A teacher can take on many important roles in the lives of their students – acting as a mentor, an encourager, or role model. Due to the integral part teachers can play, they can have a significant impact on fostering a healthy level of self-esteem and confidence in their students. In this article, we will discuss what self-esteem is and strategies that a teacher can utilize to help students feel comfortable in their own skin and find their voice.
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Defining Self-Esteem
Self-esteem can be defined as the way someone feels about themselves and the beliefs they hold about their value. Having a healthy self-esteem is essential as a person moves through life. When a person believes they are worthy and enough, it can lead to developing a deeper sense of self-compassion, healthy connections with others, displaying assertiveness when necessary, and willingness to try new things. On the other hand, low self-esteem is linked with an increased risk for depression or anxiety, poor relationships, and reduced life satisfaction overall.
There are many factors that can begin to shape our self-esteem beginning at a young age. As students spend the majority of their time at school, this can be an essential arena for developing self assurance. However, the presence of bullying, comparing oneself to peers socially or academically, and harmful messages from teachers or coaches can all negatively impact a students’ self-esteem.
While teachers cannot eliminate these realities, there are steps they can take to create a classroom that promotes healthy self-esteem. Even if students receive opposing messages from the world which make them feel good enough, they can step into your classroom and be reminded that they are seen and celebrated as they are.
5 Ways Teachers Can Boost their Students’ Self-Esteem
Students who develop a healthy level of self-esteem may experience reduced fear or anxiety, increased motivation in pursuing their goals, a stronger sense of self, and improved social relationships. Let’s take a look at strategies that can help to boost students’ self esteem in your classroom.
- Acknowledge students by name when possible. Calling people by name can be incredibly powerful. According to an article in the Washington Post, names are a person’s “greatest connection to their own identity and individuality.” Aim to acknowledge students using their names whenever possible. It is one simple way for a student to feel important and seen for who they are.
- Set realistic expectations. Expecting your students to all excel at the same level can set them up to feel like they’ve failed. All students are different, and are going up against different challenges when it comes to learning. It can help to ask students to set their own goals for the quarter or year, focusing on how they could work towards their own idea of progress – not measure up to an universal standard.
- Celebrate small accomplishments. Find ways to provide positive feedback and affirm students in the progress they make – even when it’s a small step forward. This can help to instill confidence in a student and shift their mindset to believing that they can achieve their goals, even when they are challenging.
- Avoid comparison among students. It can be incredibly harmful to compare students to their peers. Remember that each student has their own set of strengths and weaknesses, and preferences for learning style, and that is okay.
- Provide opportunities for students to shine. Whether through group work or presenting individual projects, allow the space for each student to feel seen in their unique talents and abilities. Validate them in their unique contributions, and have their peers provide positive feedback as well.
