The Resilient Teacher: How do I stay positive and effective when dealing with difficult people and policies? (ASCD Arias), July/2014

Being a teacher has never been harder, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve and sustain the fulfillment you and your students need. By focusing on what you do and say in response to problems, veteran teacher and ASCD author Allen N. Mendler explains what to do to ensure you will feel good about teaching. Here's good advice to live by, including

1. Attitudes that will promote your personal happiness.
2. Ways to respond when policies get in the way of teaching effectively.
3. Practical strategies for communicating diplomatically with colleagues.
4. Ideas for addressing student behavior issues.
5. Approaches to take with problem parents.

These preventive maintenance strategies plus a "suggestion-a-day" will keep you in a positive frame of mind regardless of the obstacles you face.

About The Author:

Allen N. Mendler is an educator and school psychologist and lives in Rochester, New York. He has worked extensively with children of all ages in general and special education settings. He has consulted for many schools and day and residential centers throughout the world, providing training on classroom management, discipline, and motivating difficult students. As the coauthor of Discipline with Dignity (ASCD, 1999) and author of many other publications, Mendler's emphasis is on developing effective frameworks and strategies for educators, youth professionals, and parents to help youth at risk succeed.