23 Times 1980s Songs Got Teaching Exactly Right

When a problem comes along, you must whip it.

By Stacy Tornio
Mar 29, 2016

Sometimes inspiration for a teacher can come from the most unexpected places…like songs from the 1980s! We pulled together quotes from some of the most rad and gnarly songs to give you motivation for just about any teaching situation.

#1: When you need to motivate that kid that always seems to land in detention…
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.

#2: When it’s Monday…
When a problem comes along, you must whip it.

#3: When those teacher raises didn’t go through (again)…
We've got to hold on to what we've got

#4: When you’re giving a fellow teacher a pep talk of “why we do what we do”…
More than a feeling

#5: When you spent weeks prepping students for standardized tests, and it’s finally testing day…
Yes I've gotta have faith.

#6: When it’s spirit week, and it’s mismatch day…
Express yourself.

#7: When you try to get the quiet ones to speak up…
Shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you'd like to.

#8: When you and your colleagues are just trying to get through hump day…
Push it real good.

#9: When you’re trying to motivate a student headed down the wrong path…
There's still time to change the road

#10: When you solve all your teaching problems over happy hour with your colleagues… 
We will be invincible

#11: When you wonder why you do what you do, day after day…
Don't stop believin'

#12: When you need to cheer up your teacher BFF…
It takes two to make a thing go right.

#13: When you’re trying to explain bullying…
Every rose has its thorn.

#14: When your nonstop chatterbox interrupts class for the hundredth time that day…You say it best when you say nothing at all.

#15: When it’s “mystery meat” day in the lunchroom, but you know tomorrow is French toast sticks…
Things'll go your wayif you hold on for one more day.

#16: When you’re trying to negotiate with kindergarteners…
You can't get what you want till you know what you want.

#17: When you’re on a field trip, and you tell everyone about the central meeting place…
If you're lost, you can look and you will find me.

#18: When you need a little humor at a morning staff meeting…
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this life

#19: When you want to make those high schoolers eyes roll…
Hold onto 16 as long as you can.

#20: When you need to lift up your teacher BFF…
Hold out your hand 'cos friends will be friends right till the end.

#21: When you’re trying to break up the girl clique in your classroom…
Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone.

#22: When you’re trying to get your teacher BFF to join you for a night out…
When the working day is done, oh girls, they just want to have fun.

#23: When you, your students, or your teacher colleagues just need to relax…
Don't worry, be happy.