Why Do You Teach?: What Sustains Us in Our Work

I am the fourth generation of educators in my family, which also includes aunts, uncles, and cousins. Teaching is basically all I know. I decided early on that I did not want to teach, however, as I began college, I was ultimately drawn back in. My decision came when my grandmother, who was a teacher for forty-two years, passed away. At her funeral, my family and I stood in a receiving line for over four hours, speaking to mostly former students telling us stories about what an impact my grandmother had on their lives. Seeing the difference she made in her small world drove me to persue an career in education, as well. I knew that I wanted to impact others in some way, and what better way than to shape and mold the minds of children? Like many others, I desire to be a positive role model and to instill values and a love for learning in my students.

I teach because, like many including the author, I feel a driving need to feel as if I am doing something to change the world. I teach middle school theatre, journalism and speech & debate. But what I really teach is self confidence. When one of my students performs a speech or a scene that he or she has worked on for weeks and hears that applause, their smile and pride lets me know that I am doing my job.

I love my job because it allows me to become a conduit of success for students who may not "fit" in their traditional classes. In my room it's ok to be silly, to play, or to try on someone else's personality for a while. My special ed or learning disabled students find success in my class because I am able to tailor my curriculum to their strengths, instead of focusing on their weaknesses.

I do this while teaching at the middle school I went to when I was a child. It feels wonderful being back and providing the support for the students that I found when I was a student here.

I have tried several different careers, but none have impacted me like teaching has. For me, teaching is a chance to touch the future. I can impact students and they certainly impact me. I have learned as much from them as I'm sure I have taught. Regardless of the stress or difficulty of a day, I wake up every morning and walk into every class again hopeful that I can reach these kids. It is a different adventure every day! And I get to be part of over 130 lives daily. That's cool! I agree with your comments regarding middle school. I teach 8th grade and I wouldn't trade for anything. These kids wants guidance, they want to impress you, they want to work hard. Some of them struggle, but they are motivated, and if I can reach through the walls, I can help them pull themselves up to where they want to be.

I think there are many "right" answers as to why individuals teach. For some, they feel the need to give back, while others may have been impacted by a teacher in their educational journey and want to do the same for students now.

For me, I decided to teach for multiple reasons, but the main reason is the fact that I love impacting young peoples' lives. Growing up, the people who impacted my life were the ones who spent time with me. I try my best to be involved in the community, churches, etc. so that I spend more time with the young people of today. I coach two sports at my high school. I coach for two reasons, one, I am very competitive, and two, it allows me even more time to have an impact on students. Young people will pay you no attention unless you pay attention to them as an individual.

I teach to impact lives.

I love this discussion of why teachers continue to teach in schools today. As a music teacher, I continue to teach because of the lack of exposure our children are getting in terms of quality music education today. I work in an urban school where music has been absent from the curriculum for several years. Most children from these schools lack proper musical skills from other kids in different schools across the country.

I feel it is my duty as a musician to give these children a quality music education that will enhance their learning in other academic subjects.

I enjoyed reading your posting. I enjoy hearing successful stories about my former students. Yet,I can't help but think about those students who "didn't make it." I know of some who are teenage moms. I wonder if I could have said or done something that might have made a difference?

I've taught for ten years and have been away from the profession for the past five years to raise my young children. Currently, I am working on my graduate degree and I can't wait to get back into the classroom! I can't to see those precious faces each day. I can't wait to make an impact on the children who will be entrusted to me. I can't wait to tell them "great job or good try." I can't wait to tell them how special they are and they are capable of doing anything. I can't wait when a child says "I knew I could do it!" Last, I can't wait because it is the most rewarding job!

I want to make a differnce in the lifes of children. I want to make a "positive" difference in the future generation. I want to be able to inspire as many kids as possilbe. One way to do this is to let them know that they are respected as human beings and by letting them know that I'm human just like they are. I also would like to inspire them by telling them my personal stories about how as the youngest of five I was the only one to graduate from college. With hard work and determination everything is possible and everyone can do it, just like I did.
Another reason I teach is because of the intrinsic rewards that come with this profession. The little things are the ones that count the most! The little notes with "The Best Teacher" or a pencil (as a special gift to the teacher)...but not just any pencil... the student's best pencil... just to name a few of these rewards.

I teach because I want to make a difference in the lives of children...I want to make a "positive" difference in the future generation. I want my studens to know that someone trully cares for them.
I want to inspire my students through various ways. I want them to listen to my personal stories about how I made it through college. Tell them that I'm the youngest of five, a single mother, and with hard work and determination everyone (including them) has the opportunity to reach their dreams just like I did.

Another reason I teach is because of the intrinsic rewards that come with this profession. Things like little notes that say "The Best Teacher" and a little present like a pencil, but not just any pencil...their very own special pencil, make a huge impact in my life as a teacher and as a human being.

Kendall,
I completely agree with you! I live for those "light bulb turning on" moments! I also think that our students really do think the world of us. We had a very tramatic event occur to a teacher at our school and the students clung to me. They needed that strong support and someone to comfort them as they cried. I was honored to be that person for them and to be able to help and comfort them.

I teach because it's so rewarding seeing my students succeed. I enjoy finding new ways to reach all of my students. It is a constant learning process. I love to see the spark in my kids eyes when they understand the material that I'm presenting to them! Being around my students has helped me discover what my purpose in life is. I also love being a positive role model in their lives. So many kids seem to be raised from older siblings or come from rough homes. I let each of my kids know what they are capable of doing in life. Even though I work with second grade, you wouldn't believe how passionate they are about doing well academically and behaviorally. I try not to dwell on the hurdles we face on a daily basis. I see the smiles on my students faces and know that my job is to help them. They serve as such a compliment to my life!