Need some uplifting educational messages?
Updated: Dec 14, 2020
Here at the McKay School of Education, we understand the need for an uplifting teaching message! Sometimes it can be overwhelming with preparation to be a teacher. Between all of the lesson plans, studying, and other daily tasks, you need to take some time to remember the positives of teaching and why you have chosen this major!
We have compiled a list of uplifting TED talks, books, articles, and more all about teaching! Included are some of our favorite quotes from some of the selections. Remember, this is just the beginning of a list that could go on forever! Take some time to relax, turn on a video or pick up a book... and enjoy!
TED Talks:
Rita Pierson, Every Kid Needs a Champion
"Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. Is this job tough? You betcha... but it is not impossible. We can do this. We're educators. We're born to make a difference."
Ziauddin Yousafzai, My Daughter, Malala
"Don't ask me what I did. Ask me what I did not do. I did not clip her wings, and that's all."
Pearl Arredondo, My Story, from Gangland Daughter to Star Teacher
TED Talk: Lisa Godwin, How Teachers Can Help Students Navigate Trauma
"In order to really know a student, you've got to infuse yourself into their lives."
Books:
Educating Esme: Dairy of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
“The difference between a beginning teacher and an experienced one is that the beginning teacher asks, "How am I doing?" and the experienced teacher asks, How are the children doing?”
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by The Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell
"Be the kind of people that have enough passion to change the world. If we let ourselves be fire, thunder, or lightning, we could alter everything."
Articles:
Fighting the Good Fight: How to Advocate for Your Students Without Losing Your Job by Rick Lavoie
Dear Brand-New Teacher: A Letter to Rookies by Love Teach
"Maybe your friends and family have tried to steer you towards another profession. But something has kept you here. You're not afraid of a challenge. You're not afraid of long hauls. You would rather do something that matters than do something for status."
The House that Reading Built by Donalyn Miller
Other Videos:
3 Minute Poetry Slam: Taylor Mali, What Teachers Make
What Students Really Need to Hear by Chase Mielke
"As long as you are in my life, I am not going to let quitting be easy for you. I am going to challenge you, confront you, push you, and coach you. You can whine. You can throw a tantrum. You can shout and swear and stomp and cry. And the next day, guess what? I will be here waiting – smiling and patient – to give you a fresh start. Because you are worth it."
This is just a small list of the millions of amazing resources out there! We want to hear what you suggest as well! Please comment below so we can all enjoy these uplifting messages!