Planning for Happiness: One Teacher’s Project for the New School Year

By Susan RismillercloseAuthor: Susan Rismiller Name: Susan Rismiller
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About: Special educator Susan Rismiller has mentored 14 new and preservice teachers, some in conjunction with Fairfax County, Virginia’s Great Beginnings Teacher Induction Program, as well as George Mason University’s unique year long internship program. A1980 graduate of James Madison University, Susan completed her masters degree in 2001 through George Mason University’s Initiatives in Educational Transformation (IET), and was awarded its Program Award for outstanding achievement and academic excellence. Information about GMU’s IET program can be found at www.gmu.edu/departments/iet .See Authors Posts (3)
 

What happens when one teacher makes it her mission to just BE HAPPIER? Can the challenges of the new year really be tempered by a plan of action, the musings of a blogger, and a steely will to have a great year?

Most Septembers I find myself happily focused on the challenges and joys of opening my special education classroom.  Creative room arrangement, behavior management plans, newly tweaked lessons, building parent relationships; the to-do list can seem endless. Pressure builds as apologetic administrators add on new obligations and responsibilities. Join a new committee.  Help improve this school-wide initiative. Volunteer for this PTA activity.  If I let myself, I’d drown in the demands.

But I have a plan. Instead, this school year I will by guided by some of the ideas I’ve been playing with over the summer, ideas inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s website, “The Happiness Project” http://www.happiness-project.com/ .  In June, it was easy to get excited about the blog’s inspiring words and activities. In July, I was energized by the promise of summer reading lists and sunset watching from the shade of my front porch. In August, I embraced the challenge of finding bliss in being organized.

Now, it’s September, and I vow keep hold of this bit of happiness by taking charge of my own life at school. It may sound silly, or even self indulgent, but, inspired by Gretchen Rubin-  I’m going to be a happier teacher this year!

Gretchen’s commandment #1:  Be who you are. Embrace your true likes and dislikes. Stop trying to be what you wish you wanted to be, when, in fact, you don’t like it.

This hit a chord with me. I have held a small hope in my heart that someday I’d do what I need to do in order to move out of the classroom and into administration.  But the truth is…. I don’t really want to be an administrator; I’d hate it and probably be a nightmare.  Instead, as I seek real happiness in my profession, I will keep my eyes and heart open to opportunities that don’t move me out of the classroom.

Another example: I am being true to my likes and strengths when I say no to joining the parent/teacher board. Instead, I choose to immerse myself fully in our school wide mentoring program.  By being selective, based on my strengths and preferences, I will likely have a more satisfying, happier year.

Commandment #2: Be less defensive when you make a mistake. Resolve to keep things in perspective.

Of course, being hard on ones self is a common trait among educators.  We really want to do it right, for all the right reasons, and when we don’t, it’s easy to over dramatize the effect. With so many demands and only a finite amount of time in each day, we rationalize, blame others if possible, and even lie to ourselves in order to keep up appearances. It takes a lot of energy and agony to run that fast from ourselves.

This year, I will work to keep things in perspective, own my blunders, and move on. Gretchen’s blog says “Remember how little most things matter in the long run.” Her reminder to “Let it go” just might be the key to a better mood and a better year.

Commandment #3:  Act the way you want to feel.

Hey, this is a no-brainer.  I want to be happier this year so I will act happier. That means I will forgo the whining I’ve done in the past. (Happy people don’t whine.)  I will skip conversations that turn too negative. I will smile in the face of adversity, allowing as necessary, for a frown or two along the way. Without seeming too “Stuart Smiley” (http://snltranscripts.jt.org/91/91asmalley.phtml) ,

I will remind myself daily:  “I may not be in control of everything, but I can be in charge of how I react”.

The remainder of Gretchen’s commandments address procrastination, civility, and enjoying “the moment”; she reminds us to be fair, be honest, and be true to one’s values.

If my Granny were here to give her best “life” advice, she’d touch on these very same points, I’m sure. She’d be less inclined to encourage me to seek out happiness though. Instead, I can hear her plain as day:

“Don’t worry so much about being happy, Susan.  Be good. Do your best. Then you’ll be happy.”

With Granny and Gretchen leading the way, I’m off to a great start.