Why I Teach

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