Self-Efficacy

What is self efficacy?

From Wikipedia:

Self-efficacy is the extent or strength of one's belief in one's own ability to complete tasks and reach goals.^[1] Psychologists have studied self-efficacy from several perspectives, noting various paths in the development of self-efficacy; the dynamics of self-efficacy, and lack thereof, in many different settings; interactions between self-efficacy and self-concept; and habits of attribution that contribute to, or detract from, self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy affects every area of human endeavor. By determining the beliefs a person holds regarding his or her power to affect situations, it strongly influences both the power a person actually has to face challenges competently and the choices a person is most likely to make. These effects are particularly apparent, and compelling, with regard to behaviors affecting health.[

In teaching, is is easy to lose sight of this, yet it is very important for ourselves and our students.  According to Mike Anderson in his book The Well-Balanced Teacher, "when teachers have a high degree of self-efficacy, they are more persistent, work harder, have more enthusiasm for teaching, are less critical of students who make errors, have more goals and aspirations, are more open to new ideas, and have a greater commitment to teaching" (p. 67-68).

To achieve self-efficacy, try some of the following:

• keep a folder or scrapbook of all the nice notes, emails, pictures, etc you receive from parents, students, colleagues or administration.  Pull it out often!
• Allow yourself to feel GOOD about your teaching.  Choose a few good moments each week and document these or at least take the time to reflect on them
• Let go of things you CANNOT change (scheduling, parents, etc) and focus on things you can control.
• set achievable goals for yourself and congratulate yourself when you meet them!
• stop talking down about yourself!
• learn to accept compliments and just say "thank you," instead of rationalizing 

If you're still wondering why you went into this profession or are feeling down on yourself, watch a few of the following movie/video clips about the power of teaching!

10 Inspiring Teacher videos to lift your spirit:
http://www.nicksenger.com/blog/10-inspiring-teacher-videos-to-lift-your-spirit

Movies about great teaching:

Stand and Deliver
Dangerous Minds
Lean on Me
Mr. Holland's Opus
Dead Poet Society
To Sir, With Love
The Miracle Worker
Renaissance Man
Good Will Hunting
Mona Lisa Smile
Freedom Writers
Educating Rita
Waiting for Superman
Music of the Heart
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Precious
The Karate Kid

Believe in yourself, Believe in your students, Believe in Education!!