Being a teacher is a tough gig. The demands are always high with administrative mandates, lack of time, a seemingly endless to-do list, and the stress of reaching all students. Teachers leave the classroom at record rates because they don’t feel valued. As a principal, you can keep their worth at the forefront by simply sharing motivational quotes for teachers with your staff. Sometimes a kind word and the feeling of being seen and heard is all teachers really want. (Ok! It’s not all they want but, it sure is a good place to start!)
Teachers need support. They need instructional support, environmental support, and emotional support. The education system has worked tremendously hard to make sure we give this support to our students and now it is time that teachers get the same attention. Whether a rookie, veteran, negative, or positive teacher, they all need you to be a strong leader, mentor, and coach. My free Teacher Support Guide will get you on the path to giving the teachers on your campus the support they need. But, using these motivational quotes for teachers is a good place to start showing teachers their value.
Inspirational Quotes for Teachers
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” -Alan Cohen
This is one of my favorite motivational quotes for teachers because it encourages teachers to create a healthy balance between their work and personal lives. Remind them that while hard work is much appreciated, rest is essential to being successful.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Teachers lack resources, time, and money and encounter a variety of other issues that make teaching difficult. Let them know that you understand how hard the job is especially with all the obstacles.
“The only thing in your control is effort. That is all and that is everything.” -Mark Cuban
Be supportive when teachers don’t see the results they would like. Remind them that what they do is enough.
“Give them something great to imitate.” -Uknown
Remind teachers how great they are. It goes a long way in motivating them to keep going.
“Experience is a brutal teacher but you learn. My God, do you learn.” -C.S. Lewis
Experience is the best teacher. Show teachers that you understand mistakes will be made and results will not be achieved; the important thing is learning from these things.
“Strive for progress, not perfection.” -Unknown
Let teachers know that you see their growth. Small wins add up to big wins and progress looks different for everyone. We shout about this for students and it is no different for teachers.
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
The impact of a teacher is often not realized until many years later. We don’t always remember what a teacher did in the classroom to be so great, we just remember that we were welcomed, valued, appreciated, and believed in.
“Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. You are the heart of the education system.” -Sydney Hook
Schools would be nothing without teachers. Let them know that you truly believe this. Remind them that building relationships must come before any content can be taught.
“In teaching, you cannot see the fruit of a day’s work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years.” -Jacques Barzun
So often teachers feel like they didn’t accomplish anything at the end of the day. It is important to remind them that even on what seems like the worst days they are still making a strong impact whether it is seen or not.
“The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” -Unknown
You should spend some time highlighting the qualities of a good teacher. It certainly goes far beyond the content.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
Teachers may need a reminder that they really do hold the power to greatly influence the person their students become. Keeping that thought in mind helps teachers remember their why for being a teacher.
“Teaching is not about answering questions but about raising questions – opening doors for them in places that they could not imagine.” – Yawar Baig
Encourage teachers to become question masters making their students think far beyond academic content. This is also a good chance to let them know that it is ok for them to also have questions. The more questions we ask, the more information we gain, which leads us to be better problem solvers.
“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” -Colleen Wilcox
So often teachers need encouragement to look on the bright side of things. It is so easy for a teacher to think negatively about information, students, parents, or coworkers. Your influence on positive thinking is greater than you can imagine.
“Teachers make all other professions possible.” -Unknown
This certainly means that teachers hold one of the most important professions in the world. Treat them as if you truly believe this.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” -Steve Jobs
Teachers are professionals and should be treated as so. Give them autonomy. This is also one of my favorite motivational quotes for teachers because it highlights the fact that this job is a part of their life. It helps teachers remember why they wanted to become teachers in the first place.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” -B.B. King
This goes for teachers as well as students. Every day is a learning opportunity for teachers. What is done with these learning opportunities is what can set a great teacher apart from the rest.
“In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” -Phil Collins
This is such a great reminder that there is no perfect teacher. Keep your mind open and be willing to always learn new things.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never know where his influence stops.” -Henry Adams
This is another great reminder that while teachers may not see the fruits of their labor immediately, they are certainly making a powerful impact on their students.
Building a positive school culture is the number duty of a school administrator. Keep finding ways to show your staff how much you value them. If you are looking for more ways to support teachers, don’t forget to check out this free Teacher Support Guide.