ABSTRACT
One of the hallmarks of effective teachers is that they create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms and schools. So many things can bring teachers down: an upset parent, a troubled student, limited resources. As educators, our role is to take a positive approach—ten days out of ten. First, authentic means that teachers are praising people for something genuine, recognizing them for something that is true. This is an important facet because the recognition of something authentic can never grow weary. Second, effective praise is specific. The behavior teachers acknowledge often becomes the behavior that will continue. The teacher who sets a positive tone can influence the interactions of everyone in the school. Focusing on all of the positive things in our classrooms and schools—and there are many—gives us more drive and energy to get through the less positive times.
