12 ways to retain your teaching mojo

Col Hill
Col Hill
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

At the end of a tough school term, or even part way through, it is easy to lose faith with the teaching profession as you get caught up in bureaucratic work-load pressure, internal school politics, or constant bashing from politicians and the media.

There are many aspects of the role that can chip away your enthusiasm, leaving you wondering why you persist in the career you were once so invigorated with.

So, what are the best strategies to help weary and tired teachers regain that teaching enthusiasm and mojo they had in the early days of their careers, and how is it possible to reignite that love for teaching which was once held so dear?

Following an online #UKEdChat discussion on Twitter, we’ve compiled 12 ideas to help teachers retain (or regain) their teaching mojo. Full credits for the comments, with links, are further on down this article.



  1. Focus upon those in education who REALLY matter — Focus on the kids! They’re hilarious and always the best bit of the day/the thing you talk about when you get home. (Via @digicoled & @llcoolteaches)
  2. Keep trying different approaches. Try and rethink things you’ve always taught in the same way. Don’t be scared to mess up! (via @_theteachr)
  3. Find your tribe!! Surrounding yourself with inspiring, supportive teachers is everything! Misery loves company. Choose inspo! (via @Jessicaraealt)
  4. Keep trying new things, spice up your lessons, good lessons = engaged students = good grades = happy teacher. (via @teacherchalky1)
  5. Become responsible for your own CPD. Learning is motivating — Remember good CPD isn’t just going on that course you wanted. (via @_theteachr)
  6. Ensure positive mental health strategies are key for ALL school community members. (via @digicoled)
  7. Find your own pockets of positivity, colleagues, Twitter contacts, people beyond your school gate, avoid the staffroom Eeyores. (via @doc_kristy)
  8. Keep emails, thank you cards etc… They’ll remind you of the good times when you’re in a dip. (via @doc_kristy)
  9. Read a lot. Keep trying new ideas. Network with others. Make notes of all the positive experiences to look back on. (via @I_am_Duffers)
  10. Stolen from Covey but focus on what you can control (your work) and not what you can’t ((some) other people’s nonsense). (via @_theteachr)
  11. Gratitude always worked for me. Thanking a student or colleague brought a lot of good mojo to by days! Spread the love! (via @Jessicaraealt)
  12. Be resilient, be optimistic, be dedicated, be inspirational and be conscientious. (via @I_am_Duffers)

Fundamentally, it is easy to get caught up with internal school politics, but education isn’t about that. It’s about giving our students the best educational start in life, and our energies and attention should focus on that. If, or when, it doesn’t look at the list above to help you get back on track.

Read the full archive and original chat page by visiting the UKEdChat website by clicking here.

Teaching-Pedagogy-and-Learning

From the UKEdChat Community, a series of articles to support pedagogical development

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Col Hill

Written by

Col Hill

Teaching-Pedagogy-and-Learning

From the UKEdChat Community, a series of articles to support pedagogical development

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