“I teach tiny humans. I’m kind of a big deal.”

Why Inspirational Quotes Make Us Feel Good

A quick scan of any social media will confirm something everyone already knows: people love inspirational quotes. We pick them up and share them from a variety of places, whether they come from the brilliant Maya Angelou, reminding us to “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” or live on a T-shirt that you proudly wear, proclaiming “I have superpowers…I TEACH!”

No matter who these inspirational quotes come from or where they are, they really make us feel good—but why? What is it about quotes and mantras that we find so motivational?

Every educator knows that words matter a whole lot! A thoughtless comment about another canceled school day can feel very personal to a teacher who shows up every day. Hearing a simple “thank you” for all that you do from a family member can fill your tank and keep you going even when you’re exhausted. Encouraging and kind words are especially important in times of hardship or self-doubt, which everyone is experiencing right now. So, reading a great quote or mantra reminds us of who we are or who we aspire to be, and they often remind us that we’re part of a special community.

Since we couldn’t physically bring together the Teaching Strategies community of educators from all over the country, we asked you to send us the inspirational quotes that you most wanted to share with your fellow teachers. We hoped that you would share quotes that would provide a much-needed pick-me-up, that would reenergize those who may be feeling weary. You didn’t disappoint! In 24 hours, we received over 1,000 responses.

Some were very timely.

“Spread kindness, not germs.”

While others were timeless.

“Si puedes sonarlo puedes hacerlo.” (If you can dream it, you can do it).

Some were very practical.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe

And others were just about remembering how awesome you are.

“Every little thing you do helps a child more than you might realize.”

So why do we love inspirational quotes? Because, in a way, reading them is kind of like having a conversation with a really great friend who always cheers you on to be the very best you. So, remember this.

“The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration, our growth is limited to our own perspectives.”
— Robert John Meehan

“YOU ARE DOING AMAZING, SWEETIE!!”
– Kris Jenner