You will never be a perfect teacher. Whether you are a veteran teacher or just starting out, these words are crucial to your success in the classroom. I am currently in the last semesters of my degree program, and I have observed many teachers in many different communities. I have been in Massachusetts classrooms with urban student populations in areas such as: Salem, Revere, Everett, Lawrence, and Andover. Regardless of the student population, many of the teachers and their attitudes have remained the same. 

As human beings and fellow educators, we need to recognize the serious self-worth issue that exists inside of our classrooms. Students aren't the only ones in schools that struggle with self worth. Re-read that sentence. You read it right. Teachers struggle with self worth every day, and this crucial issue is not talked about enough. Teachers struggle to see themselves as adequate professionals when they are constantly forced to adhere to state specific standards, evaluation protocols, and even professional development requirements. As teachers, how do we jump these hurdles? Respond with greatness. 

Here's how: 

1. Recognize why you went into teaching in the first place. It isn't the money, but it should be a combination of two things: a passion for your subject and a genuine desire to help students succeed. Whatever the reasons may be, grab hold of them and reestablish yourself as an educator. Make those feelings new again. You're probably saying, "How do I do this?" The answer is simple. Make the decision each and every day to be enough. Be enough for yourself and for your students. If you are faced with criticism, understand that teaching is a learning process that never ends. Look your challenges in the face and say "I can!" Choosing to learn from not being 'enough' is the first step to being the teacher that your students need.  

2. Do it for your students. Now more than ever, our students need us. Many of them come from broken homes, dangerous neighborhoods, or homes that seem normal but aren't. As educators, we are on the front lines fighting for our students. We see their struggles in their rawest form. Whether our students are coming to us after watching their mother beaten for the fifth time this year by her boyfriend, or coming to us hungry and desperate for lunch money, they need to know that we are in their corner. Being in our students' corner does two things: It establishes a safe learning environment for our students to grow and prosper, and it also helps our kids who need us the most to realize that someone cares about their success. You are doing this for your students. Whether they are 5-years-old or 21-years-old, they need you. 

3. Learn by watching others. There isn't one teacher in your building who is perfect. You might hear whispers about a certain teacher doing "great things!" Instead of opening up your teacher-neighbor's door to gossip about that great teacher, close the door. Every career and building has gossip, and most people know who likes to stir the pot. Instead of ragging on that great teacher, stop by their classroom. Schedule a time when you can watch them in action. Learn from that teacher. Realizing that we have so much to give each other is another crucial step in developing our teacher personas.  

Each day we have the option to be two things: reflective practitioners or practitioners of pity. 

Choose to be a reflective practitioner. Understand that you will never be perfect, and also understand that pity parties are never well received. The best action we can take as teachers is not to plan a pity party for ourselves but to be reflective. Greatness inside of the classroom never starts with pity. If you are ever in a situation of self doubt, always start with questioning how to be the best version of you that you can be. You will never be everything to everyone, but you will always be something to someone. Be the you that your students need.