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Articles for Teachers
and Educators
Prof. Joe has written more than 150 articles for more than a
dozen print and on-line publications, including Teachers.net,
Empower Magazine, IMDiversity.com, and Student
Leader
Magazine. Here are some of his most requested
articles for new teachers, including some from a few of his
friends. Enjoy!
by Professor Joe Martin
A New Teacher writes:
I wanted to know, how do you motivate someone (another teacher) who you know has it in them (to be a good teacher) but just needs somebody to help them get it out?
Prof. Joe's response:
This is a million dollar question that I'm constantly asked, not only as an educator, but also as a professional speaker. It’s unbelievable how many administrators and teachers, like yourself, are looking for ways to "motivate" either their staff or their students.
To answer your question in a nutshell, you can't do it. Of course, that doesn't mean I’m ripping people off when I speak professionally…but allow me to explain.
Continue reading...
by Joe A. Martin, Jr., Ed.D.
One of the best tips on teaching I’ve ever received was from a colleague. She said, “Put only one label on all of your students…greatness.’” That was a tip I’ve never forgotten.
I must admit that over the years, although the faces in the classroom may have changed, student attitudes typically have not. Most students still rather receive a grade than an education; most students still get more excited when a class is cancelled than when it’s in session; most students would choose not to come to class if they could receive a grade from home – and still pass.
With this being the case, it gets increasingly more challenging to get excited about facing students every day (especially if they’d rather not be there). Ironically, it also becomes easier to label students anything, but “greatness,” especially when they don’t live up to the title.
Continue reading...
by Joe A. Martin, Jr., Ed.D.
A teacher recently wrote me requesting advice on how to keep herself motivated. Here are some quick suggestions on self-motivation:
1. Hang around other self motivated teachers...it's contagious.
2. Make a “FIRE STARTER” list about what motivates you (internally).
3. Keep your FIRE STARTER list someplace where you can see it and
read it every day.
4. Learn ways on how to become even better as a teacher (hint: keep visiting NewTeacherSuccess.com).
5. Teach others how to do what YOU love.
6. Help other teachers improve themselves. We get stronger when we strengthen others.
7. Ask God to strengthen your faith and fuel your passion. If you ask, you shall receive.
If you have some other techniques or strategies that you use to motivate yourself, please write me at . We would love to share them with other new teachers. Take care and God bless. As always, teach with passion!
Living Purposefully - Prof. Martin
by Joe A. Martin, Jr., Ed.D.
When most people think of diversity, they think about people who are separated by physical differences (i.e., race, age, and gender). However, it’s important to understand that diversity encompasses so much more, from differences in values to differences in personality types.
In short, don’t be alarmed when the “D” word is spoken or if you’re required to address it in your class or on your job. Because in actuality, we’re all different! Diversity should be something that is celebrated, not feared. Sometimes, we (as educators) make it more stressful (and complicated) than it needs to be.
Continue reading...
by Joe A. Martin, Jr., Ed.D.
As educators, we know all too well how tough it is to get (or keep) our energy level up to teach students who sometimes don’t want to learn. I’ve even heard students describe teachers as being “a speed bump to a grade.”
It’s true that more and more students are not graduating from high school with the necessary skills to succeed in college (or in life for that matter). It’s also true that more and more students are taking their education for granted and not respecting the process and the institution of learning.
However, these obstacles also offer us an opportunity to make a huge impact on our students.
Continue reading...
by Kent Crockett
Unfortunately for most educators, burnout is cruel reality. From heavy course loads large class sizes, burnout seems to be an inevitable occurrence in our lives.
However, Kent Crockett, author of "The 911 Handbook" offers the following advice and steps for effectively dealing with burnout, from a biblical perspective. I would suggest that you apply these principles to your life in order to "keep the fire burning."
"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:9)
Continue reading...
by Joe A. Martin Jr., Ed.D.
The toughest thing about being a parent (or a teacher) is learning when NOT to be one. You don’t have to take my word for it, just ask Marlon. His wife was brutally attacked and killed by a man-eating barracuda, thrusting him into the role of a “single dad.”
Before you get too caught up in Marlon’s story, I must explain that Marlon is a fish, and his son’s name is “Nemo.” Yes, the scenario I just described is a scene from the Pixar blockbuster movie, “Finding Nemo.”
Although only an animation film, “Finding Nemo” portrays the real life struggles many parents face in “letting go of their children.”
Continue reading...
by Professor Joe Martin
During my travels, I asked more than 500 students from across the country the question, “What are the three most important lessons that you’ve learned in life?” Below is a compilation of their responses (all duplicate/similar answers were either combined or eliminated):
Put God first in all you do.
Be yourself.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Love yourself enough to love others.
Measure your success by how many times you refuse to give up.
Be thankful and grateful for what God has given you.
Continue reading...
by Joe A. Martin, Jr. Ed.D.
Here's some food for thought. Always having a desire to challenge those around me to be passion filled, a friend of mine (hey Fred) helped me to compile these keys for passionate teaching:
Purpose (find it)
Possibilities (explore them)
Prayer (do it)
Persistence (endure it)
Planning (utilize it)
Patience (practice it)
Power (share it)
Praise (give it)
Price (pay it)
Peace (live it)
Positive (be it)
Principle (honor it)
Prosperity (accept it)
Potential (maximize it)
Pride (have it)
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Most people die with the music still in them." Don't be one them. Teach with purpose, passion and power!
by Joe A. Martin, Jr., Ed.D.
You’ve heard it (and have probably said it) too many times:
“I have too many things to do.”
“I’ll never catch up.”
“I trying to do to much too soon.”
“I can’t handle all of this.”
“I’m going to have a nervous breakdown.”
“Please, don’t ask me to do any more.”
Continue reading...
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