If you are like many educators, you feel that teaching is more than a job—it is a calling. Your classroom is a sacred place where destinies unfold. The invitation is to live that truth boldly: clarify your desires, take courageous action, and follow the quiet guidance that keeps you aligned.
Good news: you can embody the “D” with five simple practices.
These steps include:
- Step 1: Get Clear on Your Teaching Desires
- Step 2: Do the Thing You’re Afraid Of
- Step 3: Follow Your Intuition
- Step 4: Speak Your Truth in the Classroom
- Step 5: Pray, Meditate, or Set Intentions Before Class
Let’s look at each step in more detail…
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Teaching Desires
Many teachers drift on autopilot and feel disconnected. Usually, you can avoid that by naming the kind of teacher you want to be and the legacy you want to leave. Desire creates direction.
For example: Write two sentences: “I am the kind of teacher who ___.” “By June, I want my students to say ___ about our class.” Post these in your planner and revisit monthly.
Step 2: Do the Thing You’re Afraid Of
Growth hides behind the task you keep postponing. Usually, you can avoid stagnation by taking one daring step this week—expecting learning, not perfection.
For example: Volunteer to share a 5-minute strategy at the next meeting, submit a unit you wrote for peer feedback, or pilot a student-led workshop. Debrief with three questions: What worked? What wobbled? What’s the next inch?
Step 3: Follow Your Intuition
You often know the next right move before you can justify it. Usually, you can avoid second-guessing by honoring the nudge and testing it in small, safe ways.
For example: If you feel prompted to check in with a quiet student, schedule a 2-minute conference. If a lesson needs a hook, swap the opener and watch engagement. Track outcomes for one week to build trust in your inner compass.
Step 4: Speak Your Truth in the Classroom
Students need models of honest, grounded adults. Usually, you can avoid performative teaching by sharing appropriate vulnerability and aligning words with values.
For example: Start class with “one true thing” related to the work: “I struggled with this text in college—and here’s what helped me.” Offer sentence stems so students safely name their own truths.
Step 5: Pray, Meditate, or Set Intentions Before Class
Sacred work benefits from sacred preparation. Usually, you can avoid scattered starts by inviting guidance into your day.
For example: Before the first bell, take 60–120 seconds: inhale for four, exhale for six; whisper an intention (“Clarity and care”); or say a short prayer. Touch your agenda as a tactile “amen,” then begin.
You did not stumble into teaching—you were called. Daring to follow your desires and divine direction is part of the assignment. When you act with courage and alignment, your classroom becomes a place where purpose meets practice.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).