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The truth is that the job is challenging. There is simply no way around that. 

I’m now in my thirteenth year of teaching: two years of elementary and eleven years of high school. The job is challenging. 

On the best day, at the best school, with the best admin, on the best team, in front of the sweetest class you’ve ever had, there will be tough days. 

(And if you don’t have those things? Like if you don’t have a supportive team or your admin is hostile? It can be downright hard.) 

Let’s talk about mindset, and then let’s dig into 100 affirmations for teachers to live their best lives. 

Looking for other affirmations? Here are 55 Affirmations to Change Your Life – Positive Changes, or Law of Attraction Affirmations for Love.

The Right Environment to Be a Happy Teacher

I do think that there are schools where you can not be a happy teacher. 

And this is not going to be one of those blog posts where I pretend that if you love the kids enough, any job is magical. 

I worked in a charter school back in New York before I moved to the Midwest. I had an openly hostile principal. I had a direct supervisor who refused to learn my name. The teachers were constantly placed in competition with one another (and some resorted to sabotage!). The workload and work day were completely unsustainable. 

I had a miserable year, and then I left. I don’t think any amount of mindset would have helped me to be happy there. But I think that with a better mindset, I could have been less unhappy. It was a long year. 

If you’re in a truly toxic building, start making plans to get out. If you’ve landed yourself in a content area that isn’t a great fit, see what it would take to get recertified. 

(I didn’t love elementary – high school English has made me vastly happier. It has its own challenges, but the day feels faster and I feel more engaged.)

If you need to make a change, make a change. Knowing that you have the power to make a change if you need to is a huge part of feeling happy.

Imperfection Makes a Happy Teacher

A manageable workload is a huge part of keeping yourself happy. 

It’s very easy to feel like you need to return those essays the next day with 50 comments, or that you need to replace the bulletin board the day after valentine’s with three-dimensional artwork by every third grader. 

You don’t. And you can’t. 

Your first job is to create a safe and respectful environment for your students and their families. 

(Your 1.5 job is to respond to emails from your administration in a timely manner. If we’re being completely honest with ourselves here.)

Your second job is to deliver your content and instruction in a way kids will find engaging. 

Your third job is to grade work. If you’re a special education teacher, this includes IEPs and testing. 

And everything else….is extra. 

It has been really surprising to me to see Gen Z teachers come in very concerned about having a Pinterest perfect classroom. It’s another thing that is nice, but not required, and that does not actually help your students learn. 

It’s so cute! And if you have your lessons ready to go and the money to spend, go nuts. But, respectfully, most new teachers don’t. Yet!

A nice, neat, student-accessible classroom shows respect for them. A color-coded Pinterest classroom is not necessary. And I feel bad for these young women! The first year of teaching is hard, and you have a lot of materials to make as you go through. Don’t make it worse by losing an afternoon because a kid’s pen exploded on your papasan chair.

Accept imperfection. 

Ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I can do today for student performance?”

Ask yourself, “Which materials are good enough for this year, while I’m learning what I want to do differently next year?”

And ask yourself, “Am I in alignment with my own goals and priorities in what I’m doing right now?”

Mindset – Why Use Affirmations for Teachers

Like I said earlier – there will be challenges. 

And if you’re only looking at the challenges, you won’t stop finding them! You’ll find testy admin, frustrating parents, and kids years below level. 

You’ll wonder if there is a single kid on Earth capable of charging their chromebook on Sunday night. 

But! 

If you train yourself to see the joy, my goodness, there is so much joy. So much.

If you train yourself to recognize and celebrate your own effort, you’ll find new self-respect and self-esteem.

If you train yourself to treasure the moments where you are truly glad to be with your students? You’ll start to feel glad to be in the room. Or, you’ll feel more and more glad to be in the room.

The affirmations are there to train your mind. What we pay attention to, we see more of. 

If you’re paying attention to the moment a kid makes you laugh so hard you have to walk out of the room, then you go home and that’s what you remember about the day. Not the broken copy machine or the report card comments.

100 affirmations for teachers for your best year ever

Here are the affirmations that matter to me. They’re not about being a perfect teacher.  

They’re about putting in the effort that you can sustain over the long term. And, they’re about keeping a positive attitude and nurturing your relationships. 

Here are 100 affirmations for teachers:

1. Every day, I build confidence in myself and my students.
2. Every day, I remind myself that my work  uplifts and inspires me.
3. I cultivate a positive mindset that helps me navigate challenges with grace.
4. My lesson plans are well-prepared and engaging for my students.
5. I am a valuable asset to my school and community.
6. I make a positive impact on my students’ lives every single day.
7. Today is a great day to teach, learn, and grow.
8. I encourage positive behavior through kindness and patience.
9. I help shape my students’ lives in meaningful ways.
10. I empower students to reach their full potential every day.
11. A positive attitude creates a welcoming classroom environment.
12. I end each class on a positive note, inspiring my students.
13. As a lifelong learner, I embrace new knowledge and skills.
14. My daily routine includes self-care and mindfulness.
15. Encouraging my students is a great way to build their confidence.
16. I nurture positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
17. I seek out meaningful professional development and continually improve my teaching.
18. A growth mindset helps me and my students succeed.
19. I am open to new ways of making learning engaging.
20. Every day, I become a better teacher through experience.
21. Encouragement is a powerful way to support student success.
22. I embrace the new school year with excitement and preparation.
23. I give my best effort in everything I do.
24. I feel appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond.
25. Education is a powerful tool for change.
26. I create a positive change in my classroom and beyond.
27. My positive energy inspires my students to learn and grow.
28. I share the good to inspire other teachers, and I take inspiration from others. 
29. I embrace personal growth as an educator and individual.
30. I reflect on my teaching practice to improve daily.
31. Every single day matters in my students’ education.
32. I use positive statements to encourage and uplift my students.
33. I shape the future by nurturing young minds with care.
34. Starting class with gratitude is the perfect way to set the tone.
35. I navigate challenging situations with patience and wisdom.
36. My teaching shapes the lives of my students in lasting ways.
37. Each day brings new opportunities for growth and learning.
38. I create a welcoming learning environment for all students.
39. I explore new ideas to make learning more effective.
40. My teacher friends support and inspire me every day.
41. I make a real difference in my students’ lives.
42. I use classroom affirmations to foster confidence and resilience.
43. A set of affirmations helps me stay motivated and positive.
44. As a special education teacher, I celebrate every small victory.
45. I keep positive reminders visible to encourage myself.
46. I appreciate the dedication of educators in public schools.
47. I use affirmations to maintain a confident and calm mindset.
48. I am a good teacher who cares deeply about my students.
49. Encouragement is an easy way to inspire my students.
50. I focus on the good news in my classroom each day.
51. Teacher self-care is essential for my well-being.
52. I remain strong even in tough times.
53. I manage my teaching style to suit my students’ needs.
54. There are always good things happening in my classroom.
55. I am a positive force in my students’ lives.
56. I inspire learning on a daily basis.
57. I practice positive self-talk to boost my confidence.
58. Even on my toughest days, I make a difference.
59. I do amazing work that shapes the future.
60. I make a positive difference in my students’ lives.
61. I welcome new students with warmth and encouragement.
62. I start each morning with a great start for my students.
63. I improve my teaching skills with experience and dedication.
64. I prioritize my mental health to be my best self.
65. Each day is a fresh start for learning and growth.
66. I am a positive role model for my students.
67. I remain calm and patient in tough situations.
68. Teaching middle school is a journey of discovery.
69. I use positive affirmation cards to encourage my students.
70. I create a positive learning environment in my classroom.
71. I am in the right place to make a difference.
72. I tailor lessons to meet my students’ needs.
73. My daily affirmations keep me motivated and inspired.
74. I build strong relationships with my students and colleagues.
75. I contribute to making the world a better place through teaching.
76. I integrate new tools for student success.
77. I create an optimal experience for every learner.
78. Even in difficult times, I remain strong and hopeful.
79. I handle difficult situations with professionalism and grace.
80. Teaching high school is an opportunity to inspire future leaders.
81. I celebrate my unique qualities as an educator.
82. I step out of my comfort zone to grow.
83. My impact extends beyond the walls of the classroom.
84. I use creativity in graphic arts to engage students.
85. My teaching career is a fulfilling and rewarding journey.
86. I encourage independent work to build student confidence.
87. I am achieving great things in education.
88. I listen to my students’ thoughts with care and respect.
89. My hard work is shaping the future.
90. I foster a supportive school community.
91. I guide my students toward a bright future.
92. My lessons create a lasting impact on students.
93. My classroom is a safe space for all learners.
94. I value my school community, and I feel valued in return. 
95. My lesson planning ensures engaging and effective instruction.
96. I make social studies relevant and exciting for my students.
97. Every year is a new opportunity to try something new and stretch my skills.
98. I practice gratitude for my role as a teacher.
99. I am proud of the difference I make every day.
100. Teaching is my passion, and I embrace it fully.

Save this post for when you need a pick-me-up!