Why Educators Need to Promote Themselves

Back when I was a classroom teacher, my principal -- to whom I rarely spoke -- came by one day to tell me that one of my math students had gotten the highest score in the school on a standardized math test. "Good for him," I said. "He deserves it!"

Another time, an outside observer was attending one of my classes. Afterwards, she told me the lesson was one of the best she had seen that year. "Well, this is a great group of kids," I replied.

Both of those responses were accurate, but incomplete. And they are typical of how many educators talk about their work and accomplishments. Why do we have trouble acknowledging our contributions to good outcomes? Most educators need to get better at talking about their work because most Policymakers often talk about educators, rather than with them. Why don't they acknowledge their expertise? Perhaps it's because of how educators talk -- or don't talk -- about their accomplishments.

We have a history of hundreds, if not thousands, of successes that make us memorable. You start by consciously examining your past and present life and by taking the time to dig out those golden nuggets -- the ones that have substance and weight -- from which to build meaningful and memorable stories and messages about you.

Below are suggested ways to promote yourself by some experts

Always be ready. Every day, remind yourself of the positive things you are accomplishing right now for your school and students so that you can share them at a moment's notice, whether it's sitting around the dinner table with relatives who can't figure out why you went into teaching or talking to a policymaker touring your school.

Don't let your numbers do all the talking. The current overemphasis on test scores for exams like WAEC, SAT, IGCSC might make you think that nothing else matters, but letting people know how you've overcome obstacles to help students get great results on standardized tests and (just as importantly) letting people know the success you've seen outside of standardized test scores will help both supervisors and the general public to see educators in a new light.

Learn how to accept compliments. People in general -- and educators in particular -- often respond to compliments in ways that minimize, deflect, or deny them. Accepting a compliment doesn't mean that you're conceited; rather, it means you have a healthy self-image and are a valuable person who deserves credit.

Overall, the key to successful self-promotion, or bragging, is conveying authenticity -- sharing your story about your work and accomplishments in a way that feels natural.

What do you think? Do educators need to brag more often about their accomplishments? Share your thoughts in the comments below.