As teachers, we always hear about the red flags that may come with teaching. We are so quick to share the negatives of this profession, that we often lose sight of the positives. Those TEACHER GREEN FLAGS. Those small moments remind us why we do what we do. With all the challenges these last three years have brought to the teacher community, it is always good to stop and reflect on our why. Why we’re still here and we still show up. Why our job still matters.
And what better way to ring in the new year than with 7 teacher green flags shared by teachers directly in our community! Perhaps hearing someone else’s green flag, will remind you of yours!
1 – Student Progress
A teacher green flag for all of us, I’m sure. Watching our students grow throughout the year. Looking back on where they started, and being immensely proud of where they are at this point in the year. Knowing there is still so much time and so many more challenges to conquer. But while you’re being proud of them, don’t forget to be proud of yourself too.
“A kiddo came to me in mid-July and knew 2 letters and no sounds……Friday she blended and read her first word on her own. Her smile melted me! Times like that never get old.” ~Ellen P.
“I had a girl at the beginning of the year who couldn’t t get her alphabet straight. She is now reading decodable books. I said, “You’re reading!!” She answered, “I know – It looks good on me!” ~Heidi B.
“Got an email from a parent that her son read an entire book to her today for the first time!” ~Janessa F.
“I had a parent tell me that her daughter has so much confidence with reading. So much more than her older siblings” ~Lisa L.
“My one student who struggles with phonics blending sounded out the word pretty and put it together. I honestly was so proud” ~Victoria E.
“Zero to forty-two sight words with a second grader who has a moderate intellectual disability! ~Ashley M.
“Went from four to ten kids reading at grade level!!” ~Kailey C.
“My kinders have made huge improvements in writing/drawing!” ~Megan R.
Teacher Green Flags 2 – Relationships
No significant learning can take place without a significant relationship. As teachers, we do everything we can to build relationships with our students. But even more importantly, we want to foster positive relationships between students. Some students come in ready to open up and feel comfortable, while others take more time. Nonetheless, it is so encouraging to watch them each develop their own relationships within their little classroom family.
Social-Emotional Learning is so vital in providing primary students with the opportunity of building positive relationships. Not only K-2 students but 3-5 as well!
“The shyest little boy in class said “I love you” to me. I melted, then gave him a hug“ -Robin K
“We take pictures of kids to post on Dojo when they get good notes and positive phone calls home and some kids wanted to take selfies with me! Such a good feeling.” ~Nicole R.
“Having students that are so kind, and are concerned for each other’s safety and mental health this year.” ~Jazmin C.
“I teach grade 1 and my students this year support each other so well and encourage each other” ~Stephanie N.
“I am an intervention specialist and the students in my general education classroom are so inclusive and welcoming to them, it just makes my heart burst” ~Ashley G.
“My students cheer for each other’s successes, be they big or small. They still fuss about stuff, but in the end, they have amazing kind hearts.” ~Sonja S.
“My son is in my class this year! First time I have had my own child in class.” ~Tai M.
“I received a card from a student who has looped with me for 3 years and it said that she knows her life is special because she knows I’ll also be there if she needs help. I cried!” ~Magen L.
3 – Support
Teachers thrive in supportive environments. It feels so good to feel supported by our coworkers, parents, and administration. It really does take a village to get our little learners to be successful. We can’t do it by ourselves–teamwork makes the dream work!
“In a post-observation meeting for a lesson that I didn’t feel went that well (behaviors…) my principal thought I did a great job. She told me how much of an improvement she’s seen since the beginning of the year. My class is hard. It was really nice to be seen and feel appreciated.” ~Susann T.
“My parents have been very supportive this year and have even gotten me gifts for my baby due in February!” ~Kayleigh G.
“My supportive family” ~Kimberly W.
“My student intern!” ~Megan M.
“Not having to submit lesson plans to admin!” ~Elizabeth N.
“Principal canceling PD to discuss behavior problems” ~Manda J.
“My admin coming in just to check in and make sure all is well” ~Brianna D.
“Having an amazing mentor teacher who checks in with me and asks how I’m doing” ~Mrs. B
Teacher Green Flags 4 – Boundaries
This year more than ever, boundaries seem to be a common theme amongst teachers. With an increase in awareness for mental health and self-care, teachers are speaking out about how they set boundaries between work and home. Boundaries don’t just have to be for when we work and when we don’t. Any boundary you set in your life that makes you happier and healthier, is a boundary worth keeping around next year.
“Setting boundaries with time (go in early, stay late, NEVER both!)” ~Brittany G.
“Avoiding the negative talk about students in the break room” ~Em R.
“Not working through my lunch break” ~Cait F.
“Leaving my work computer at school!” ~Emily F.
“First-year teacher and I refuse to bring stuff home on the weekend” ~Emily M.
“Deleted my school email off of my phone!” ~Katy G.
“Not spending my own money on resources that should be provided for me at school” ~Erin L.
5 – Kind Words
Our job is very rewarding. Maybe one of the most rewarding jobs out there. There is so much that contributes to the feel-good nature of this job. One of which is the kind words that are shared with us. Knowing our students and their families appreciate us can go a long way, even in the simplest forms.
“My kids tell me daily, “you’re the best teacher ever” even when it feels like a train wreck all day” ~Allyson R.
“When students say, “ this was the best day ever!” ~Julie S.
“One of my very challenging students told me before he left for break, “I love you, Mrs. A!” Made my year!!” ~Ann G.
“A parent said they believe that God put me in their foster daughter’s life for a reason” ~Denise L.
“A parent told me how much they love that I’ve been teaching kindness and generosity” ~Shawna C.
Teacher Green Flags 6 – Kind Deeds
Acts of kindness can be so simple, yet so meaningful. We teach our students about the power of kindness, and how a little kindness can truly go a long way. As teachers, we do the best we can to spread kindness in our classroom, while expecting very little in return.
“A parent signed me up for a grant for classroom supplies.” ~Mrs. B.
“A former student and his Mom dropped off cards and a gift for me last week…because we didn’t get to finish out the year in 2019…” ~Theresa G.
“Had two foot surgeries this year and my class’ parents organized a meal train for me” ~Jess P.
“Parent donated to my favorite charity as a gift.” ~Cait F.
“Parent volunteers always bring me coffee and honestly that always brightens my day” ~Ashley D.
7 – Victories
When our students are successful in our classroom, it feels like a win. But as teachers, we root for them more than just inside the four walls of our classrooms. We cheer them on and celebrate them for more than just their academic wins. And we certainly root for them after their time in our classroom is over. And as teachers, we have our own victories to be proud of as well. A victory, no matter how small, is always worth celebrating with others.
“We got a parent to sign sped testing papers that we have been asking for since pre-k.” ~Heather C.
“Just before Thanksgiving one of my sweet girls was adopted out of foster care by an amazing family!” ~Angela B.
“I teach in a Christian school and 3 of my students have been baptized this year!” ~Susan B.
“Watching 2 former students on TV this fall. Xander on Survivor and Mac Jones playing for the Patriots! 2 great students, makes my heart smile when I watch them!” ~Jill B.
“Going back to teaching after Thanksgiving. I went through chemo and now I am in remission. As tough as it is…I love teaching my scholars!” ~Lori M.
“Finally got a classroom of my own!” ~Cait F.
Education to the Core’s Green Flags
At Education to the Core, we love hearing all of your teacher green flags. They inspire us to do what we love doing, making resources for teachers, as well as connecting with you through so many different platforms. Reading these teacher green flags that were shared on Facebook and Instagram inspired me to share Education to the Core’s Green Flags too!
One could find a lot of red flags with 2021, but for Education to the Core and its Teaching Trailblazers, we’ve seen growth, inspiration, and heart. We as a team have done some exciting work this year including launching a brand new podcast and reaching even more teachers through a new platform of Tiktok.
One of our biggest and most exciting ETTC green flags was launching our Premium Membership. We strive to have our Teaching Trailblazer’s best interest through our resources, blogs, and community. What better way than to provide all of that at a cost-effective membership?!? Join now for a great way to end 2021, and start off strong in the upcoming year.
All of these teacher green flags leave us with a sense of purpose, a sense of hope, and a sense of belonging. As simple as some of them might be, they are worth remembering. Worth reflecting on and sharing. In one of the hardest years education has brought us, it’s important to remember all the reasons we stay. All the reasons we continue to do what we love.
As we head into a new year, there are so many possibilities. So many opportunities. I hope that reading these has reminded you of your why. Whether it’s the progress, the support, the boundaries, the relationships, the kind words, or the various victories. I hope your teacher green flags keep rolling in and this school year brings you more reminders than you can count.
Thank you for reminding us why we do what we do. You’re our why!
Written by – Sarah Poquette
At Education to the Core, we exist to help our teachers build a stronger classroom as they connect with our community to find trusted, state-of-the-art resources designed by teachers for teachers. We aspire to be the world’s leading & most trusted community for educational resources for teachers. We improve the lives of every teacher and learner with the most comprehensive, reliable, and inclusive educational resources.
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