• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cooper on Curriculum

  • Blog
  • Podcasts & Articles
  • Project Based Learning
  • Freebies
  • Work With Me
  • Recognition
  • About

3 Inspiring Quotes and a Video to Start the School Year!

By Ross Cooper 7 Comments

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
1.3K Shares

Check out this inspiration…

via Danny Steele

Early in my career as a fourth grade teacher, whenever I got my new class roster, I inevitably inspected each and every name, hoping I didn’t get any of “the problem students.” But, as I gained more experience, rather than looking at these students as an inconvenience, I started to view them as opportunities. (After all, we’re here to serve our students, not the other way around.)

For me, the above quote definitely hits home because often times I was one of the problem students. And, it has never been difficult for me to differentiate between the teachers who shuddered when they saw my name on their list, and those who embraced my strengths while working with me to improve upon my areas of growth.

via David Geurin

This quote jumped out at me when I initially saw it on Twitter. And, while the word attitude can potentially come with negative connotations, in the context of this quote I believe it’s entirely appropriate; it’s a word that encompasses the manner in which we carry ourselves and how others may feel as a result of interacting with us.

On a more personal note, the quote forces me to reflect upon my attitude, and what my district would be like if everyone’s attitude mimicked my own. At the same time, I wonder – Across an organization, are discrepancies in attitudes necessary to maintain a balanced workplace?

via Tom Murray

Yes, as a central office administrator, scrutinizing what takes place in faculty rooms can feel like a low blow. But, without hesitation, I can say that this quote easily applies to any space, room, or place of work. (However, I did hear one principal say he was going to hang it up on the door to his faculty room.)

Interestingly enough, as a teacher, I rarely ate in the faculty room. I usually preferred to eat in my classroom so I could get work done and/or be with students who wanted to have lunch with the teacher.

via John Spencer

Check out this video and read what John has to say about it! Seriously. No words can do the video justice. Just watch it.

What are your favorite quotes and videos?

Connect with Ross on Twitter.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ross Cooper
Ross Cooper
I'm an administrator in New York and the coauthor of two books on project based learning.
Ross Cooper
Latest posts by Ross Cooper (see all)
  • Project Based Learning: 3 Types of Direct Instruction #RealPBL - April 17, 2022
  • Getting Started with Project Based Learning #RealPBL - April 11, 2022
  • How Do I Lead Project Based Learning? – Evaluate Professional Learning #RealPBL (part 4 of 4) - April 3, 2022
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
1.3K Shares

Filed Under: Leadership

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ramona Towner says

    August 15, 2017 at 7:51 am

    Thanks Ross! Jordan and I are doing new teacher in-service today. This is a perfect addition to our slide deck. Here’s to another great school year!

    Reply
    • Ross Cooper says

      August 15, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Ramona, sounds great! Thanks again for showing me around Chicago.

      Reply
  2. Bill Funk says

    August 15, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Tweak on a popular quote: “Students don’t care what you TEACH until they know that you care.”

    Reply
  3. Lynn Cashell says

    August 15, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    John Spencer continues to inspire. Thanks for sharing these quotes.

    Reply
  4. Shelley Hall says

    August 15, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    Ross,
    Perfect quotes, perfect video for the beginning of a year. Again this year, I want my students to grow and be all they can be and love doing it…because of a teacher.
    Love,
    Aunt Shelley

    Reply
    • Ross Cooper says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Thanks, Aunt Shelley! Love you!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Back to School 2017 – Dr. Tim's Blog says:
    August 19, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    […] 3 Inspiring Quotes and a Video to Start the School Year! By Ross Cooper […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


I’m an administrator in New York and the coauthor of two books on project based learning.

My latest book!

Follow @RossCoops31

Categories

  • Assessment & Grading
  • Conferences
  • Curriculum & Unit Design
  • Education Technology
  • Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Leadership
  • Literacy
  • Miscellaneous
  • Professional Development
  • Project Based Learning

Popular Posts

  • I'm a New Principal, Here's My Entry Plan...
  • 3 Inspiring Quotes and a Video to Start the School Year!
  • I'm a New Principal, Here's How I Followed up on My Entry Plan...

Copyright © 2025 · Ross Cooper