By Chuck Martin, MSTA President
Our schools are the heartbeats of the communities in which we live. Teachers set the energy levels in our schools, which makes it essential for us to establish a positive vibe in our individual schools.
Too often, we focus on survival kits when we face tough times. Instead, we must consciously decide not to simply survive but to flourish through professional growth, teamwork with our colleagues and the energy we bring to our classrooms daily. We have the power to decide each day whether to be positive or not. Be positive for your students! Be positive for your colleagues! Be positive for your communities!
It is a given that each of us will face adversities and challenges in our professional and personal lives. Thus, it is vital that we surround ourselves with positive people so that we can face these trials when they come. There are, no doubt, multiple things happening in our communities and around the globe currently that are perceived as negative — and rightly so. It is easy to feel trapped by all of the negativity around us. Let’s choose differently! Let’s choose positivity!
We, as educators, play a huge role in molding future generations. In spite of the difficulties that have prevailed over the past couple of years, our schools have accomplished amazing things. I am also certain that each of us has grown both professionally and personally in ways we couldn’t have imagined during this time. Stop to consider the positives that have come about for you personally, regardless of the challenges you have faced.
“Being positive” may look different for each of us and will be manifested in many ways. For me, I desire to convey an attitude of thankfulness. I want others to see how grateful I am to be a member of the greatest profession on Earth (including my students who may be aspiring future teachers). Moreover, I want to encourage my colleagues to be the best they can be in and out of their classrooms. We will be overcomers if we stay positive!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state president. I look forward to the great adventure ahead of us in the coming year! We are MSTA!