. There’s always options. Whatever you do, don’t isolate or let your feelings overwhelm you. Nothing is more important than one’s mental health. Best of luck!
I agree, 100%! Great perspective on this article.
I agree with this completely and was wondering the same.
Man!!! I love this…..so good, so true! Thank you!
Thank-you.
Thank-you.
Thank-you.
Thank you. Well said.
Dear Michael,
I appreciate this so much! This messy situation can be an opportunity to show our students that we do not have to agree with others in order to have a peaceful relationship with them. It’s not about pretending that our differences don’t exist; it’s about accepting that opposing opinions are a normal part of being human.
This post if full of good sense. Thank you!
– Andrea C
Perfect! Exactly my plan. Thank you for sharing.
Michael, I have never written a comment to you even though I read your weekly emails and have many of your books. Your wisdom has helped me grow daily to become a better, happier teacher. I want to encourage YOU to keep doing the incredible job you are doing in analyzing the ever-changing landscape of the classroom, applying the principles of smart classroom management to new, unforeseen circumstances, and through that process, giving us all hope that is it possible to try something new today to help our students and ourselves have a calm, happy classroom. What a difference you’ve made in my life–thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Ditto. What Lee Anne said.
Thx – No protocols here in my part of Florida. I alone wear a mask and shield in my school. Quarantines aren’t followed strictly. Testing isn’t done, and being the lone person in a mask is hard on so many levels – with parents, with students, with fellow teachers. My elementary school son and I have health issues, so being careful is vital. 135 students in my classes with no masks – it feels a bit overwhelming. I’ll see if what I am doing works to keep my son and I safe, but it is hard some days to hang onto my smile.
Dear Mermaid Scribbler,
Hang in there! I cannot even imagine what it must be like for you. In the end, people will realise you were right all along.
Take care,
Marcia.
Thanks so much! It helps to know I am not alone.
If the mask makes you feel better, then wear it. Where I am we have to wear masks, and I do even though I disagree. However, this is just some food for thought. Many years ago, my wife had stage IV lymphoma. She did everything there was to do including radiation and a stem cell transplant. I didn’t think she would make it, but about 15 years later, she is still hear. We spent 3 months at a very prestegious cancer treatment center. We saw almost no masks. They told my wife not to wear a mask because it would be more likely to kill her by collecting things that would make her sick. I believe they were right.
You are not alone! I am one of the few teachers in my school wearing a mask. It’s hard!
Virtual hugs!
Stay strong and take care of you and your son. This week’s article seems to speak to situations like this. I’m in Florida as well, and I feel there’s a lot of judgement on both sides (mask or no mask, vaccine or no vaccine). I will take to heart Michael’s advice and be happy with my choices inside.
I really needed to read this, thank you!!!
What great and timely reminders – and this can apply to politics and religion and just about any other controversial topic. Thank you!!
Thank you, I enjoyed reading this!
Thank you for your great advice as always!
This article contains much needed advice. I have found when I teach and interact in class or virtually with my students and leave the politics outside, I am fulfilled. It’s when I listen to the negativity about what is right or wrong that my stress level elevates.
I am reading Mark Batterson’s book Win the Day. I have started logging habits that you mentioned in this article: getting up earlier, praying and meditating, going to school earlier, and leaving at 4 everyday. I have gotten more done, feel prepared, and less stressed.
Finally, when we can change something, we need to be responsible and make the change happen. On the other hand, when we can’t change the issue, I like what you had to say, “while on the job, accept all that you cannot change.” Batterson says it this way, “Pull a Frozen and let it go.”
Thank you for this post. I plan to print it for a revisit from time to time.
Well said. Thank goodness I’m in LA where masks are required. That said, at the end of last year mask wearing was pretty loose & I let it slide bc I judged the risk was low. Now with Delta, I’m sending a clear message with “Masks worn over mouth & nose at all times”. I’ll present it as being for their safety since I’m sure some of my students won’t have been vaccinated. I’m sure I’ll get testers & maybe even some pushback but it will die down. Contrary to popular belief, most people follow the rules if the rules & consequences are clear (eg, most people will drive 20mph in a school zone even though they hate it bc they don’t want a $200 ticket). Even if the kids are not really wearing masks all day, I control my room & thank goodness it’s within the rules of my school. I would definitely need to do a lot of “God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change” if I lived in an area that had rules that counter to the evidence I’ve seen regarding the cost/benefit of masks.
I’m trying Michael. We all are. But Covid in the Classroom is at the forefront of my mind every day. Our schools are struggling to deal the extreme amount of cases. It does affect me mentally and affects how I do my job. I do not, to the best of my ability, let my anxious state of mind affect the children. But I cannot just accept that this is the way it is when it angers me and saddens me that we are still dealing with this.
Agree that it’s taking a toll on those of us who are quiet, professional, and keep our focus on teaching. Last year there was a plan from the start. This year, every week has some new protocol or procedure, yet teachers are being asked to cover classes on planning periods because of substitute shortages and meetings are rampant, face to face meetings. We have no Covid sick leave like last year, and the expectations for teachers are unchanged in spite of the case numbers increasing for students and staff. It’s like being caught in the waves between normal operations and pandemic protocols, never certain which way the wind will blow you. I don’t like feeling unsupported and pretending that nothing is wrong. I’m always engaged with students in class, and that’s what keeps me steady for now.
Thank you!!!!! I agree!!!!!
Yep….just shut up. Say and do nothing. Be good little boys and girls.
I’m done with this page.
Actually what he said was protest, run for office, etc but while at school teaching, leave politics out of it.
I hope you will REread this article. There are many poignant truths that one can benefit from if willing to alter your mindset a bit. Also, Jeff’s comment, with which I agree, likened this sage article’s advice to the “serenity prayer.”
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Wishing you all fulfilling school year.
Je is saying « rise above it » for yourself and your students. Not because we ar who’s little boys and girls. Go join a prières March or talk to your councillor, but leave it all behind when you’re teaching. I’m no « good » bout or girl either. But this advice will keep you sane.
The whole world needs to hear this! Thank you.
This article brought me to tears. Thank you for having so much integrity and sharing your perspectives. To say they resonates with me, would be an understatement. Love is the bottom line…
Thanks so much for sharing …
Very insightful and profound write-up.
This article helped me to keep things in perspective. I think you’re right.
I actually took some deep breaths while reading this. I wasn’t aware that I was stressed out about this.
Thanks!
I just retired in May 2021. I plan to substitute this year. Any great tips for substitutes?
Thanks Michael. I will keep your advice close in mind heading into this coming school week.
You have no idea how badly I needed this article. As cases are soaring, I am surrounded by many people in my town who have not accepted the severity of this variant. Many residents/parents are signing petitions to change the mask policy, which isn’t even a mandatory mandate, and are planning to attend the school board meeting this week. This topic has been on my mind all summer, as I know there will be a lot of kids challenging the required use of masks when 3 feet of distance is not possible. I appreciate your sharing of this information and insight.
Wow! If I didn’t already love you and your advice, I would now!
Dear Michael,
This is the best advice you could give at this time. I feel truly humbled! This message goes beyond teaching – it is a message to all societies, everywhere. Thank you for your wisdom. You have truly excelled yourself with this.
Can’t thank you enough for this article. I needed these wise words. THANK YOU.
Exactly what I needed!!!
Thank you for the timely advice!!!!
Thanks for the great article! It is tough for me to watch healthy children being treated like they are diseased, but you’re right- this is the way to survive it. It’s all about stoicism in the end.
Great article! It is basic manners and professionalism. Students should see a united, happy staff- then they can relax and trust we have their best interests at heart. Dissention belongs, but not in front of the kids!!!
I always read Smart Classroom Management and always find common sense advice for myself as a teacher. But unfortunately I think you missed the mark on this one. We are living in the most globally challenging time of our lives. Instead of telling people to be OK, I feel the advice needs to be, it’s OK to not be OK. It’s not ideal, but you might lose yourself in emotion during your job because things are so hard. Give yourself grace. I also feel that one of the foundational things we try to teach students is to stand up for what’s right. Great advice to run for office, etc. But instead of telling teachers to be quiet (I would never tell my students this, it feels very dismissive and counter-productive), I would recommend telling teachers to figure out and focus on their top values, and establish respectful boundaries with others based on these values. You believe that wearing masks keeps you safe? Then kindly ask adults who come in your class to put one on or stay far away in the class. Teachers are asked to do too much in extremely stressful circumstances already. Telling them to be quiet and professional at all times during a global pandemic when lives are on the line feels like a harmful directive. I wish everyone a safe and calm school year. Advice from a humble teacher? Take care of yourself, whatever that looks like. No one else is going to. Be well.
Thank you!
Phenomenal article!!! Best ever. Everyone has their own life journey. My job is to stay focused on my students, love them and bring them my personal best. Best wishes to everyone here.
I appreciate the advice but this is not just about political differences. Masks are a terrible mistake. I am presently struggling with the question whether I can enforce a (K-8 school) policy that discriminates the “vaccinated” from the “unvaccinated” (and I suppose from those who remain afraid and/or believe the vaccines are ineffective) — by means of an identifying mark (the mask); while at the same time tacitly promotes and incentivizes the “vaccines” with the promise of relief from the odious mask requirement. My particular school in a blue state has the latitude to go all optional — freedom of choice — instead, the new policy will create division, peer pressure (“I can’t wait to turn 12 so I can get the shot like her”) and pressure on families to come around to the “correct” decision on something that ought entirely to be a matter of personal/parental medical choice. At the very very least, I cannot tell students to keep their mask on because “it’s keeping you kids safe.” The truth is, your mask makes some of us adults more comfortable. And I wish more of us adults would look at what’s really going on and refuse to live our lives full of fear.
Tom,
Your logical argument needs to be met with, in your off hours at the board meetings. Linsen is right, make your stand where it counts. Don’t burn bridges where the fight sucks the air out of the lesson or the lounge. We need each other to get through this year. Let the board duke it out. Just give THEM your fuel!
I’ll either navigate the protocols or resign because I’m feeling like I’ve had “enough.” That’s what I’m discerning right now. Thank you for your great article!
Thank you for the reminders that we all need patience and grace. I’ll never regret keeping my composure, but I might regret a slip of the tongue or an unkind gesture. Thanks for telling us that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and for telling us to take care of ourselves. We already know, but we still need to be told over and over again. Thanks for the constant encouragement and for the continual tips in dealing with changing policies and changing students in a changing world. Take care? We will; and you, too: take care.
Yep! This is a balanced message we needed to hear.
Thank you for guiding us to sanity, level-headedness and at peace.