Tips for Teachers for a Better Work Environment

Sun kissed and fully rested, teachers walk into the school building for in-service and the start of school full of zen and good vibes. Now let me ask how long you think all those good vibes are going to last? Come on...we all know that teachers are notorious for drama. gossip and COMPLAINING. BUT with Jesus fresh on the mind, you can steer clear of that this year.

This year, let’s approach each situation with prayer first and action later. Here are my tips for a more pleasant work environment...

1. Avoid Drama: STEP AWAY from the he said, she said game and mind your own business. If someone wants to talk to you about an offense towards someone else or takes competitiveness a little too far, emotionally back away. Change the subject or even say, “I’d rather not talk about that.” Old habits die hard so when you’re alerted to drama ask God to help you back away. Proverbs 21:23 “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
2. Stop Gossiping: If what you’re talking about doesn’t DIRECTLY involve you, then you have no business discussing it. Airing out other people’s dirty laundry is tacky. Instead, ask God to give you positive, uplifting things to say or if He can help you gracefully steer the conversation into a safer territory. Ephesians 4:29 “Don’t use foul or abusive langauage. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to everyone who hears them.”
3. Don’t Complain: Nobody enjoys a complainer, yet we all do it. We complain about the work, copies, grading, added duties, troublesome students, over involved parents and so much more. Before you start your day, ask God for a grateful heart so that your thoughts and words are positive and appreciative. Ask for his help in seeing the good in hard circumstances. Phillipians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or questioning,” and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
4. No Venting: If you’re going to vent, air it all out to Jesus. Do not involve other people in your offenses with parents, students, administration or otherwise. Proverbs 16:28 “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” If you need to get something off your chest, go to a trusted brother/sister in Christ or word vomit on a piece of paper and shred it. There’s something about writing it all down, reading it back and realizing how nasty it is. Just remember to shred it or you’re going to regret it...think about that...if you know you would regret someone reading what you wrote, then you don’t need to be saying it.
5. Build an Atmosphere of Encouragement and Love: Test the waters and see which coworkers are like-minded. Encourage each other daily with Bible verses, short prayers and uplifiting post-it notes in their mailbox or desk. Draw along side each other and be reminded of God’s goodness daily. Hebrews 3:13 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

I am praying for you, my fellow teacher friends, to have a smooth and God guided year. I'm asking for God to show you his power and goodness everyday. Blessings on you this year.