Why I Remain Teaching

I get asked the question a lot about why I decided to become a teacher?

Most of the time I describe the wonderful lady in my previous post, Diane Miller, my old 4th grade teacher, who inspired me.

But as time has passed and I've become more and more rooted in the field of education, I am finding that the question is starting to change. The new question is: Why have you decided to remain a teacher?

This is a question I continue to ponder. To be honest, I didn't have a "canned" answer for this one. I mean what do I say? I do it for the money. ha. I truly believe teachers, more often than not, are underpaid and undervalued. I'm not stating this to start a riot, we have plenty of those, I am just saying that I truly believe for all the time, energy, and effort we put into our job we are not reserving the adequate pay we deserve.

Then why do I still do it?

There answer is simple: because I love it.

Here are the top 10 reasons why I have chosen to remain being a teacher:

1. I love watching kids learn. 

Have you ever seen a child tie their shoes for the first time? They are filled with a joy that is beyond comparison. They have just completed the most daunting task by themself. Their true jubilation and celebration is the same thing I get to witness on a daily basis. When they learn to read for the first time or they sounded out a difficult word or they found the answer to a difficult math problem, the same jubilation and pure joy is found in these small moments.

2. Their joy brings me joy.

When my students are enjoy their time in the classroom, I equally enjoy their presence. When kids are engaged in learning their true focus is on present moment. They are laughing. They are thinking. They are collaborating. They are studying. They are creating. They are growing. This authentic joy in learning brings me joy.

3. Laughing is the best remedy.

You won't believe the stories I hear, the accidents I make, and the jokes they say. All of which, keep me, and my students for that matter, laughing. I truly believe I laugh more than I breathe in my classroom. My students love to make me laugh whether its from a funny joke they learned from their best friend that morning or a silly story that happened the night before, both of which is a great remedy for my soul. Laughter is truly the best medicine. My favorite laughs are the ones that are innocently unexpected: saying the wrong word, mixing up a phrase, or just completely losing my train of thought. All bring laughter to my students and myself, because truly...if you cannot laugh at yourself, this profession isn't meant for you.

4. Adult collaboration pushes me forward. 

I have always called myself a lifelong learner. I strive to absorb as much as I can when it comes to my professional field. I act as a sponge absorbing every ounce of knowledge, advice, and critique I can get to craft it in a way that will make me a better educator. I live and breathe collaboration. I love working with other professionals in the same career path and being able to work together to solve problems, generate new ideas, and just to be able to relate  to the difficulties and celebrate the victories in the classroom.

5. Hello sweet, sweet summertime.

I'm not gonna lie. This definitely had to make my list. Having the summers "off" is the best thing since Spring Break! But truly, having a long physical, mental, emotional break from work is refreshing. It allows me time to reflect, regroup, and redefine who I am as an individual. It reminds me that there is more to life than teaching and gives me space to breathe, grow, and dream as an individual and reminds me who I am outside of work. Its a great break in service to be able to generate new ideas, brainstorm endless possibilities, and get geared up for the next long haul.

6. Being a teacher is the biggest honor. 

I cannot even begin to describe how impactful a teacher's life is on a child. Many times a child will see their teacher for more waking hours during the week day that they do their own parents. This is an eye-opening realization for me that during the week I often sub-in as their leading adult figure in their weekday life. I hold the power to nurture their growth, build-up their confidence, teach them boundaries, provide them with structure, and if need consequences, challenge them to try new things, and persevere when things get tough. This is a monumental task that I don't take lightly. I truly find it the biggest honor that parents are entrusting their most prized possession with me.

7. Education can change the world.

Education is the key that opens the closed door. Education allows children the opportunity to learn about the world around them. It allows them to learn about the past, make sense of the present, and form and cultivate new ideas for the future. It provides them the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It prepares them for the world when they are ready to be on their own. It gives them the ability to learn life skills to help them be successful in a world that is completely unpredictable.

8. Being rooted in a community.

Being a teacher allows you to be rooted in a unique community. Think about it. You are located in a building with people from ages 6 to 66 from all walks of life. All these individuals are from diverse backgrounds, different religions, race, socioeconomic status, and gender. They all have different views and perspectives, but all share one common goal. Students, staff, administrators, volunteers, and community members are all a part of a bigger picture, a bigger community, but have the same connecting fiber: the school. This is a recipe for wonderfully things to be experienced.

9. Do what you love and do it well.

I love being around kids. Whether it is watching newborns at the nursery at my church, playing with my nephews at the park, or building a new school in Guatemala for some very impoverished, but truly joyful and deserving kids. Being with kids is what I do and what I do well. I have been give the ability to make them laugh, build them up, encourage them to try, and comfort when they are sad. My ability wasn't something I just learned how to do over night, it is something that was rooted in my heart from the very beginning. Yes, I had to learn certain strategies and tactics to help me be successful, but I truly believe it stems from a calling that is beyond my understanding and my patience.

10. It is my calling. 

I truly believe, without a doubt, that my Lord and Savior has called me to be a teacher. I believe he put this desire in my heart. He planted that seed early on and continue to nurture and care for it and watch it grow and flourish. I have whole heartedly decided that this in my calling, for now. I plan to keep it that way until the Lord has unveiled a new plan for me. Serving the Lord and abiding by His will is the only thing that brings me peace that surpasses understanding. I know how precious children are to the Lord, they hold a very special place in His heart, and I feel honored to serve my Savior by serving children through the capacity as a teacher.




Well, there you have it! The top 10 reasons why I have continued to remain a teacher! I would love to hear some of your reasons! Please leave any comments below!

Cheers,