‘Teachers Stop Glorifying These Things’ was written in collaboration with @completeteacher on Instagram and TikTok. His 11-years of experience combined with our 15-years + we all agree that the following things do not define us as ‘good’ teachers. 
As teachers, we often fall into patterns that we think define success in our profession. However, some practices we put on a pedestal may do more harm than good, both for ourselves and our students. It’s time to rethink these behaviours and make more sustainable, balanced choices.
In this post, we’ll discuss what to avoid—and what to do instead—to foster a healthy teaching environment.
Teachers Stop Glorifying These Things:
Teachers Stop Celebrating Long Hours
Celebrating teachers who work long hours perpetuates the idea that overworking is a sign of dedication rather than a path to burnout. Working a 60-hour work week is not the goal.
What to do instead: Focus on time management strategies and establish boundaries to ensure work-life balance, setting a positive example for colleagues and students. Remember, you are a human first, a teacher second!
Teachers Stop Creating Impressive Classroom Displays
Focusing on elaborate classroom decorations and displays may detract from the learning environment’s emphasis on student outcomes. Classroom decor and decorations should provide a purpose in your classroom. 
What to do instead: Prioritise functional displays that enhance student learning and engagement rather than spending excessive time on pure aesthetics. The classroom environment should be a reflection of the students’ learning.
Teachers Stop Handling a High Volume of Work Alone
Bragging about managing a huge workload without help undermines the importance of collaboration and sets unrealistic expectations for others. It also encourages teachers to be working alone as silos in their classrooms instead of collaborating together. 
What to do instead: Collaborate with colleagues, divide up subjects to write term programmes, and share resources to lighten the load. Teaching is a team sport, and seeking support from one another makes the journey easier and more rewarding.
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Teachers Stop Focusing on Discipline over Engagement
Prioritising strict discipline over engaging teaching methods can create a negative learning environment. Students of all ages need to feel safe and valued in order to be ready to learn.
What to do instead: Focus on building relationships and using engaging, student-centered approaches that inspire learning and mutual respect in your classroom.
Teachers Stop the Public Praise of High Achieving Students
Overemphasising high achievers can alienate struggling students, impacting their self-esteem and motivation to strive and learn.
What to do instead: Celebrate the effort, growth, and progress of every student, acknowledging that each individual learns at their own pace. In our classrooms, we embrace the motto, “Good learners make mistakes,” and regularly teach lessons on the power of a Growth Mindset.
Teacher Stop the Heroism
The notion that teachers should constantly go above and beyond ‘for the kids’ is unrealistic and unsustainable. School life is not your entire life. As we said at the beginning, you are a human first and a teacher second.
What to do instead: Set realistic expectations of yourself and your colleagues. Practice daily self-care and model healthy habits for your students. Keep up an interest or two outside of teaching. To be the best teacher, you need to be the best version of yourself.
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As educators, we must move away from glorifying behaviours that lead to burnout, perpetuate inequity, or force teachers to be seen as superheroes rather than real people. By embracing healthier, more balanced practices, we can foster a more sustainable teaching career and a more inclusive, supportive classroom environment – and enjoy the process at the same time.
Rainbows ahead,
Complete Teacher, Alisha and Ashleigh
PS You can follow @completeteacher on Instagram and TikTok.
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