A couple of months ago I was frequenting a local coffee shop
near my house, enjoying a breakfast sandwich and a hot cup of coffee, while
checking out some educational twitter posts and blogs. Very relaxing morning for me! This is when I overheard a woman talking to
her daughter, who looked to be in high school or early college. I felt the need to eavesdrop when I heard, “I want to be a teacher!”
The daughter proclaimed this statement with great passion,
which intrigued me to listen. After
listening for a few minutes I understood why she had such passion in her voice. You see, mom is a teacher and she was
discouraging her daughter from following her dreams. I overheard everything that is wrong in education:
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Pay cuts that might never recover.
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Evaluation process and standardized testing that the government can't figure out.
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Expectations and evening responsibilities increasing.
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Common Core isn't supported by everyone.
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Parents who speculate.
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Politics in the building... this is when I
stopped listening!
It wasn't a long conversation but it was packed with negativity... they may have had this conversation before??? I am not sure of the district she worked for or even the capacity
of her position; however, I am positive that negative comments associated with of our profession
will result in the loss of passionate young people who want to educate our
future. Yes, there are many things in
education that we need to change; however, one thing that will never change is the
importance of acquiring the best people
to educate our children and work in our schools! Our politicians and law makers need to remember this when setting the budget and creating mandates for our schools... sounds like a future post. I digress...
We need to be the positive voice! Please do not discourage talented and excited
young people from following their dreams of educating children. We need positive teachers to “take on the
challenges” of our profession. Our children deserve to have
amazing people educating and empowering them into the future!
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| Our children deserve and need great teachers who will empower them to love learning! |
So, as you come across capable and enthusiastic young people who are pursuing a degree in education, (or even individuals interested in a career change) support their decision and remind them of the amazing things that take place at our schools. Be the voice, showcasing the positive and rewarding aspects of education. We love watching the proverbial light bulb go on when a student get it! Help future educators understand that the profession is more than teaching. It is about influencing and empowering children, while making a positive difference in their lives. Our profession is about building relationships with all children that supports a culture of learning, while motivating students to be lifelong learners. Why wouldn't you want to encourage great people (who like children and teaching) to be part of this?
Why am I an educator?
Over the years my philosophy has evolved considerably; however, my focus continues to be the same, building leadership capacity in teachers and students while doing the greatest job in the world --- Teaching Children! I enjoy creating a positive learning environment and energy for others. I love the challenges surrounding an ever-changing educational landscape of modern learning, focusing on the things that we can control, which is creating amazing classrooms where students are excited to learn! I can't imagine doing a job that didn't involve teaching!
Why are you an educator? Please let us know by making a comment. Let's be the positive voice that encourages great people to become educators... our children deserve it!!!
I will leave you with the following quote:
The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done. – Arnold Palmer
Teaching is challenging. It can also be the most rewarding career a person can choose! Please continue to encourage great people, who are passionate about educating children, to pursue their dreams and join our great profession. Our children and future depends on it!
Teaching is challenging. It can also be the most rewarding career a person can choose! Please continue to encourage great people, who are passionate about educating children, to pursue their dreams and join our great profession. Our children and future depends on it!
Enjoy the week!
Keith Howell
Thanks for a great post, Keith! You ask the question, "Why are you an educator?" Here's my short answer; I want to stand for kids that have no one else to stand for them. I want others to say that I made a difference in their lives. I believe in education to keep the U.S. as the top country in the world. I love the challenges that come with being a difference-maker. There is no better profession in the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Great reasons and I love your comment - "...stand for kids that have no one else to stand for them." You are a "difference maker!" Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteI can relate to your post. I just finished a masters program to earn my teaching certificate I was met with some negativity and a lot of questions as to why I would enter a career field with few job opportunities. I have always known I wanted to be a teacher, but as a career changer I just took the scenic route to get here :) now that I have been in the classroom I know there is no place I would rather be. Why did I chose teaching? Why am I an educator? I believe that we as teachers and educators have the unique opportunity not only to teach and learn everyday but also have the chance to make an impact on all the students we are lucky enough to come in contact with. We get that chance everyday. I don't know too many other professions where you get the chance to learn, grow and make a difference everyday, as much as teaching. I am looking forward to having that chance everyday!
ReplyDeleteJen, thanks for reading and making a comment. Sometimes the scenic route brings amazing experiences to a classroom. I am glad you stuck with it! Enjoy making a difference everyday!
DeleteMy job is never boring. The children make me laugh and appreciate all of the little things in life that go by so quickly. The staff is terrific to work with. This is why I continue to work in education!!!
ReplyDeletePGK, thanks for reading and commenting. They do make us laugh and it does go by quickly. Elementary school can be filled with great memories. Have a great finish to the school year!
DeleteGreat points, Keith! I became an educator to show kids the importance of being lifelong learners, to respect themselves and others, to be responsible, and make the world a better place. We can't control the politics, budget problems, family situations, etc. We're so lucky to have Monteith as our oasis in the desert! :)
ReplyDeleteTom, thanks for commenting. You are right... we need to focus on the things that we can control, which is creating amazing classrooms where students are excited to learn!
DeleteGreat post, Keith!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE learning and kids, so having the opportunity to teach kids to use the skills and resources around them to learn is something I love doing on a daily basis. Thinking back to my years as a student, I think about the many positive role models that have helped shape who I am today. I hope to be that inspiration to my students, as they work hard doing their personal best to make their dreams come true and become lifelong learners.
Enjoying the people you work with is also a plus too! I am fortunate to work in a building who has kids as their number one focus. I feel supported and motivated on a daily basis by my colleagues, and look forward to learning and sharing with them often.
Overall, I love the motto of Live, Laugh, Love, and Learn and enjoy doing those things everyday as a teacher along with the students of my classroom each year.
Theresa,
DeleteThank you for commenting! I am sure you bring that inspiration to your students. Love the motto and positive outlook on education! Thanks for all you do!
HI Keith. I love this question! I chose to become a teacher because I want each child in my classroom to be educated and nurtured in an environment where they know they are important, special, loved, valued and safe. If I can make a positive difference in the life of my students, I will know I have been successful.
ReplyDeleteTherese,
DeleteThanks for commenting and always looking to make a positive difference in the life of your students. Thanks for all you do!