Came across this post yesterday on The Cornerstone Blog and finally got to reading it today. The blogger is a public school teacher, but her post resonated with my most recent classroom management dilemma. Most conscientious CEGEP teachers will recognize the wisdom in her words. She sums her thoughts up as follows:
The commitment to a personal vision is what ensures success and brings both the teacher and student back into the classroom each day. And while it’s critical to create buy-in among students, the concept of a personal vision must originate within the teacher. It is the teacher who creates the classroom environment and community, and so it is the teacher who holds real power for systemic change.
I am convinced that the key to personal efficacy, effectiveness, and longevity in the classroom has more to do with a teacher’s internal state of mind than any outside attribute. Efficacy is impossible when a teacher is distracted by personal issues, taking offense at student misbehavior, holding onto grudges against administration, and constantly judging parents for the way students are raised. These poisonous attitudes will slowly destroy a teacher’s vision…
Classroom as Microcosm 
I agree with this 100%…unkess you have a serial killer on your class! 😛
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I agree that the personal vision and perspective will make or break teachers–it’s the difference between the teachers that leave after 5 years or less and those that continue to do it. But I don’t think you can do it alone–you need supportive colleagues and administrators to help you keep this perspective intact, and remind you of what really matters.
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Gen X: yes, there is always the serial killer problem…
Mr. D.: A supportive working environment is key, I think. I work in one, and I sometimes forget what it’s like when colleagues/administrators are not on your side. Then I read blogs by other teachers detailing their struggles, and my heart goes out to them. I wonder what the solution to THOSE problems is?
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