Happy Teacher: A Scientific Approach to Being Happier in the Classroom

by Paul Murphy

Teaching got you feeling down? Have the stresses of the job made it harder for you to be happy at work? Do you wish you could find the joy you hoped for when you started what you thought would be a long and fulfilling career? Teaching is a rewarding job. It’s also exhausting and stressful. Today’s teachers face challenges their predecessors never did. High-stakes testing, legislative attacks, and the loss of autonomy in the classroom have made the job harder and less enjoyable. It’s challenging to be a happy teacher these days. But you can be one! By applying the latest scientific research on happiness to your job in the classroom, you can be the teacher you always thought you would be. You will look forward to going to work, have more energy when you’re there, and be the happy teacher every student wants and deserves. In this book, you will *What makes teachers unhappy at work *What teachers think will make them happy and why they’re often wrong *What science says about how teachers can be happier in the classroom Based on the latest research from the field of positive psychology, Happy Teacher will arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to add a pep to your step and a smile to your face. You’ll be happier at school. Your students will be happier in your classroom. And your colleagues will ask you how you did it!

178 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Paul Murphy is a third grade teacher in Michigan with 20 years of experience. His books focus on improving the lives of teachers, both inside the classroom and out. He enjoys reading, writing, travel, exercise, and Cheetos. His feet are perpetually cold, he bites his nails, and he regularly (and almost instinctively at this point) changes the lyrics to songs to make them more inappropriate, much to the chagrin of his wife and daughter.

You're still reading? Why?

Well then, in that case, there are a few good things about him. He does all of his family's grocery shopping, he rarely exceeds his monthly budget, and he's only had two cavities and one speeding ticket in his life.

Reviews

[Lorraine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book on happiness!

Nice book to read even if your not a teacher. These are basic tenets of life that we forget. Good information that we all need to be doing. I plan on going out and be happy, not only for myself but for my students and all those around me. Happiness is a decision.

[Sarah Esh · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Happy Teacher" is an easy-to-read self-help book that preaches the obvious, while still offering good tips. There were very few surprises in the book, and I quickly read/scanned the last eighty or so pages, but it gives good reminders on how to be a healthy, happy teacher. I think this would be perfect for any new teachers, as those first three to five years are often the most difficult.

[Cindy Jacobsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple ideas to be a happy teacher

I liked the practical and relatable suggestions based on solid research. Being a happy teacher means your students will benefit and thrive in your classroom. I also enjoyed the many links provided in the Kindle version of the book.

[John Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won't break new ground for most but a helpful reminder on how to live life and how to stay happy in a stressful profession. Great for context and as a little reminder and very readable.

[Ana Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is an interesting way to think about our life and career.