Just as a spirit of pessimism focuses on wrong possibilities, optimism focuses on right possibilities. The mood in a classroom is lightened and enhanced by optimistic and enthusiastic teachers who refuse to let misfortunes consume their thoughts. An optimistic, cheerful teacher enjoys ministering as a teacher. Students like to be taught by teachers who enjoy teaching. A pleasant and optimistic disposition is contagious.
Students tend to display the attitude that their teachers model.
The optimistic teacher sees greater potential in every student. A student's life beyond the school years may reveal successes and accomplishments that will surprise those who knew the student while he was in school. Only the Lord knows what a student will accomplish in his life. Every teacher's mission is to inspire each student toward the student's God-given potential. A sense of humor is an outgrowth of optimism.