This is my first year teaching and people have already said
to me, “wow, I don’t know how you teachers do it.” I can answer the “how”
pretty easily. First of all, I had the opportunity to attend a University that
did an incredible job at preparing me for the realities of teaching. I learned
how to write lesson plans, communicate effectively with parents, colleagues,
and children. I was taught and able to practice how to differentiate
instruction effectively in order to reach children from all backgrounds and
abilities. My student teaching and long-term-subbing adventures gave me
hands-on experiences to ready me for my own class of children. Fast forward to
this school year. I have so many people cheering me on, giving me guidance and
advice, and helping me out including my family, colleagues, friends, and
teachers I had the privilege of working with during my time in college.
The more important question I am going to answer is the “why.”
Why do I wake up early every day and teach, love, and guide my crew of 5 and 6
year olds? Why do I stay late after school and occasionally go back to school
on the weekends to organize our classroom or make sure everything for the
following week is set? Why do I communicate with parents after school hours and
on weekends? Why do I fight for the needs of my kids? Why do I make a point to
let parents know when their child does something awesome rather than only
contacting them when there is a problem?
I teach because my students walk in the door {most} mornings
with a smile and often a hug for me.
I teach because my little guy knows he is safe in our
classroom.
I teach because the little girl who would not even get on the
school bus at the beginning of the year comes to school excited to be there.
I teach because many of my kids knew less than half of their
letters in August and can now sound out words and write beginning, middle, and
ending sounds.
I teach because it makes my heart smile when the light bulb
comes on.
I teach because my kiddos make me laugh every day.
I teach because I learn new things from my kids every day.
I teach because my little girl who came to school in August
shy, reserved, and barely talked now has the confidence to run my whole
classroom.
I teach because my children amaze me.
I teach because my students know I believe in them.
I teach because my students believe in me.
I teach because I want to inspire the next generation.
I teach because the next generation inspires me.
I teach because I love my kiddos.
I teach because KIDS ARE FREAKING AMAZING!
I teach because I LOVE IT!
I teach because it is WORTH IT!
Teaching is hard. There’s no doubt about it! The smiles, the
“oh I get it,” the love, the learning, and the laughter make the frustration, long
hours, blood, sweat, and tears all worth it. I am so blessed to be teaching the
leaders of tomorrow and I pray every day that the impact I have on their young,
precious lives is a positive one.
“I believe in children and their limitless capacity to care
and to love.” –R.J. Palacio
Yours truly,
Steph
