Somendra Shukla | 
Teaching is a noble and important profession that requires a deep commitment to knowledge, truth, and virtue. A teacher should be knowledgeable, wise, and virtuous individual who can inspire their students to learn and grow
A teacher is not just someone who transmits information to their students. Rather, a teacher is someone who helps their students to discover knowledge and truth for themselves. A teacher believes in the power of inquiry and discussion, and the role of the teacher should be like a guide or facilitator who can help their students to develop their own ideas and understanding.
As a teacher, it's not uncommon to experience periods of low motivation. The demands of the job can be overwhelming, and it can be easy to lose sight of the impact you are making in the lives of your students. However, staying motivated as a teacher is essential for both your own well-being and the success of your students.
In this blog, we will explore how to become a good teacher and keep yourself motivated to teach.
As Socrates famously said,"Know thyself". To become a good teacher, you must understand your own motivations and values. What drives you to teach? What do you hope to achieve through your teaching? To become a good teacher and motivate yourself, you must remember the importance of your role in shaping the lives of your students.
Qualities of a Good Teacher
Here are some tips to become a good teacher and help you stay motivated and inspire your students:
Remember your "why":
As Simon Sinek famously said, "Start with why".It's important to remember why you became a teacher in the first place. What inspired you to pursue this career? What impact do you hope to have on your students? Always remember the purpose behind your teaching.
You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of your students, and that in itself should be a great source of motivation. Celebrate the successes of your students, both big and small. Recognize their achievements and encourage them to continue striving for greatness. By reconnecting with your purpose and reminding yourself of the positive impact you can have on your students' lives, you can find renewed motivation and enthusiasm for your work which will eventually lead you to become a good teacher.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
The role of a teacher has been changing in the new world due to advances in technology, globalization and changing student needs. To adapt to these changes, teachers need to be open to new ideas and be willing to embrace new technologies and teaching methods.
For instance Mathademy is a platform where we teach online with the help of new technology and innovative methods. Without adapting to these new changes its not possible to be motivated to become a good teacher.
As Carol Dweck said,"In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow". As a teacher, it's important to embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. When you encounter obstacles, try to approach them with a sense of curiosity and an openness to new possibilities. Embrace the challenges with a sense of equanimity and a spirit of resilience.
Find Inspiration in Your Students:
In essence, the role of a teacher is not to deliver information, but to guide the social process of learning. The job of a teacher is to inspire to challenge, to excite their students to want to learn, to make them feel special about themselves.
One of the greatest joys of teaching is seeing the impact you have on your students' lives what they feel, when you explain a topic how their eyes spark with awe and enlightenment. Take time to connect with your students and find inspiration in their growth and progress. Infuse your teaching with a sense of purpose and a spark of inspiration.
Collaborate with Colleagues:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Collaborating with colleagues can help you become a great teacher and will keep you motivated and engaged in your work. Seek out opportunities to collaborate on lesson planning, share resources, and bounce ideas off one another. Collaborate with your colleagues to create a synergy of ideas and a culture of friendship.
Keep Learning and take Care of Yourself:
Teaching is a constantly evolving profession, and staying up to date on the latest teaching strategies and technologies can help you become a good teacher. Attend professional development events, read educational literature, and seek out new learning opportunities whenever possible.
Embark on a journey of lifelong learning to cultivate a sense of intellectual curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. You should also focus on yourself; Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. Taking care of yourself is essential for staying motivated and energized as a teacher. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and restorative activities that help you recharge your batteries. Nourish your mind, body, and soul with self-care practices that cultivate a sense of well-being and a spirit of rejuvenation.
Inject Humour and Fun:
Injecting humour and fun into your teaching can help you engage with your students better. Try incorporating games, jokes, and interactive activities into your lessons to make them more engaging and enjoyable for your students (and yourself!). Infuse your teaching with a sense of humour and levity to create a light-hearted and enjoyable learning environment.
In conclusion,becoming a good teacher and keeping yourself motivated as a teacher is like keeping a houseplant alive. You need to water it regularly, give it plenty of sunlight, and occasionally talk to it (no judgment here!). Just like a plant needs nurturing to thrive, so too does your motivation as a teacher. So, take care of yourself, stay curious, find joy in your work, and don't forget to water yourself with a healthy dose of humour every now and then. After all, as Oscar Wilde once said,"Life is too important to be taken seriously."