Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher’s Field Guide.

It’s time to be bold and binge on some life-changing content!

This week, we’re exploring strategies for boosting our confidence as educators and growing in confidence as people, both of which can be a real challenge.

Let’s jump in…

Teachers Have A Tough Time Believing In Their Potential

This one’s personal…

As teachers, we pour our hearts into nurturing the minds of our students and giving them the tools they need to face life with confidence and purpose.

But lately, as I’ve faced new challenges that have pushed me to question my own confidence and resilience, I’ve come to wonder how we can inspire and empower others if our own confidence is wavering.

It’s not just imposter syndrome, although just about every teacher I’ve ever spoken to has had their battles with that, including me. (Case in point - I’m being observed tomorrow, and even after 20 years as a teacher, I’m not immune from getting nervous at the thought of it).

I’m talking about that lack of confidence and self-belief that digs deeper into your psyche.

The voice that tells you there’s no point in aiming higher or being better. That challenges are to be avoided. That you can’t change the system, so there’s no point trying. That your class don’t like you, and that they’re likely to reject the lesson you’ve spent all evening planning.

I've been there. And it wasn't until I prioritised self-care and personal growth that I rediscovered my confidence, both as an educator and as an individual.

Here are the 5 strategies I used to leave self-doubt behind and become the teacher I always wanted to be…

5 Ways To Be The Teacher You Always Wanted To Be

1. Embrace Self-Compassion

One of the most significant hurdles I had to overcome was my inner critic, that relentless voice that magnified my mistakes and diminished my accomplishments.

It wasn't until I learned to practise self-compassion that I was able to silence that voice and treat myself with the kindness and understanding I deserved.

Self-compassion involves acknowledging our struggles and imperfections with kindness, rather than harsh self-judgment. It means recognising that we are human, and that failure and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

By cultivating self-compassion, we can avoid the cycle of self-criticism and negative self-talk that can erode our confidence as teachers and, more importantly, the awesome humans that we are.

One practical exercise that helped me was writing self-compassionate letters. Whenever I found myself being overly critical, I would write a letter to myself as if I were writing to a dear friend going through the same struggle.

And yes, I know it takes time and effort, especially when there’s so much else to do, but this simple act of reframing my thoughts with kindness and understanding was incredibly powerful.

2. Nurture Your Passions and Interests

As teachers, it's easy to become consumed by our work, leaving little time or energy for doing the things that make us who we really are.

But it’s so important that you keep on doing them!

Having interests and hobbies outside of teaching is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, which in turn, can boost our confidence and overall well-being.

For me, rediscovering my love for art was a game-changer. (I’m not good at it, but I’ve learned to accept that that doesn’t matter. I enjoy it, and that’s what counts. Anyone who knows me will tell you that’s a big deal!)

Not only did it provide a creative outlet that allowed me to express myself, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride in my work outside of the classroom.

If you're struggling to find time for your passions, you need to be hard on yourself in order to make a change. So make yourself set aside dedicated time each week for your hobbies or join a club or group that aligns with your interests and will hold you accountable.

This will not only help you stay connected to the things you love, but it can also introduce you to a supportive community of like-minded individuals, away from your teaching colleagues. Much as our colleagues are awesome, having a community away from them can do wonders for your confidence!

3. Foster Positive Relationships

No matter how confident we may feel within ourselves, having a strong support system can make a world of difference. Surrounding ourselves with positive and uplifting relationships (otherwise known as Marigolds) can provide us with the encouragement and motivation we need to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.

As teachers, it's important to build and maintain supportive relationships with our colleagues. Sharing our experiences, successes, and struggles with those who understand the unique challenges of our profession can be incredibly validating and can help us feel less alone.

Beyond our professional relationships, nurturing our connections with friends and family is equally important. These are the people who know us best and can offer a different perspective on our lives and experiences.

Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are key to fostering positive relationships. Learning to express ourselves clearly, actively listen, and resolve conflicts in a respectful manner can help strengthen our connections and prevent misunderstandings that could undermine our confidence.

4. Continuous Professional (And Personal) Development

As educators, we have a responsibility to continuously evolve and grow in our craft. Embracing a growth mindset and seeking opportunities for professional development can not only enhance our teaching skills but can also boost our confidence in our abilities.

Attending workshops, conferences, or taking online courses can expose us to new teaching methods, educational trends, and best practices. Additionally, staying current with developments in our field can help us feel more knowledgeable and prepared in the classroom.

Implementing new teaching strategies or techniques can be daunting, but it's important to remember that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones. By gradually incorporating new methods into our teaching, we can build confidence in our abilities and stay engaged and inspired in our profession.

5. Prioritise Physical And Emotional Wellbeing

As teachers, we often put the needs of our students before our own, but neglecting our physical and emotional wellbeing can have detrimental effects on our confidence and overall performance.

The connection between physical and emotional health is undeniable. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep can improve our energy levels, focus, and overall mood, which in turn, can boost our confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.

Incorporating stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling, can also be incredibly beneficial. These practices can help us stay grounded, manage our emotions more effectively, and prevent burnout.

It’s important to add, of course, that if you find yourself struggling with persistent stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Counselling or therapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to address these issues and cultivate a healthier, more confident mindset.

But for those of us who, with an increasing sense of resignation, feel powerless, lacking in confidence and unable to get out of our ruts, focusing on the manageable things and taking those opportunities to be healthy is a great place to start our confidence journey.

Here’s The Bottom Line..

Boosting our confidence as teachers is not just about improving our performance in the classroom; it's about cultivating a deeper sense of self-worth and fulfilment in all aspects of our lives.

By embracing these strategies, we can rediscover the confidence that fuels our passion for teaching and inspires us to be the best versions of ourselves.

And that sounds like a win-win to me.

What Are You Waiting For?

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You Can Do The Hard Stuff

Doing the hard stuff is what life’s all about, after all. And the things we learn as we overcome those challenges are the things we take with us.

The wisdom to continue to grow, flourish and thrive.

Wherever you are on that journey, remember how much you mean to everyone in your school community and all the fantastic gifts you give every day.

Thank you, as always, for being so awesome - you’re an inspiration.

Check out our field notes as a reminder of this issue’s takeaways…

In next week’s issue, we’ll explore a brand new 5-step teacher wellness model and the psychology behind it that makes it so successful.

Until then, remember, you’re more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

You’re you. And that’s all you need to be.