Doing something kind for your coworkers might not seem like it translates to immediate rewards, but it actually does. Research shows that teachers are more satisfied with their jobs when they have good relationships with their coworkers. And teachers that are more satisfied with their jobs make greater impacts with their students. So basically spreading sunshine is a research based practice!
What It Does For You
- Increases your rapport with other teachers. They feel like they can work with you and collaborate with you.
- Helps you feel better about yourself.
- You will naturally like a coworker more. (Or hate them less, however you choose to look it!)
- Increases you lifespan. People who serve typically live longer!
- Reduce your own stress.
- Become more productive at work.
- Increases your own job satisfaction, thus improving your impact with your students!
How To Do It
There is literally no wrong way to do this… unless you do something awful and mean. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably not that person. Although notice I said “make” in the title. Everyone is busy and tired. This should be super simple, easy, and meaningful for someone you work with. If you stress about what to do, you are defeating yourself!
Here’s easy some ideas:
- Bring an extra coffee for your paraprofessional.
- Sneak a snack or treat on your principal’s desk.
- Write a note to a teacher who is struggling.
- Sharpen the pencils for your reading specialist.
- Offer to give a teacher a bathroom break.
- Share a tasty treat with a coworker.
- Leave a thank you note for the janitor.
- Clean up the teacher’s lounge.
- Buy an extra awesome pen for someone.
- Donate a few teaching tools to another teacher.
- Offer to grab lunch for another teacher.
- Make copies for your next door teacher.
- Share some hand sanitizer with the front desk.
Wrapping It Up
Biggest take away here: Doing acts of kindness will actually help you in the long run and it doesn’t have to be a big stressful production. Trust me, this is totally worth the extra effort!
As always, keep up the good work! You can do this!