Deliberate Optimism: Reclaiming the Joy in Education

Deliberate Optimism: Reclaiming the Joy in Education

Beat burnout and bring joy back to teaching―and learning. Recharge the optimism that made you an educator in the first place! School is where students and staff should feel safe, engaged, and productive―and choosing optimism is the first step toward restoring healthy interactions necessary for enacting real change. In this book, learn to implement the Five Principles of Deliberate Optimism. Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios help you Rediscover motivation - Take a positive view of events beyond your control - Build an optimistic classroom where students flourish - Partner with other stakeholders to create an optimistic learning environment Take the road to new potential and positive outcomes! With a healthy dose of humor to make it fun,  Deliberate Optimism  shows you the actual differences a change in attitude can make. "This book provides a framework for taking responsibility in classrooms, choosing to see the positives, dealing with problems rather than dwelling on them, recognizing choices are always available, and building relationships with all in the school community." Charla Buford Bunker, Literacy Specialist Great Falls High School Sun River, MT "The authors have a realistic view of a teacher’s daily life and provide realistic solutions for teachers to embrace optimism and positivity in a myriad of situations." Kati Searcy, Teacher Mountain Park ES Roswell, GA "This book is a nice synthesis of current research and classic literature about climate, culture, and the environmental context of the classroom and the teachers’ lounge." Chris Hubbuch, Principal Excelsior Springs Middle School "Deliberate Optimism reminds us that we have far more control than we realize. The refreshing and encouraging perspective helps us tackle our daily challenges and offers concrete actions and introspective suggestions that capture our true sense of efficacy as a professional. By heeding the message, we can become empowered to do whatever we can to make a difference with our students, in our classrooms, and throughout our schools. It affirms that "Can Do" attitude and culture that I witness in the National Forum’s Schools to Watch middle grades initiative across the country. The message of Deliberate Optimism reinforces my personal, coping strategy of humming "Keep on the Sunny Side" when I encounter negativity and challenges!" -- Deborah Kasak, Executive Director "The monologue about teachers has been pretty awful over the past few years. Teachers did not get into the profession to be kicked around during political campaigns, they got into education because of a love for children, and a passion for learning. Deliberate Optimism is for all of those teachers who have lost or forgotten that along the way. Read this book…and regain your optimism." -- Peter DeWitt, Corwin Author & Consulting Editor for the Corwin Connected Educators Series "Teaching is tough, but it′s not supposed to be masochistic. Sometimes teachers forget that taking care of ourselves is an important part of the job. Deliberate Optimism helps educators learn how refill our mental and emotional gas tanks – or at least increase our fuel efficiency." -- Roxanna Elden, Author of See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers " I can′t think of anyone more effective in helping us teachers bring joy and optimism to our work than Debbie Silver. And that also goes for providing us with instructional strategies to help our students want to do the same." -- Larry Ferlazzo, Teacher, Author and Education Week Educator Advice Columnist "Students have a right to see someone in the front of the room who is confident, competent, and incurably optimistic. Too often, the status quo in classrooms and buildings is decidedly―and powerfully―negative. Every district leader and building principal should put this book in the hands of teachers and teacher assistants―and then model the kind of deliberate optimism teachers have a right to expect from their leaders." -- Ron Nash, Presenter and author of The Active Classroom series "You′ll love this book! The authors offer a prescription for schools that costs nothing but has been proven to be invaluable: joy. By the time you finish this book, you′ll find yourself truly optimistic about the future of education. If you are interested in improving education, be deliberate and grab copies of this book for everyone in your school district. It will remind you how smiles - not standards - are the secret to inspiring lifelong learning." -- Dr. Danny Brassell, "America′s Leading Reading Ambassador" and Author of Bringing Joy Back into the Classroom " This book is a must-have resource for experienced as well as novice teachers. Easy to read and implement, it offers a wealth of sensible, realistic, and inspiring advice about how to successfully manage the daily business of being a classroom teacher. Its positive message is simply empo