5 Signs You’re Already an Amazing Teacher (Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)

Teachers are often their own toughest critics. You pour your energy, your creativity, and your heart into your classroom, and yet—sometimes—you still wonder if you’re doing enough. (Spoiler: you are.)

Here are 5 light-hearted but true signs that you’re an amazing teacher:

1. You’re reading this.

I’m so glad you’re here! If you clicked on this post, it’s not because you had nothing else to do (we both know your to-do list is about a mile long). You’re here because you care about your students and your craft. The best teachers are always learning, and the fact that you’re reading this proves you’re one of them.

2. You lose sleep over that kid.

You know the one—the button-pusher, the struggler, the quiet one who slips through the cracks if you’re not careful. Every class has a “that kid,” and if you’ve ever stared at the ceiling at 2 a.m. wondering how to reach them… congratulations. That’s proof of your heart and your dedication. Amazing teachers look for ways to inspire—whether it’s through doodles, brain challenges, calming corners, or community building. You're an amazing teacher because you don't just teach your students; you see them, care about them, and refuse to give up on them.

3. You sometimes wonder if you’re in the right place.

Strange sign of greatness, right? But here’s the truth: only people who care deeply about what they’re doing stop to question it. That little voice that asks, “Am I making a difference?” is a reminder that you want to. And if you want to, you already are. The next time you doubt yourself, remember the positive affirmations you deserve: you are capable, you are making a difference, and your students are lucky to have you.

4. You laugh at yourself.

Spilled coffee on your favorite teacher shirt? Forgot to submit attendance… again? Or maybe your classroom observation included a mispronunciation (or two). Teaching is full of unexpected curveballs, and you know the power of fun and laughter to carry you through. If you can laugh at yourself in those moments, you’ve unlocked one of the best survival skills in education. Your joy is contagious, and your students notice it.

5. You celebrate the small wins.

Sure, your classroom may not be Pinterest-perfect. Maybe you totally forgot about the school assembly until the announcement came over the loudspeaker. But when your grammar lesson is met with grins instead of groans, or when the quiet student finally raises their hand, or when someone who usually gives up finishes their work—you cheer. You recognize that those little victories are actually big deals. And over time, those small wins add up to something extraordinary.

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So, if you’ve ever doubted yourself, take a deep breath and remember: the very fact that you care enough to worry, to wonder, to laugh, and to celebrate means you’re already the kind of teacher students will always remember.

Keep up the good work!

Mary Beth

P.S. You deserve a little treat! Check out this 40-page FREEBIE!

Checks for Understanding: Quick Ways to See What Students Really Know

We’ve all been there—teaching a lesson we’re excited about, only to realize halfway through (or worse, the next day) that some students didn’t quite “get it.” That’s where checks for understanding come in. 

Quick, low-stakes checks during or right after a lesson can save you from reteaching later, while also giving students instant opportunities to reflect on their learning.

The best part? They don’t need to be fancy, complicated, or time-consuming. With just a few minutes and the right strategy, you can gather valuable insight into what your students understand—and where they need support.

Here are some smart and creative formative assessment ideas you can try tomorrow:

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Sideways, Thumbs Down 

This understanding check-in is simple but powerful.

How it works: After explaining a concept or posing a question, ask students to show a “thumbs up” if they feel confident, “thumbs sideways” if they’re partially sure, and “thumbs down” if they’re confused.

Why it works: It’s immediate, visual, and gives you a pulse on the room in seconds. Plus, students feel less pressure since it’s not tied to grades.

Sample Quick Assessment – Figurative Language:
After reading a passage with examples of similes, metaphors, and personification, ask:

----  👍 = “I can identify and explain figurative language in a passage.”

---- ➡️ = “I can spot figurative language, but I’m not sure which type.”

---- 👎 = “I don’t recognize figurative language yet.”

Exit Tickets with a Twist 

Exit tickets are a teacher favorite for a reason—they’re quick, targeted, and effective. But let’s go beyond the usual “one thing you learned today.

How it works: At the end of lesson give students a This or That Exit Ticket. Students can choose to the "this" task to report on their understanding or the "that" task. Tasks are engaging, everything from doodles, to questions, to personal reflections. Students complete the ticket as a pass out the door.

Why it works: They make learning visible and help you adjust tomorrow’s lesson.

Sample Quick Assessment – Literature Study: After reading a short story like "Thank You, Ma'am," have students connect their learning to their own life or their world. Hand out a This or That Exit Slip. Give students a chance to choose a task to respond to. Then, collect and review students exit tickets to assess their understanding before the next class.

The "Stoplight" Self-Check

Students use red, yellow, or green to show how well they understand a concept.

How it works: Give each student a red, yellow, and green card (or let them color sections of a sticky note). At different points in your lesson, ask them to hold up a color to indicate how well they understand:

---- Green = I’ve got it.

---- Yellow = I need a bit more practice.

---- Red = I’m lost.

Why it works: It promotes honest self-reflection while giving you a quick snapshot of understanding.

Sample Quick Assessment – Parts of Speech:
Ask students after a grammar mini-lesson:

• Green = “I can confidently identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in a sentence.”

• Yellow = “I can do it with help.”

• Red = “I mix them up.”

FOUR CORNERS CHECK-IN

How it works: Label each corner of your classroom with an answer choice (A, B, C, D). Pose a multiple-choice question related to your lesson, and have students move to the corner that represents their answer.

Why it works: It gets students moving, makes their thinking visible, and sparks discussion when you ask students in different corners to defend their choices.

Sample Quick Assessment – Persuasive Writing:
Question: “Which is the strongest evidence for persuading readers?”

---- A = A powerful statistic

---- B = An emotional story

---- C = An expert quote

---- D = A personal opinion

Students choose a corner, then justify their answer using one sentence.

ONE-MINUTE SHOUT OUT

Students share one quick takeaway, connection, or question.

How it works: At the end of class, ask for a quick round of “shout-outs.” Each student shares one takeaway, connection, or question from the day. Keep it fast-paced—think popcorn-style responses.

Why it works: It’s low-prep, energizing, and gives even quieter students a chance to voice their learning.

Sample Quick Assessment – Finding Theme:
At the end of a story or chapter, ask students to do a “popcorn shout-out”:
“In one sentence, shout out what you think is the story’s theme.”

Encourage students to listen for patterns—if multiple students name similar themes, you know the class is on track.

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Assessments don’t have to be long quizzes or complicated rubrics. Sometimes the smallest checks give the clearest insights. Whether it’s a thumbs-up game, a doodle exit ticket, or a quick movement-based activity, these strategies help you see your students’ thinking—and help them reflect on their own learning.

When you build these checks into your daily routine, you’ll catch misunderstandings early, adjust instruction with confidence, and (best of all) watch your students feel more empowered in their learning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. Be sure to check out this blog post with 25 ideas for reviewing for any test!