The Power of Gratitude

 

As a teacher, I’ve come to realize that gratitude might be one of the most underrated forces in a classroom. We spend so much time focusing on performance, deadlines, and improvement that it’s easy to overlook the power of simply saying “thank you.” But gratitude—both giving and receiving it—can completely change the tone of a classroom, a team, or even a day. It’s not just good manners; it’s good psychology.

When students feel appreciated, something shifts. I’ve seen students stand a little taller after being thanked for their effort or attitude. A simple acknowledgment—“I noticed how you helped your classmate” or “I really appreciate your focus today”—can motivate far more than a grade ever could. Gratitude helps students feel seen, and when people feel seen, they’re more likely to stay engaged, take risks, and keep growing.

Gratitude doesn’t just help students—it helps teachers, too. On tough days, when the to-do list feels endless, pausing to notice what’s going right can reset everything. Taking a moment to thank a colleague for covering a duty, or to appreciate a student’s small act of kindness, reminds us why we do this work in the first place. Research backs this up: people who practice gratitude regularly report being happier, more resilient, and even sleep better. That is why I do three good things every day.

There’s also a fascinating side to gratitude that goes beyond mood. Some studies suggest that people who feel grateful are less likely to cheat or act dishonestly. That might seem surprising at first, but it makes sense. When we’re aware of how much others contribute to our success, we’re less likely to cut corners or take advantage. Gratitude connects us—it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

In the end, gratitude builds community. It strengthens trust, boosts morale, and makes our classrooms more human. Every “thank you” creates a ripple that touches both the giver and the receiver. In a world that often pushes us to move faster and expect more, gratitude invites us to pause, appreciate, and belong. And that might just be the most powerful lesson of them all.

Lessons from the Seals

 Simon Sinek once shared a story about asking Navy SEALs what kind of people make it through their training. He assumed it might be the strongest, the fastest, or the most naturally gifted leaders. But the SEALs surprised him. They said it’s not the muscle-bound candidates, not the pure athletes, and not the ones who delegate well. The ones who make it are those who, when they are completely exhausted and feel like they have nothing left to give, still find the strength to look out for the person next to them. That selflessness, especially in the toughest moments, is what makes someone worthy of wearing the trident. 

I think there’s a lot in that lesson for us as teachers and students. School isn’t SEAL training, of course, but it can be exhausting in its own way. Deadlines pile up, expectations weigh heavy, and sometimes both teachers and students feel like we have nothing left in the tank. And yet, what if the true measure of success in our classrooms isn’t simply about who gets the best grades or who has the most talent, but about who continues to care for the people around them—even when it’s hard? 

For us as teachers, that means modeling selflessness. It’s easy to encourage and support when everything’s going smoothly. The real test is when we’re tired, when we’re stretched thin, and when patience is running low. Choosing to see our students, to encourage them, and to put their growth above our own exhaustion—that’s when we truly model what it means to “look out for each other.” Our students learn just as much from how we respond in those moments as they do from the content we teach. 

For students, the lesson is just as powerful. The ones who thrive are often not the smartest in the room, but the ones who make others feel seen and supported. Helping a classmate before a test, sitting with someone who feels left out, or offering encouragement when everyone else is tired—these are the things that build a community of trust. Just like the SEALs, students discover that they don’t succeed alone; they succeed together. 

At the end of the day, the Navy SEALs remind us that true strength is measured not in personal achievement, but in how we care for others when it’s hardest. Imagine a classroom where that was our culture—where teachers and students alike leaned on each other and lifted each other up in moments of exhaustion. That’s the kind of environment that doesn’t just prepare young people for tests, but prepares them for life. 

Building a Classroom for Lasting Purpose and Relationships

 

In Season of Life, Joe Ehrmann shows how the Gilman coaches use football as more than just a sport—it becomes a vehicle for shaping young men into people of empathy. My last blog talked about this book, and as a follow up I would like to share how this might look in a classroom. 

At the heart of a meaningful classroom is relationships. Grades, tests, and assignments matter, but what often leaves the deepest mark are the connections formed between students and teachers. When students feel seen, heard, and respected, they are more willing to take risks, share ideas, and grow. As teachers, we must model empathy by listening closely, valuing each student’s story, and affirming that every voice has worth. As students, we can encourage each other, celebrate differences, and remember that learning is never a solo journey. 

Another essential piece is purpose. Just as the Gilman football program emphasized playing for something larger than yourself, classrooms can cultivate a purpose that reaches beyond the walls of the school. When lessons tie into real-world challenges—whether through community service, collaborative projects, or simply reflecting on how knowledge can serve others—students begin to see that learning is not just about “me,” but about “we.” This shift from self-centered achievement to world-centered contribution builds character alongside intellect. 

Equally important is the commitment to never shame. Mistakes are a natural part of both sports and academics and shaming only silences growth. Instead, classrooms can be places of encouragement, where errors are seen as steppingstones and where everyone is given the dignity of second chances. Teachers who frame mistakes as opportunities—and students who treat one another with patience and kindness—create a culture of safety where true learning flourishes. 

The classroom should be a place where each person helps make the other better. That does not mean competing to be the best but rather striving to bring out the best in one another. When empathy, purpose, and encouragement define our daily interactions, classrooms become more than spaces for lessons—they become communities of character. And just like the Gilman football program, they prepare young people to step into the world ready not only to succeed, but to be effective. 

The challenge is for teachers, parents, and students to work together to make the world a better place in the future. 

Season of Life: Football as a lesson of life

Jeffrey Marx’s Season of Life goes far beyond the typical sports story. While it follows the Gilman School football program, the book isn’t about wins and losses on the field. Instead, it’s about the way coaches Joe Ehrmann and Biff Poggi use football as a vehicle to teach their players what it truly means to be a man. Their program becomes less about championships and more about character, empathy, and responsibility to others. 

At the heart of the Gilman philosophy is the idea that being a man isn’t about strength, status, or material success. Ehrmann and Poggi reject the narrow definition of masculinity often found in sports culture. Instead, they challenge their players to focus on relationships and compassion. Each practice and team meeting emphasizes that life is ultimately measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by the impact you make on others. 

Empathy is a central lesson the coaches drive home. Players are reminded that real strength comes from understanding and caring about those around you. This is unusual in the world of high school athletics, where toughness and competitiveness are often prized above all else. At Gilman, however, vulnerability is not seen as weakness—it is embraced as an essential part of human connection. The team is encouraged to talk openly about their lives, their fears, and their hopes. 

Another major theme is the importance of relationships. Ehrmann teaches that success in life is determined by how well you love and how well you are loved. The bonds among teammates extend beyond the field, with players supporting one another through both victories and struggles. The message is clear: the ability to build meaningful relationships is a truer measure of manhood than any scoreboard could provide. 

Ultimately, Season of Life shows that football can be a powerful tool for shaping character. Ehrmann and Poggi use sports to instill values that extend far beyond high school. Their players learn that real manhood is about empathy, nurturing relationships, and helping others. In a society that often sends young men conflicting messages about masculinity, the Gilman program stands as a model of how sports can guide boys toward becoming men who make the world better. 

The challenge for all of us is to turn our subjects, activities, or teams into a tool that helps shape the character of the people we work with. 

 

When the right thing is the hard thing

 

In a couple of my classes, .   we talked about character this week.  With that in mind I wanted to post a couple of old posts in which two hall of fame coaches taught me character.  WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK

I remember coaching our basketball team during a tight game when a critical moment unfolded. The referee blew the whistle and signaled a foul on the opposing team’s best player. Immediately, I jumped off the bench to inform the ref that it was the player’s fifth foul, meaning he should be disqualified. However, when the ref checked the official scorebook, our home team’s book—it showed the player only had four fouls.

As I sat back down, I suddenly heard the opposing coach call out to the ref, “Coach Bressler is correct—that was number 24’s fifth foul. You either disqualify him, or I’ll take him out myself.” The referees conferred and ultimately ruled that the player had indeed fouled out.

In that moment, I realized something profound—I wasn’t sure I would have done the same if the roles were reversed. I probably would have rationalized keeping my player in the game, convincing myself that the book was the final word. But that day, I learned an important lesson about integrity. From that point on, whenever I faced similar situations, I thought back to that coach’s example, and it helped me make the right decision.

Every year, I find myself reflecting on the topic of cheating. Most people justify it in one way or another, everyone does it, the homework is pointless, or it's not really hurting anyone. The real danger is that when we want something badly enough, like winning a game, our reasoning becomes biased, and we convince ourselves that bending the rules is acceptable.

Many believe that the best way to prevent cheating is through punishment. While consequences may deter behavior in the moment, they often fail to change how people act when no one is watching. So, what’s the solution?

Gratitude. Studies show that when people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for, they not only treat those who have helped them with kindness but also extend that goodwill to complete strangers. In one study, participants who recalled a moment of gratitude were significantly less likely to cheat. The deeper their gratitude, the less they felt compelled to cut corners.

So, the next time you feel tempted to cheat—whether in sports, school, or life—pause and think of something you’re grateful for. That simple act can give you the inner strength to do the right thing, even when it is the hard thing.

Let Chat GPT enhance your learning

 As a teacher, I often hear people talk like Chat GPT is the enemy. In this blog, I want to propose how it might help my students learn AP Economics. ChatGPT can be an incredibly useful tool for students, not as a shortcut to answers, but as a companion for deeper understanding. Rather than simply providing solutions, it can help students grasp complex concepts, practice critical thinking, and refine their knowledge through explanation and interaction. Using ChatGPT effectively can enhance learning by encouraging students to engage with material in dynamic and personalized ways. 

Students can use ChatGPT to break down complicated economic concepts. When struggling to understand topics like supply and demand, elasticity, or monetary policy, students can ask ChatGPT to explain them in simpler terms or through real-life examples. This process allows students to refine their understanding by asking follow-up questions. 

  An example of this is if students were struggling with monetary policy. Chat GPT might explain how to fix a recession using monetary policy. The Federal Reserve can implement expansionary policies to stimulate economic growth. They might lower the federal funds rate by buying government securities in a limited reserve system, which increases the money supply and lowers interest rates. Cheaper borrowing encourages businesses to invest and consumers to spend, shifting aggregate demand.  

Students can also use ChatGPT to practice applying economic theories. By presenting hypothetical scenarios or asking for practice problems, they can test their knowledge and reasoning. For instance, students might describe a situation and ask how various economic principles apply, then analyze ChatGPT’s response to see if it aligns with what they have learned in class. This kind of practice reinforces theoretical knowledge through active applications. 

Lastly, ChatGPT can serve as a tool for reviewing and summarizing material. This can be especially helpful for exam preparation, as it enables students to consolidate information and identify areas where they may need more focused study. 

By using ChatGPT as a learning aid rather than a shortcut, students can deepen their understanding of AP Economics, strengthen their analytical skills, and become more confident thinkers. The key is to approach the tool as a resource for exploration and growth, leveraging its capabilities to enhance their educational journey rather than bypass it. In doing so, students will be better equipped to tackle the complexities of economics, both in the classroom and beyond. 

The challenge for all of us is to maximize the use of AI to increase student learning. Please leave an AI tool or a method you use AI for in the comments below. The only way to keep up with AI is to share our knowledge of it. 

Community: Key to happiness

 In today’s fast-paced world, many people equate happiness with financial success. While money can provide comfort and security, true happiness is found in the strength of our relationships and the sense of belonging within a community. A strong community provides support in times of struggle, celebration in times of joy, and a deep sense of purpose. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives than those who focus solely on accumulating wealth. 

Now more than ever, we need to pull together rather than push apart. Society often highlights our differences, whether they be political, cultural, or personal, but we are stronger when we work together. In difficult times, communities that unite can overcome challenges more effectively than individuals working alone. Whether it’s helping a student in need academically, supporting a student emotionally, or simply fostering kindness, small acts of unity create ripples that strengthen the fabric of schools. The more we focus on connection rather than division, the happier and more resilient we become. 

At our core, most of us want the same things in life: security, love, purpose, and the ability to provide for ourselves. However, people have different ideas about how to achieve these goals, which can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. Instead of letting differences drive us apart, we should recognize them as opportunities for learning and growth. By listening to and respecting different perspectives, we can find common ground and work together toward solutions that benefit everyone. 

Money may buy comfort, but it cannot buy the deep fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than oneself. A supportive community brings joy in everyday moments, reassurance in difficult times, and a sense of belonging that wealth alone cannot provide. If we focus on strengthening our connections, we will find ourselves living richer lives in ways that truly matter. 

In the end, happiness is not about how much we have but about who we have. When we prioritize relationships, we create a world where people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. By choosing to pull together rather than push apart, we build communities that foster understanding, cooperation, and lasting happiness. 

Teenage mental health

 Mental health is often misunderstood as simply being happy all the time, but it is about having the appropriate emotions for different situations and knowing how to regulate them. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and sadness. Instead of avoiding negative emotions, mental well-being means recognizing them, understanding why they occur, and responding in a healthy way. Learning to manage emotions helps teenagers navigate the ups and downs of life without becoming overwhelmed. 

One key aspect of mental health is emotional regulation—the ability to control and adjust emotional responses in different situations. For example, feeling nervous before a big test is normal, but letting that anxiety take over and cause panic can be harmful. Healthy mental regulation involves acknowledging emotions, processing them, and responding appropriately.  

Another essential factor in teenage mental health is having a strong relationship with at least one trusted adult. Whether it is a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor, having someone to talk to can provide stability and guidance. A supportive adult can help teenagers make sense of their emotions, offer advice, and create a sense of security. Research shows that teenagers who have at least one strong adult connection are more likely to succeed academically, avoid risky behaviors, and develop higher self-esteem. 

Sleep also plays a crucial role in mental health. Many teenagers do not get enough sleep due to school, extracurricular activities, and screen time. However, lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress. During sleep, the brain processes emotions and strengthens memory, making it essential for emotional regulation and overall well-being. Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule (on average nine hours) helps teenagers manage their emotions more effectively and improve their mental resilience. 

Ultimately, mental health is about balance, understanding emotions, building strong relationships, and maintaining healthy habits like sleep. By developing emotional regulation skills, finding support from trusted adults, and prioritizing rest, teenagers can create a strong foundation for lifelong mental well-being. Instead of striving to be happy all the time, the goal should be to experience emotions in a way that promotes growth and stability. When teenagers learn to navigate their feelings and take care of themselves, they are better equipped to handle the challenges of life