The Power of Grit for Elementary Teachers

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Show Notes:

Teaching isn't just a career. It's a calling that demands heart, hustle, and above all, grit. As a beginning teacher, you're stepping into a world where success isn’t defined by perfection, but by perseverance. There will be challenges — tough students, long nights, and moments of doubt — but grit is what will carry you through. In today’s episode, inspired by Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I’m sharing why grit is so important in teaching and offering a few practical ways you can begin to develop it.

Duckworth describes grit as a combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. It’s not about never struggling, it’s about staying committed to your purpose, especially when the job gets tough. And let’s be honest: teaching gets tough. But grit is what helps you keep showing up, keep growing, and become the educator you’re meant to be.

Another benefit of grit? Duckworth’s research shows that teachers with higher levels of grit experience greater job satisfaction and are far less likely to leave the profession early. Why? Because they’ve learned to push through challenges, continually improve their practice, and focus on what truly matters - their students. In this episode, I’ll walk you through four simple but powerful ways to build grit in your teaching practice. These are strategies that can make the difference between just surviving and finding ways to thrive through the hard moments.

There’s no magic fix for the challenges of teaching, but grit might just be your secret weapon, especially in those early years. It’s about persevering through tough times, growing your skills, and making a meaningful impact on your students’ academic and emotional development. As you begin your journey, remember: grit isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about not giving up when it matters most.

 Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• 4 powerful ways to build grit through your teaching practice that redefines your approach to teaching.
• Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit and how that helps you grow as an educator who makes a lasting impact on students. 
• Research that highlights how higher levels of grit is correlated to greater job satisfaction and career longevity. 
• Stories from real teachers on how grit helped them overcome their first year teaching challenges and motivated them to keep going.
• A moment to reflect on challenges you’re facing and how you could approach them using grit.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
• Free Masterclass: How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them)
• How to Reframe Negative Thoughts (And Why It’s Important)
• The Real Cost of Teacher Attrition (& How to Prevent It)

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