Why teach?

2012-01-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Why teach? That is a great question. I sometimes find myself asking this very question after a stressful day ~~in the trenches~~ at school. Those who can, do and those who can't, teach? Yeah, I am pretty sure I don't agree with that statement. Teaching is something I considered because I love my subject matter and I have always loved school. And if I am honest with myself, I chose this profession because the thought of vacations and snow days appealed to me! And sometimes it can seem that is the only reason I stay.

But then when I think about leaving the teaching profession (which admittedly I do think about), I picture my students. I relive the discussions we have, the themes we ponder, the grammar we struggle through. Then I laugh to think of our swing dancing to celebrate The Great Gatsby, sword fighting in reenacting Hamlet, the real courtroom where we hold our mock trial over Of Mice and Men. I realize that there is no other place I can imagine spending my time. My kids are needy, not only as scholars but as young adults. There are days I feel more like a very unprepared social worker. I worry about them and I laugh and cry with them. But overall, my heart nearly hurts with pride when they come back to visit as alumni and share their successes. How could I ever leave this profession, where I may not be paid very well or receive much recognition, but where I affect youngsters' lives in so many diverse and wonderful ways?

Taylor Mali says it best. I admit, I cried when I first watched this. And I tear up each and every time I have seen it since.

Room 211

Why teach?