After years of headaches, frustrations, and moments I wouldn’t want to repeat, I realized something very clear: being a teacher is more than teaching, much more.
Being a teacher demands commitment, courage, knowledge, and resilience. Yes, all at once. It’s a mix that sometimes makes us feel on the verge of breaking.
But I discovered something surprising: some tools make this journey more manageable. It’s not easy, but it is possible. And I’m not talking about magic formulas. I’m talking about simple things that, when applied, can transform your day.
After more than 20 years, I see that many answers lie in the simple things, in what is sometimes invisible.
So I want to share with you what has helped me. What has made me more effective, calmer, and happier in the classroom?
My triad for surviving and thriving in the classroom
1. Truly Listen
Listening is not just hearing words. Listening is feeling what the other person is experiencing, reading between the lines, and noticing emotions.
I remember a student who couldn’t adjust to class, his performance was dropping, and he was becoming more distant and reluctant. His behavior was getting harder, and I felt really frustrated.
One day, during recess, I overheard him talking to his classmates: his dad was unemployed, he wanted to help at home… and he was threatening a friend. That’s when I understood: it wasn’t rebellion. It was fear. Stress. Confusion.
A simple conversation, asking what made a good day or a hard day at home, taught me more than any pedagogy manual. By listening, I could support him better. And also help his family.
Active listening is everywhere: with students, colleagues, and families. The answer to many problems is already there. You just have to listen.
Tips for practicing active listening:
Tip 1: During breaks or informal moments, observe and listen without intervening. Sometimes students reveal more about their needs in a casual comment than in a structured lesson.
Tip 2: Ask open-ended questions that invite sharing experiences: “Tell me something that made you happy or sad,” or why you like or dislike something… Don’t correct or judge, just listen.
2. Breathe and pause before acting
Being a teacher can often feel like constant chaos. The clock is ticking, students call out, colleagues ask questions, assignments pile up… and you just run, run, run.
I used to be one of those “teacher-orchestra” types, doing everything at once without thinking. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed.
Until I learned a small ritual that saves me: I put my hands open in front of my chest, like saying “there’s a lot,” then slowly lower them to waist height, like saying “calm down, step by step, there’s always a way.” I breathe, observe, and decide: what are the three things that really matter right now?
It seems counterintuitive, but I do this constantly in high-pressure moments. From there, I act with calm and clarity. No rush. No guilt. I give my best version. And surprisingly, everything goes better.
Breathing, pausing, and observing not only calms you. It gives perspective. It helps distinguish urgent from important. It lets me prioritize without feeling crushed. And most of all, it gives me back control.
Tips to pause and regain control:
Tip 1: Before responding to any stressful situation, pause for 10 seconds and take a deep breath. Notice what really matters right now and what can wait.
Tip 2: Use a physical gesture of your own that reminds you to be in the present. This connects mind and body and helps you act from calm, not stress.
3. Simplify
I always wanted to do everything perfectly, and I don’t know why I ended up making things longer and more complicated. Until I understood: complicating things doesn’t improve anything. Simplifying does.
Simplifying is not doing less. It’s doing better. With intention.
I started asking myself: “How can I do this faster without losing quality?” “What can I delegate?” “Is this really important?” “What can I prepare in advance?” Each question opened a door to simpler and more effective solutions.
Before, I spent hours preparing materials that were used for just a few minutes. Now I look for tools, resources, and strategies. I do the same work, but faster, clearer, simpler. And I have time to breathe, reflect, and be present with my students.
Simplifying transforms anxiety into action and chaos into order. And if something stresses you out, there’s always an alternative. You just have to find it.
Tips to simplify your day-to-day:
Tip 1: Make a list of your daily tasks and ask yourself for each: “Is this really necessary? Is there a simpler way to do it?” Focus only on the essentials.
Tip 2: Prepare materials, routines, or recurring activities in advance. Reducing daily decisions saves mental energy and lets you focus on what matters most: you and your students.
Being a teacher is demanding, yes. But it’s also full of moments that are worth it.
Listening, pausing, and simplifying don’t just improve our practice. They help us enjoy the process, connect with students, and take care of ourselves.
Every small change can transform your day. You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to carry it all. But you can choose how to react, what to prioritize, and how to make it simpler.
Being a teacher doesn’t have to be a path of burnout. Let’s not allow it. It can be a journey full of learning, connection, and deep satisfaction. And each time we apply these three principles, we get a little closer to the version of the teacher we’ve always dreamed of being.
If you want to transform your classroom into a space where students learn and you save time, discover my ready-to-use resources and make your day much easier here in my Class Plus resource store.
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