Magenta Teaching: The Secret Ingredient to Finding Joy in the Job
Apr 18, 2025
From Chores to Cheesecake: The Power of Positive Thinking
Magenta teachers as those who manifest the attributes of this striking color (compassion, optimism, balance, adaptability, and contentment) to bring joy to their classrooms and their own lives.
Every teacher can find joy and well-being for themselves and their students if teaching in magenta is their daily goal. ~ Jim Sturtevant
5 Tips to Becoming Both More Optimistic and More Magenta (the secret ingredient to finding joy in the job)
Optimism transforms mundane tasks into rapid checks on a to-do list. When you’re excited about the future, you don’t get bogged down in tedious chores. I remember my excitement as a child when I glanced over my shoulder during dinner and caught a thrilling glimpse of the dessert my mom had crafted just waiting for me on the kitchen counter. I made quick work of my vegetables to be permitted to indulge in sweet caloric bliss.
Striving to add more magenta into your life and classroom will help you cope with not only mundane obligations so you can get to that dessert but also with profound setbacks.
Teaching is full of those, but please don’t be negative in front of kids. Whatever you’re struggling with isn’t their fault. Students enjoy optimistic teachers. They’re fun to be around. They’re cheesy, in a good way.
Keep reminding students and yourself that there are magnificent desserts on the horizon once you clear a few hurdles.
TIP 1: SERVE APPETIZERS
Instead of launching into your lesson and presenting immediately, tease your students first. Get them excited about diving into the lesson. The same tactic that the local cinema used on you and your partner last Saturday during date night will work in your classroom. The theater displayed an engaging trailer that you both agreed looked irresistible.
Today, before you dive into a topic like the Sepoy Rebellion, for example, prompt kids to collaborate on the impact of a rumor. A rumor sparked the rebellion.
Great hooks create instant relevancy. When students learn about the Sepoy Rebellion, they’ll think of the impact of rumors on their lives. Hook your kids and create a much more receptive audience that’s open to learning. The more excited they are, the more optimistic the entire experience will become.
TIP 2: COMPLIMENT THE CRABBY
When you’re angry and preparing to confront someone and launch into your diatribe, it takes the wind out of your sails when they unexpectedly deflate you by saying something like, “Hello! It’s so good to see you. I love your shirt.”
It’s hard to maintain your edge when someone pays you a compliment.
Today, diffuse a student who’s frustrated with you. Before they have the chance to spread their gloom, say something like, “Man, you’re getting tall,” or “I loved what you wrote in your essay.”
Give a crabby kid a compliment and watch their animosity fade.
TIP 3: CLEAR THE DECK
Former Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a marvelous graduation speech at the University of Texas in 2014. His commencement address became an internet sensation and was transformed into a popular book, Make Your Bed.
Admiral McRaven pointed out that when you perform this task in the morning, even if you end up having a miserable day, you at least come home to a nicely made bed.
Before heading home today, tidy up your desk. No matter what tomorrow brings, at least you’ll be greeted by a clean desk in the morning.
TIP 4: PRACTICE WET BLANKET MANAGEMENT
Kids are a tough audience. During your passionate lesson delivery, you can see individuals staring at their phones, playing absurd games on their Chromebooks, putting their heads down, and not displaying engaged body language.
That’s frustrating. You also may have a cantankerous kid challenging the legitimacy of the lesson.
Today, don’t let this fuss you up.
Remember that these disengaged kids don’t speak and act for everyone. These students may also have additional variables brewing in their lives that impact their behavior and have nothing to do with your lesson.
Don’t obsess over your wet blankets. Focus on the majority of your students who are engaged and receptive.
TIP 5: MEND A FENCE
A few years ago, an administrator in my district leveled a tough decision in a Machiavellian fashion to a person I care deeply about. I was angry. I vowed to steer clear of the culprit because I didn’t trust my emotions. When they came up in conversation or when I’d see them present at district events, I’d get all stirred up.
Last December, I developed a strong urge to contact them.
I wrote to them and proclaimed that while I disagreed with their decision and the way they executed it, I forgave them, and I was moving on. They were in my room within twenty-four hours, expressing relief and gratitude.
It felt so good to let go of this burden. Today, reach out to the person with whom you’ve had a conflict. Mend that fence and relieve yourself of a burden.
Final Word
In the end, optimism isn't just a mindset—it’s a strategy. It's the force that turns broccoli into a badge of honor and tough teaching days into stepping stones. When we lead with hope and a playful wink at the future, we remind our students—and ourselves—that the hard parts are just the price of admission to something better.
Like that childhood glimpse of dessert, optimism gives us a reason to push forward with joy. So keep your eyes on the prize, stay a little cheesy, and sprinkle that magenta wherever you go. The best part is often just around the corner.
Check out another 95 great ideas in Teaching in Magenta.
Read More
- James Alan Sturtevant. 2020. Teaching in Magenta: 100 Paths to Joy and Well-Being for You and Your Students. Times 10 Publications.
- “Are You a Magenta Teacher? Hint: Compassion Is a Big Deal.” X10 Publications blog post. January 6, 2025.
- “The Secret to Getting Kids Talking about Your Class at Dinner.” X10 Publications blog post. April 16, 2025.
Resources
- Part of this text is taken from Teaching in Magenta: 100 Paths to Joy And Well-Being for You And Your Students by Jim Sturtevant.
- Main blog raspberry tart image by Pexels from Pixabay.
- Divider image by Mahua Sarkar from Pixabay.
