Have you ever stopped to think about why you teach? Like, really thought about it?
Much of this year has been spent searching for my WHY. Why do I do what I do? I feel like amidst all of the responsibilities of a teacher, we can easily lose sight of our WHY.
One of my first administrators told me that teaching is like a pendulum. Some days the pendulum is on the upswing and you've got it. Other days, you feel like throwing in the towel. Today I told a coworker about the pendulum analogy, and I asked if it ever gets easier. She said it does, but the pendulum still swings, even for veteran teachers. But as a more experienced teacher, the pendulum swings become a little more manageable.
In this TED Talks Education video, Rita Pierson explains her WHY. She believes that every kid needs a champion. Every kid needs someone who believes in them. I posted this a few years ago at a time where I was feeling particularly inspired, and I still believe in Rita's powerful words.
So, I must remind myself of my WHY. WHY do I teach?
I teach because I love seeing my students smile at me when they walk in the door in the morning.
I teach because I want to share my love for learning with my students.
I teach because I know some students need the extra love at school, because they don't get it at home.
I teach because I want to inspire my students.
I teach because I love it. I love my job.
Have you found your WHY?
