Is it just my Facebook News Feed or is there a whole lot of teacher love going on? My News Feed feels light, cheerful and kind, as we enter this brand new school year. The uptick in such messages flourished a couple of weeks ago when the latest Holderness family (Christmas Jammies) video Baby Got Class went viral. The back-to-school parody entertains from a parents’ point of view, but concludes with the true message: a dedication to the amazing teachers who care for our kids all day, 180 days out of the year.
And the love continues. I’ve noticed a high number of ‘teacher-love’ themed blogs shared in my newsfeed. I’ve seen incredibly touching dedications to my friends who are teachers. Another one that got me was a tribute to a spouse. A wife commended her husband for his work as a teacher and said the family is ready to “return him to the eighth graders who need him.”
I realize this isn’t a grand phenomenon and that it has more to do with me being a parent of a school-aged child, but the idea of influencing through the right tone alongside authentic messaging is worth observing.
Of the many messages that cross my path on social channels, a decent amount of messages seem to be delivered in the wrong tone. Typically the well-intended individual sharing the information hopes to influence people, but lets their passion get in the way of delivering a clear and meaningful message.
The teacher appreciation movement is one of great passion. It acknowledges the positive impact and value teachers provide without stepping onto a pulpit to preach. This current trend gently encourages heightened awareness of the important issues around the teaching profession.
Striking the right tone is key on social media. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you craft social media messages both personally and professionally:
– Develop authentic messaging through sincerity, avoid forcing a message.
– Create a fertile soil for organic growth – don’t just plant something and demand everyone water it; true evangelists will naturally contribute to the growth of a message or cause.
– Lead by example. A positive tone can have great influence, consider presenting your message or idea in a way readers can feel part of it and not alienated by it. People like to see themselves as part of a solution.
Do you plan to give a shout out to former or new teachers this school year?