Growing Thicker Skin

 

Growing a Thicker Skin

There are several good reasons for a teacher to grow a thick skin. Having thick skin will make your job easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Disagreements between parents and teachers.

Working with parents is a part of our jobs. Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers are usually the first ones that parents get to deal with when their first child begins school. There are so many interactions we will have with our student’s parents. There are times that it is challenging dealing with them and whatever issues they might think there are. We try to remain professional. I learned that an important aspect of being professional is having a thick skin. That thick skin will help us not to take things personally. It helps us to distance ourselves so that we don’t get drawn into drama. This thick skin will help you to move on with your job without getting offended. Creating this thick skin is one of the most important things you can do in your career as a teacher. Be confident in your experience, education, and training. Let it show!

Micromanagement in the School System

The school system is set up where teachers are being micromanaged. You will hear it in the professional development provided by the district and the schools. You see it in staff meetings when you are told how to do your job. Teachers begin to internalize the constant being told how to teach and when to do it. All this causes us to self-doubt and become insecure about how we are teaching our students. This is where having that thick skin comes in handy. We have been educated, trained, and in addition to our experience, we have learned how to teach and differentiate for our students. Do what you know is right for your students. Do not internalize this systemic micromanaging as a negative regarding yourself as a teacher. Be confident and trust your teaching skills.

Students arguing with teachers.

Students Inappropriate Responses

We love our students, there is no question about that. That is really why we continue to teach. Our students’ inappropriate responses are also a reason to need that thick skin. Sometimes our students respond to situations or discussions disrespectfully, with emotional responses, and with anger that has nothing to do with what is going on. As professionals, we must remain calm and not react to what was said even if the comment was directed at us. But it is difficult to do this if you do not have thick skin. Having thick skin allows you to separate yourself from what is happening to figure out the next steps to take. But having this thick skin should not be a reason for keeping students from the consequences of their words or actions. Trust your teacher's instincts.

 

Reasons for Growing a Thick Skin    

1.    It allows you to remain calm and not react.

2.   It makes it easier to see or hear what is going on, to get to the root of the problem.

3.   There might be a genuine issue of concern that is being expressed in an angry manner.

4.   You can let go and not let it get you down.

How to Grow a Thick Skin

1.    Think through your answer before you respond.

2.   Consider that a parent may be in a hard place and is speaking from that place.

3.   Rely on your professional confidence and experience.

4.   Know that you have your student’s best interest at heart.

5.   Believe in yourself and trust your teacher's instincts.

Teacher Friends, I hope that you are having a good school year and that everything is going smoothly. But you are dealing with the aftereffects of the Pandemic and that on top of everything else can make things challenging. If you want to know about using gracious words at work read, 8 Tips to Model Graciousness. Move forward with your teacher's confidence!

Debbie – Froggy About Teaching on Amped Up Learning

         Froggy About Teaching on Teachers Pay Teachers