Teachers are critical to student success, but the profession of teaching is in crisis. When teachers feel a sense of purpose or meaningful significance, it leads to better student achievement, less burnout, and higher job satisfaction. Drawing from original research, this practical resource introduces eight essential elements of mattering that schools need to have for teachers to feel they matter. This book will help K-12 teachers: Learn how to integrate less pleasant aspects of the job with one's values to achieve a goal Use the foundational elements of mattering survey and other tools to effect substantive school change Make smaller-scale changes to the work environment to meet individual needs Understand the purpose and importance of each element of mattering Learn about leaders' obligations when it comes to mattering and what teachers should expect from them Explore the implications of all eight elements of mattering for teachers and leaders Contents: Introduction: A Blinding Flash of the Obvious--The What and Why of Mattering Chapter 1: Celebrating the Team, Not Just the Score--Community Chapter 2: Embracing What You See, and That's a Whole Lot of Me--Authenticity Chapter 3: Getting Lost in the Moment, With a Good Crowd Around--Flow Chapter 4: Staying the Course, En Route to My Why--Purpose Chapter 5: Seeing the Downside as a Necessary Upside--Assimilation Chapter 6: Getting Real With How We Stack Up--Compensation Chapter 7: Taking Care to Take Care--Stability Chapter 8: Letting Things Be Loose-Tight--Job Crafting Chapter 9: Putting It All Together--Smarter Stuff That Matters Epilogue: A Fair Adieu References and Resources Index