Teachers are role models!

I truly believe that every teacher just like every parent is a role model. Each day we stand in front of our students as an example of what an adult is. Our words and actions are powerful. So often we worry about how we present lessons, the look of our classroom, and meeting standards.

But what about what we say without words?

How we look and dress says a lot to our students as well. If we wear our hair in a ponytail every day just throwing it up in a rush out the door, what message are we sending to our students? If we wear wrinkled or worn-out clothes to school, what message are we sending to our students?

Research has shown that they way we present ourselves effects how much respect we will receive. Are you respected in your classroom? By your colleagues? By your parents? Or is the way you are choosing to dress affecting the level of respect you are receiving?

As part of my summer plans, I have decided to lose the weight that I have gained over the last year. A doctor appointment last week said it wasn't my fault. Always love that but it still doesn't help. Obesity levels are increasing in adults and children. Our activities level are decreasing and health issues are on the rise.

I always wonder what this means for our future. I heard recently that the live expectancy of our children will be lower than our own. This is the first time this has happened since life expectancy has been recorded. What we do as teachers matter, our health matters.

Check out these websites:

A Nation at Risk - My doctor recommended this as homework. It is really long but I learned so much about why we gain weight, the risk to children (which shocked me), childhood obesity causes at school (yes it starts in our schools!), and the little things we can do to make a big difference!

A Revolutionary Act - Another recommendation from my doctor. This is also an app. It is all about the little things that we MUST do to change our lives. My doctor says we live a life of convenience when in fact we need to live a life that is inconvenient.

I talked with my family about this and we have decided to try to walk 100 miles EACH by November first. So we will be going out for a walk each night and my sons are creating a bar graph to track our progress. Depending on how this goes, I may even challenge my students to walk 100 miles during the school year next year.

So.... what are you planning on doing this summer to inspire your students next year to be healthier and reach their maximum potential in all areas of their lives?