Welcome to the world of early childhood education. It's a rewarding role that goes beyond just caring for children. It means you have passion for teaching, patience, and love for their well-being. It also means you have expertise in child development, which is essential in truly understanding and meeting the needs of each child. There can be moments that bring joy, for instance, when you and your students discover new, uncharted territories to explore together. But there are moments when everything feels painful or confusing - and you feel powerless to do anything about it. During those times, you might question your role as an educator. How can you retake heart if you have lost the heart to teach and care for your students? How can we remember who we are? In this article, we look at ten ways to stay motivated and passionate amid challenges.
They are the future.
The future of your students is what teaching is all about. If someone makes even the slightest improvement, it's the finest fruit of educators. The world's future rests upon the shoulders of these young children who are making progress and full of potential and curiosity. Shape and nurture their minds because they will remember the tools and guidance you give them that will impact their future.
Your True Self
Think about it; before you became an early childhood educator, something drew you towards this profession. That something is still within you, even beyond the challenges and struggles. You may have moments of doubt, but all this is a lifelong process of self-discovery and mastery.
Mentors who motivated us
Reflect on one unique encounter—the mentors who inspire you. Mentors can awaken our inner truth and reclaim it years later by recalling their impact on our lives.
The moment when things were going so well
In early childhood, there are many magical moments. There are times we did what we could only regard as our Masterpiece. Remembering such moments dispels defeating thoughts that creep in when we are challenged.
Our natural strengths and capacities
Name the strengths and capacities of a teacher that help make an authentic experience. It could be a "desire to help my students be successful in the future."
Like-minded people
Who is the closest to you who happens to be a friend and shares the same passion as you? Like-minded people can reinforce motivation and resilience that can make us teach our students from the heart. You are not alone in this journey.
Promise of Diversity
Think about the kids with various needs and backgrounds who will pass through your door. Be inspired by the fact that some of these students appreciate your presence and wish you would be there forever. Embrace and celebrate diversity in your classroom, for it promises endless learning opportunities for you and your students.
The teacher within
Any authentic call to teaching will come from your innermost self. Sometimes, we may feel lost or unconfident, but the teacher within us is always there, guiding and nurturing our growth.
The subjects that chose us
On top of mentors, many of us were called to teach by a particular field of study. We were drawn to a body of knowledge because it resonated with our interests and passions. You did not merely find a subject to teach—the subject also found you.
A space for creativity
The knowledge imparted by good teachers is held not in their methods but in their creativity or from their hearing.
RECOMMENDED COURSE
Mega Saturday is a 10 clock hour workshop that explores several child training topics. Training is open to all caregivers such as family child care, preschool staff, infant and toddler staff, before and after school care programs, parents, medical professionals, babysitters, and informal childcare staff.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Sheika Petteway, Chief ENCOURAGING Officer
She provides educational and leadership training to individuals and organizations. She is the founder and CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises and has several years experience serving in the early childhood education industry.
Text the word "mentor" to 855-691-1749 to receive encouraging messages monthly.