Keeping Motivated as a Teacher – 6 Top Tips

As a long and eventful school term draws to a close, teachers and school staff all over the country are ready for a well-earned half term break. October half term is a chance to relax, unwind and rest before the next busy school term, preparing you for the run up to Christmas. So, if this term has left you feeling frazzled or depleted, our Account Managers are here to share their top tips for keeping motivated as a teacher. Read the Top Tips below and return to school feeling refreshed and ready for the new term after the October break.

Be creative in the classroom

If you’re starting to feel complacent in the classroom, there’s a chance your pupils are too. So, go back after half term and mix things up by injecting some fun! Being creative in the classroom makes lessons more enjoyable, fun and engaging for pupils while bringing more satisfaction for teachers too. Our favourite ideas include:

• Using multimedia technology (video, audio, apps) to bring a new dimension to your teaching
• Introducing games as a playful, interactive and memorable element in your lessons
• Encouraging discussion and debate to get your pupils communicating their ideas
• Integrating real-world experiences into your teaching to enhance your pupils’ learning
• Getting outdoors for a change of scene, a dose of inspiration and educational field trips
• Storytelling and role-play to help with visualization and understanding of complex ideas
• Involving the expressive arts in your teaching, from music and dance to acting and crafts
• Updating your classroom environment to refresh your surroundings and inspire you.

Observe experienced teachers

Teaching is a vocation and life-long career for many. So, if you’re experiencing a dip in motivation at the end of term, it is wise to spend some time with other teachers who have been working in the sector for many years and learn from their experience. All teachers started off as NQTs and developed their own tips and tricks to thrive throughout their careers, with ways of keeping motivated as a teacher. Ask them for help and invite them to share their suggestions with you, maybe even acting as a mentor along the way. Observe others and be patient, you’ll pick up lots of new ideas throughout your teaching career. You just need to remain open to learning new things as much as your pupils are and lead by example.

Embrace digital teaching methods

Technology is developing at a fast rate and young people now grow up in a digital world. To equip them for the future, it is important to introduce technology through digital teaching methods. There are many ways to integrate technology into your teaching plans, such as using apps, E-books, e-learning systems and webinars, via laptops, iPads and phones. You can signpost your pupils to interesting and informative websites, encourage online research and create an interactive learning environment using digital technology, to stay one step ahead and motivate them, as well as you.

Try something new

With lessons to plan and classes to teach, it can be easy to fall into the trap of sticking to a routine that is tried and tested. However, you may feel like you’re stuck in a rut by the end of term. If this is the case, take a step back and think about what you can change to bring your teaching back to life. Perhaps try something new to inject energy and excitement back into your lessons. Experiment with some of the creative and digital teaching methods we’ve discussed – it will give you more motivation and it will soon catch on with your pupils too!

Look how far you’ve come

Think back to when you were a student teacher… what motivated you to go into teaching? Perhaps it was to make a difference to young lives, or to help shape the future, or to engage children in learning by making it an enjoyable experience every day. As a teacher, you are well-placed to positively influence your pupils, and that is exactly what you’re doing. Looking back to where your teaching journey began is a great way to feel more motivated if you’re experiencing an end of term lull. Celebrating your successes will provide a fantastic boost – Don’t forget to attend regular training to learn new skills and refresh your memory, and always remember to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for everything you’ve achieved so far!

Take care of yourself

Teaching is undoubtedly a full-on job. It is not your normal 9-5 where you go home and forget all about work until the next day. As teachers, we are constantly thinking of new ideas, planning ahead, marking work and making notes, which makes it all the more important to take good care of yourself in your down time. Be sure to get plenty of rest this half term and do the things you really enjoy. Read a good book, take a nice long walk with the dog, meditate, socialise with friends, eat well and do all the things that make you feel good. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is key to keeping motivated as a teacher and maintaining your happiness. It also enables you to act as a role model for your pupils, teaching them an essential life lesson.

Teaching has its ups and downs just like any profession, but we believe that it is the most rewarding career out there. Not many people can say that their job helps shape the future, sculpt the next generation and change lives! So, next time you feel like you may be losing your teaching mojo, just remember how special your job is and take note of our six super ways of boosting your motivation. We would love to hear your suggestions for keeping motivated as a teacher too.