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!
Enjoy the week!
Keith Howell
