Finding the WHY

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?