Why I am still teaching

 

Last week, in response to a question from a former student, I discussed some of the reasons why I think teachers are leaving the profession. After hearing my answer, my student was interested in what motivated me and why I continue to teach. I’ve been asked this question often, and each time, I need a second to reflect before answering.

My first thought was that I have been extremely blessed in life. As a teenager, I could not imagine that my life would have turned out this way. When I have asked people who have mentored me, “How can I pay you back?” they have all replied, “By paying it forward.” Teaching, to me, is a way to pay it forward and try to help others the way people have helped me.

My second thought was hope. While the United States is not in a great place right now, teaching young people gives me great hope for the future. Each day, I work with amazingly talented young people who are thinking about how to use these talents to make the world a better place.

Talking with former students is also inspiring. Hearing them tell me how their dreams have now become reality is exciting. Equally exciting is hearing from students who took different career paths than they originally thought. How something in their life caused them to pivot in a different direction, which has brought them happiness. Many of them make the world a better place, each and everyday.

Teaching is a great profession. It constantly challenges you to get better. I love the thought that every day, I can improve myself and therefore improve student learning. It amazes me how some small things make an enormous difference in student achievement.

Lastly, it took 38 years for me to find my true passion. My biggest advantage as a teacher is that I love coming to work each day. Why would I want to leave that?