As a teacher, starting a new semester can be both exciting and daunting. You may have a new group of students to get to know or a new course to prep, new goals to achieve, and new challenges to overcome.
Purposeful Attitude
But you also have a new opportunity to make a positive impact on your students’ lives and learning. How can you start the new semester with a purposeful attitude that will help you and your students succeed?
Recognizing Our Role in the Story
One way to do that is to reflect on what kind of teacher you are and what kind of teacher you want to be. A fun way to do this is to compare yourself to the characters in the Pixar film A Bug’s Life, which tells the story of an ant colony that faces a threat from a gang of grasshoppers. Each character in the film has a distinct personality and role in the story, and you might find some similarities or differences with your own teaching style.
Which character might you be as you begin the semester?
Princess Atta:
“You see, Hopper. Nature has a certain order: The ants pick the food, the ants keep the food, and the grasshoppers leave!”
If you are like Princess Atta, you are a leader who cares deeply about your students and your school. You have high expectations for yourself and others, and you work hard to meet them. You are also very organized and responsible, but sometimes you can be too stressed or anxious about everything that needs to be done. Find some time to relax and trust yourself more, and to delegate some tasks to others who can help you. You can do it because I know you are surrounded by some other amazing educators.
Molt:
“Why go back to Ant Island at all? I mean, you don’t even like grain.”
If you are like Molt, you are a follower who likes to go with the flow. You are easygoing and friendly, but sometimes you can be too impulsive or careless about what you say or do. Take time to sometimes think or pause before speaking or acting, and consider the consequences of words or actions. Work on your confidence and initiative to stand up for yourself and your ideas more. You have great insight. Everyone should plug their voice in when appropriate.
Flik:
“Warrior bugs!”
If you are like Flik, you are an innovator who likes to try new things. You are creative and resourceful, but sometimes it might get reckless or unrealistic about meeting or achieving your projects or plans. Take some time to test your ideas (even with your students) before fully implementing them, and seek feedback from others who can support you. If you need this reminder, accept your mistakes and failures as learning opportunities, and DO NOT let them discourage you from pursuing your goals.
Heimlich:
“Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly, and then everything will be better.”
If you are like Heimlich, you are an enthusiast who likes to have fun. You are cheerful and humorous, but sometimes it might seem too indulgent or distracting. Careful not to overwhelm collaborative time with your own interests or needs. Find better ways to balance your work and play, and to focus on the task at hand when it matters. Try to not let your emotions get the best of you. Colleagues need someone like you to either break the ice or make sure we don’t take things too seriously (at times). Just know when to plug in with your beautiful personality.
Happy Ending
Of course, these are just some examples of how you can use A Bug’s Life as a tool for self-reflection. You might identify with more than one character, or none at all. The point is not to label yourself or limit yourself, but to explore yourself and grow yourself. I think this is important for anyone not just those in education.
So, as you start the new semester, there might be some things that typically “bug” you. It is totally normal. Think about what kind of teacher you are and what kind of teacher you want to focus on being. More than likely, you like the type of teacher you are, but you want to make some adjustments because the students are different and are asking for something new. Remember that no matter what character you relate to, you have the potential to make a difference in your students’ lives and learning. And, your students may change your attitude just like the originally cranky Francis who is trying not to cry when he has to leave his troop of kids in A Bug’s Life.
In the end, we combine all the personalities that make us who we are and that results in a happy ending.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
JOIN US THIS SUMMER
WITH LIKE-MINDED EDUCATORS
