Being an educator is the easiest job in the world, right? Just juggle lesson plans, handle behavior challenges, stretch a non-existent budget, and tackle an endless to-do list—piece of cake! (Kidding, of course.) Let’s be real: the constant demands, both professional and personal, often push gratitude to the back burner.

But as we wrap up National Gratitude Month and head into the final stretch of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect—not just for yourself, but with your students and colleagues. Gratitude isn’t just a warm fuzzy feeling; it’s a necessity. Research shows it helps us stay connected to our purpose, supports mental health, and boosts job satisfaction. Whether you’re sparking curiosity in the classroom, guiding peers as an instructional coach, finding creative solutions in the library, or keeping everything running smoothly as a principal, gratitude can be your antidote to burnout and frustration.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about forcing a smile and pretending everything’s fine (toxic positivity, I see you). It’s about practicing genuine gratitude—the kind that uplifts you and those around you. Here are a few simple ways to bring gratitude into your daily routine with students and colleagues, even when the challenges feel overwhelming.

A Minute of Gratitude, a Day of Joy

Want to be happier? Of course, you do. Practicing gratitude can boost your happiness by 25% and cut symptoms of depression by 35%. Pretty incredible life hack, right? But here’s the catch—the effects fade after three to six months. That’s why building a regular gratitude habit matters.

So how do you make it stick? Keep it simple. Mornings might feel like a mad dash—coffee in one hand, keys in the other—but before the chaos kicks in, take a moment to think of one thing you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s a struggling student’s lightbulb moment, a coworker who had your back, or the calm of your home after a long day.

For me, it’s my dog, Penelope, flashing her goofy grin like I’m the best thing ever. (Yes, this is an excellent excuse to include a photo timeline of her—but honestly, we should all aim to love like dogs do.)

These small moments set the tone for a better day. They remind us that even when life feels chaotic, there’s always something to appreciate. It doesn’t need to be grand—those tiny, everyday joys add up to a happier, more grounded life. And let’s be real: who couldn’t use more of that?

Gratitude Journaling: Tiny Habit, Big Payoff

Writing down what you’re grateful for isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a tiny habit with big results. Studies show it can improve sleep, increase happiness, and even cut down on sick days. Best of all, it works for everyone, making it a great activity to share with your students.

Gratitude journaling is about noticing the little things—a lesson plan that clicked, a thank-you from a student, or that rare calm moment in the classroom. For students, small wins count too—like solving a tricky math problem, getting a “W” in the chat (they’ll totally get it 😂), or feeling included at lunch. The goal is to show them gratitude isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about appreciating the everyday joys.

Want to start this habit as a bellringer or daily brain break? Try a 28-day gratitude journal template on Canva or mix it up with Thnx4.org for an easy digital option.

Gratitude journaling doesn’t need to be overly complicated . A sentence or two a day clears the mind, fosters connection, and helps create a more positive classroom environment. This tiny habit packs a huge punch—it encourages growth, appreciation, and a happier, more positive classroom environment.

Gratitude Notes: A Simple Way to Make Someone’s Day

One of the hardest parts of being an educator—whether you’re a librarian, paraprofessional, or special ed teacher—is feeling unseen or unsupported. Juggling tough behaviors, heavy workloads, or limited resources can leave anyone feeling isolated. It’s easy to forget we’re all in this together.

Here’s a simple way to flip that: leave an anonymous note of appreciation for a coworker. A quick, heartfelt message can work wonders for building connections and creating a supportive culture. In fact, 88% of people say that expressing gratitude to colleagues makes them feel happier and more fulfilled. Who wouldn’t love finding a surprise note that says, “I see you, and I think you’re doing awesome”? (So much better than a “Can you cover my class?” email, right?)

Want to kick this off? Leave a stack of sticky notes in the staff lounge or around the school for people to pick up and write a quick message. Keep it simple—a sentence or two is enough to thank someone, recognize their effort, or remind them, “This place is better because of you.”

Bonus: These notes always seem to show up at the perfect time. Whether someone’s having a tough day or just needs a little encouragement, your words can truly make all the difference.

Gratitude Jars: Small Idea, Big Impact

It’s never too early to practice gratitude. Psychologist and researcher Jeffrey Froh found that teaching gratitude to students aged 8 to 11 led to lasting increases in appreciation, positive emotions, and grateful thinking. A simple gratitude jar in your classroom can nurture those habits and help create a culture of kindness in your school.

Whether you’re a teacher, principal, or librarian, setting up a gratitude jar in your classroom, school, or workspace is an easy win. Encourage everyone—students, co-workers, and even parents—to jot down what they’re thankful for. Maybe it’s a kind gesture from a colleague, getting through your intended lesson plan for the day, or discovering a great new book.  Or let’s be real, it could just be the copy machine actually working for once or nailing a surprise observation.

You can even try this at home with your family! At the end of the month, read the notes aloud to reflect and remind everyone that, even on tough days, there’s always something to be grateful for.

Real Support, Real Impact: A Call to Leaders

Gratitude at work is rare—shockingly rare. Only 15% of us regularly express gratitude on the job, and 35% say their leadership never thanks them at all. In education, the stakes are even greater. Nearly a third of teachers see themselves leaving the profession within five years.

Here’s how public K-12 teachers are feeling about their jobs today:

• 77% say their job is frequently stressful.
• 68% say it’s overwhelming.
• 70% report their school is understaffed.
• Over half wouldn’t advise a young person to become a teacher.

For women especially, recognition is essential—it can reduce burnout by an incredible 63% when they feel appreciated. Pause for a moment and think about all those numbers I just shared with you. With so many teachers feeling overworked and unseen, it’s no surprise burnout is at an all-time high.

Leaders, this one’s for you. Set the tone. Whether it’s giving a teacher an extra hour of prep time, stepping in to support a librarian during peak hours (because, yes, they’re doing way more than checking out books), or sending your newest teachers to the TCEA Convention (shameless plug), small gestures show your team you value their work and remind them they’re not in this alone.

Side Note: Watching educators connect at the convention is one of my favorite moments every year. Their eyes light up as they discover tools that will cut their prep time in half and give them back their evenings. It’s more than professional development—it’s a chance to rediscover their spark and fall back in love with teaching.

Here’s the truth: you never know what someone is going through. A heartfelt thank you, unexpected support, or stepping in to lighten their load can make all the difference. It says: you’re valued, your work matters, and we’re all in this together.

Gratitude may not solve everything, but it’s the foundation for connection and renewal. Some days, just getting through feels like a win, but focusing on the good reminds us that every small victory matters.

Closing Out the Year with Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a moment; it’s a mindset. It’s in the small, everyday actions: a heartfelt “thank you,” a kind note left on a desk, a quick entry in a gratitude journal, or a quiet acknowledgment of someone’s effort. These moments remind us that even in the midst of challenges, there’s always something—and someone—to be grateful for.

As we close out 2024 and step into 2025, let’s make intentional gratitude a daily habit in our lives and school culture. Focusing on the positive and showing appreciation boosts well-being and fosters communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive. Kindness, connection, and gratitude shouldn’t just be ideals—they should be everyday practices that inspire growth and positivity. Gratitude may not solve everything, but it’s the foundation for connection and renewal. Some days, just getting through feels like a win, but focusing on the good reminds us that every small victory matters.