Becoming a great teacher doesn’t happen overnight. And to answer the question, no, great teachers are not born. Teachers become great by trying new small things every day and keeping the things that work and ditching those that don’t. The small things are atomic habits. Great teachers don’t try something once, see that it works, and move away from it. Great teachers constantly try out little things and find what works for them. They then hold on to these little things and never let go of them, making them a habit of their practice. And, over time, as the atomic teaching habits add up, greatness approaches.
The goal of my Atomic Teaching Habits series is to provide all teachers with small tips that can become a habit of practice instantly. And, if they’re adopted, these atomic habits will eventually allow any teacher to be great.
I don’t think we talk about being great in education enough. Every teacher has the ability to be great. I want to be great and help others be great, too, because great teachers mean that kids have a chance. It means that students have people in their lives who can transform their trajectory and help them become great themselves. That’s what it’s all about for me. I don’t want to be average, and I don’t want anyone else to be average either. This isn’t a job you coast through. I’m not here to punch the clock, I’m here to be great. And I believe you are too. -Miles
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The Atomic Teaching Habits 10-Pack: Small Shifts. Big Impact.
Small daily habits. Big classroom impact. This post recaps 10 powerful Atomic Teaching Habits—simple, intentional practices that help teachers reset, refocus, and reconnect with their purpose. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your craft, this 10-pack is your roadmap for the 25–26 school year.
Atomic Teaching Habit #10: Be Authentic in Your Classroom
Discover why being your authentic self in the classroom builds student connection, trust, and powerful learning—Atomic Teaching Habit #10.
Atomic Teaching Habit #9: Reflect Often — The 5-Minute Practice That Transforms Your Teaching
Discover the power of purposeful reflection with Atomic Teaching Habit #9. Learn how a simple 5-minute daily journal can help you grow, teach better, and stay connected to your purpose.
Atomic Teaching Habit #8: Transform Your Classroom with Goal Setting
Learn how setting daily, student-centered learning goals can transform your classroom. This Atomic Teaching Habit will increase engagement, focus instruction, and help students own their learning.
Atomic Teaching Habit #7: Talk Less, Teach More:How to Build a Student-Centered Classroom
Most teachers talk for over 70% of class time—but research shows students learn more when they do the talking. This post explores why “talk less” is a powerful atomic teaching habit and how setting simple limits on teacher talk time can radically improve student engagement, voice, and learning.
Atomic Habit #6: Let Go and Let Students Create
Tired of packet-style learning and prepackaged tasks? Atomic Habit #6 challenges educators to let go and empower students to create, solve problems, and think critically—in every subject, even Algebra.
Atomic Habit #5: Transform Your Classroom by Doing the Opposite
Discover why doing the opposite of traditional teaching methods can transform your classroom. In Atomic Habit #5, explore how small, intentional shifts in mindset can lead to big changes in student engagement, relationships, and learning outcomes.
Atomic Teaching Habit #4: Be Real – Make Classroom Learning Authentic
Discover how to create authentic learning experiences in your classroom with the atomic teaching habit of Being Real. Move beyond worksheets and make learning meaningful.
Atomic Teaching Habit #3: Just Breathe
In the third Atomic Teaching Habit, we build on smiling and having fun by adding one simple but powerful practice: breathing. Mindful breathing helps teachers slow down, center themselves, and respond with calm clarity—especially in the chaos of the classroom.
Atomic Teaching Habit #2: Have Fun
Making school fun isn’t just a nice idea — it’s essential. When students enjoy being in your classroom and have fun learning, everything changes. This post explores why embracing fun every day is one of the simplest, most powerful habits a teacher can adopt to transform their classroom culture and boost student engagement.
Atomic Teaching Habit #1: Just Smile
The first Atomic Teaching Habit is simple: smile. Ditch the outdated “don’t smile until Christmas” rule and discover how joy, connection, and a genuine grin can transform your classroom from day one.
Miles O'Shea 