Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction ix
Today's Teacher 1
Teaching As a Career Choice 5
Current Events in Education 9
Unfounded, Unjustified Criticism 11
Teacher Advocacy 11
Tom Monzo, Jr., Third Grade Teacher 16
Today's Real Unsung Heroes 17
The Attributes of a Teacher 20
A Passion for Teaching 22
Why Did You Become a Teacher? 22
Light the Flame Within 23
Classroom Success 26
Self-Talk: Positive Word Usage and Affirmations 28
Self-Talk for a More Successful Year or 180 Days and Counting 32
How to Be More Energetic and Enthusiastic 36
Overcoming the Urge to Procrastinate 38
Learning How to Say "No" (and Feel Good about It) 40
Motivation 43
Goal Setting 44
Brainstorming 47
Time Management Techniques 48
Sometimes You Just Have to Make the Time 52
The Paperwork Avalanche 54
How to Complete a Major Project 54
Creativity 60
Ways to Enhance Your OwnCreativity 62
Movies, Entertainment, and Filmmaking 63
Music 64
Humor-You Have to Laugh! 66
When All Else Fails, Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh! 70
Ways to Create Humor in the Classroom 71
Change 73
Overcoming Adversity and Difficult Times 75
Life's Lessons 77
Memorable Events 82
Stress Relief 83
Stress in the Classroom 85
Take a Deep Breath 86
How to Stay Calm under Pressure 87
Self Rehab 89
Journal Writing: Why You Should Have Your Own Journal 89
Remember the Importance of Play 92
What Do You Do for Fun? 93
Remember to Say "Thank You" 94
Take Care of Yourself 96
Your Ideal Level of Performance-Being Your Best 97
Physical Fitness 100
Parking Lot Paradox 104
Getting Started 105
Diet 106
Take Care of Your Voice 112
You're Never Too Old to Teach 118
Thoughts about Longevity and the Aging Process 121
Planning to Retire? 125
Summary and Commentary 128
A Positive Change: Momentum Gaining on Teacher Recognition 130
One Last Assignment: Give Your Teachers An A+ 131
Reference Quotes and Worksheet 133
About the Author 143