As teachers it is hard not to have your identity wrapped up in student performance.  The data driven environment of today’s educational system points its finger at us.  We are to blame both for bad scores and for good ones.  Unfortunately, we have internalized that mindset and we measure ourselves by the same standard.  We ride the I-am-a- good-teacher-bad-teacher roller coaster in our own minds.  Depending on the day and the test results, our emotions can range from top-of-the-world happy to down-in-the-dumps sad.  This is no way to live.  In fact, it is psychologically damaging.  Instead of focusing on test results try looking for non-test victories.

• Students gained the courage to try.
• Students played well together.
• Students took care of one another.
• Students had fun.
• Students believed they are valuable.
• Students gained self-confidence.

If you are facilitating these things in your classroom, you are a good teacher.  Period. Your identity is not based on scores. You are making a difference in the lives of children. You are important. You are building the future.  They won’t remember the tests.  They will remember you and how you made them feel.