Stoic Wisdom for the Classroom

I haven’t seen this done before, and I hope that there is something for you to take away from this. I would like to combine two of my passions, philosophy and teaching. I am going to delve into the teachings of the Stoics, and hopefully pick out four lessons that apply to us and our classrooms. In true Ryan Holiday fashion lets attempt to draw inspiration from the wisdom of the ancients.

Why the stoics? Stoic philosophy holds particular relevance for teachers due to its emphasis on virtues, resilience, and the development of a mindset that can navigate challenges effectively.

1.    The Art of Habituation

"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation." - Aristotle

Decoding Excellence: Aristotle's refrain echoes, urging us to perceive excellence not as a destination but as a melody crafted through persistent training and habituation. I do not believe that and ‘outstanding’ exists in isolation. Consistent good practice becomes the key.

 2. The Liberating Power of Education

"He who opens a school door, closes a prison." - Victor Hugo

Decoding Liberation: While not a Stoic philosopher, Victor Hugo's insight aligns with our needs here. We can think of education as a tipping point, a powerful lever that unlocks minds and closes the prisons of ignorance (Hugo, 1862,). Recognize the tipping points in your classrooms, where each lesson becomes a key to turn the gears of potential.

 3. Navigating the Educational Currents: The Epictetus Principle

"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them." – Epictetus

 Decoding Resilience: Epictetus, the sage of resilience, guides us to be captains of our teaching ships. While external storms are inevitable, control lies in steering your responses. Embrace the Gladwellian principle of adaptability, focusing on the teachable moments, and navigating the currents of education with strategic resilience.

 4. The Reflective Teaching Narrative: Socratic Self-Examination

"An unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates

Decoding Reflection: Socrates beckons us to examine our teaching stories. We can use reflection as the key to unlocking the next chapter of growth. For educators, an examined teaching life becomes the compass navigating the vast seas of continual refinement.

Please consider which of this principles would be useful for your practice. Which Stoic idea do you connect with? Please share your thoughts

Reference: Aristotle. (1984). Nicomachean Ethics. Hackett Publishing.

Reference: Hugo, V. (1862). Les Misérables Signet Classics.

Reference: Epictetus. (1998). The Art of Living. HarperOne.

Reference: Plato. (2000). Apology. Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Co.