If you stopped to read and reflect on the questionnaire in last week?s issue, you will have probably come out with a mix of answers. But more importantly, you want to focus on the positive ones, because you chose to be teacher and you will not let others mar your happiness. Not everything is wrong in your workplace. There is at least one person ready to pair with you if you just ask. There are many ways to help you become a better teacher, or at least a happier one.

● Participate in school life. It will help you see the bigger picture of your school and prepare you for new challenges.

● Get to know other colleagues and share ideas. If you are a Maths teacher, make it a point to talk to other subject teachers socially. Share with them your joys and encourage them to share their experiences.

● Practise your discipline. If you teach English, read good literature for pleasure. Remind yourself of what you love about your subject.

● Refresh your mind. Try new things - a new kind of puzzle, a video game, learn a foreign language or a sport. You ask your students to learn new things, so why not try yourself?

● Model what you teach. Do what you ask your students to do. If they are writing a reflection on something they just read, write one yourself.

● Develop a support network. We all need someone to whine to when things go wrong. A trusted colleague or a relative who doesn?t mind listening helps you keep your sanity.

● Know when to be quiet. Sometimes we talk about our jobs too much, boring others (like spouses) to death. We comment on students, teachers, the principal, without thinking. Develop the awareness of when it is best to count to ten instead of speaking.

● Know when to make a noise. Celebrate success and challenge. When a problem is overcome or a milestone reached, celebrate - sometimes privately, sometimes publicly. Celebrate the victories of others and don?t forget your own.

Teachers have wonderful opportunities to make a difference to themselves and others. Often you will hear complaints from those who don't enjoy teaching. Don't let them rob you of your passion for working with kids. Remember that the student you are kind to and fight for, no matter what, might care for you in many situations... It happens nearly everyday. But, above all, follow your heart, your dreams and your desire to make your school a better place, regardless of what others may try to do to you.

<B>MCL</B>