Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Why I Teach

While browsing the internet, I came across several journal articles entitled, "Why I Teach."
I thought this would be a great way to reflect on why I do what I do each day. So, here are some of my reasons for why I teach!

1.  Students notice if you have new shoes or a new haircut, or they ask you what you did over the weekend.  It makes me feel loved when they take notice of the littlest things you have done.

2.  The expression on a student's face when it shows they finally understand a complicated task.  It makes me realize that patience and perseverance are gifts to be shared often with students.

3.  Sometimes students come into my room and ask me to help them find a good book to read. They have trusted me enough to help them enhance their imagination and they value my opinion.

4.  When I meet my colleagues in the hall and we spend a minute chatting or laughing.  A kind word or a chuckle can be the moment that gets me through a trying day.

5.  After students have gone on to high school and some of them come back to visit my classroom during the first month of school. I know they come back to experience a moment of safety and recognize an old familiar face; they often feel a little lost in high school at the beginning of the school year.

6.  Parents who email, call, or visit  about their child's struggles and successes.  I appreciate their insight and partnership to do what is best for their child's educational experience.

7.  I like it when students share their personal stories with me: their pet cat, a television show they watched, how they did at an athletic event, or even what they had for supper the previous night.  When they do this, they trust me. Even though it may be the 14th time I have heard the same cat story, I can still appreciate their honesty and youthfulness.

8.  Collaborating with other educators in the building excites my brain, whether it be planning a long-term genre unit, sharing professional articles with each other, or talking about student concerns. I learn from other teachers' insights.

9.  I spend an adequate amount of time reading professional texts and books, teaching and taking classes, and stretching myself professionally. I believe you don't truly grow if you don't step out of your comfort zone.  If I continue to ask my students to learn, I must lead by example.

10.  Watching kids learn material that will make them successful in their current grade, the next grade, and in years to come is the ultimate goal of any educator.

And lastly, I like going to bed each night, hoping and knowing that somewhere I made a small difference with someone throughout the day.

1 comment:

  1. I teach for that "Aha!" moment. It's what makes me tick! Too bad that isn't a tangible talent... I bet I could make a chart... would that work?

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