12 Quotes by Angela Watson

Injustice and oppression thrive in places where the norms are never questioned.

When you have a clear vision for your legacy as an educator – the mark you wish to have made on your students and the lasting impact on their development because of their time with you – it’s amazing how clearly things come into focus.

The secret to patience is presence.

Radical acceptance is a psychology term coined by Marsha Linehan and rooted in ancient Buddhist teachings. It doesn’t mean you approve of your problems or deem them as okay. Radical acceptance is about avoiding unnecessary suffering by accepting rather than resisting what is. You need all your strength to teach, and practicing radical acceptance will keep you from wasting energy on perpetual outrage.

When you teach, you don’t always get a short term reward, but you do leave a legacy. You have a choice about what that legacy will be.

Am I filling my day with banal tasks and unfulfilling obligations because that’s what everyone around me expects? Am I constantly trying to be more efficient with tasks that I shouldn’t be doing at all? How can I create time for the most important things instead of trying to do as many things as possible?

If you feel like yelling because no one is listening to you, burst into song instead. You can even turn it into a joke – ”You guys know how terrible my singing is. If you don’t follow my directions the first time, I’m going to have to sing them. Loudly.

A truly powerful vision will motivate you to expend more than just time. Anyone can show up physically in the classroom but not be mentally and emotionally present.

Getting real about what teaching involves in your school is crucial. Don’t keep repeating to yourself, This is unbelievable; I can’t believe I have to deal with this. It’s happening, so believe it. Subjecting yourself to these indignities is something you are choosing to do, as no one can stop you from quitting. You can apply for other jobs or take constructive steps to improve working conditions, but do so while practicing radical acceptance of your current reality.