Teaching At It's Core!
“Every day is a new day. I am great! I was born to be something amazing….” That is the beginning of our motivational chant we say EVERYDAY before our lesson. Teaching was a profession that kind of fell into my lap. I never thought I had the patience or the discipline to be responsible for other people’s children’s mental development. But my destiny was written differently. Every year during the summer I have a pep talk with myself and think about why I chose to be a teacher. This past summer was no different except I recorded it and planned to share it with others (but I didn’t share it, I felt embarrassed). I felt like it would be good motivation during the year when my focus was on sleep and my mind was exhausted. I planned to watch it in those moments when I could not imagine teaching another year and I started to edit my resume preparing to search for a new career (don’t pretend like those thoughts never cross your mind ;) While I was speaking to myself I understood my real purpose; to MOTIVATE.
I came to the realization that as a teacher it is our job to speak life into our students. It is our job to show them what they can be and make them BELIEVE it! As teachers, it is our job to motivate, inspire and encourage our future leaders. It is our responsibility to make them believe that the impossible is possible and dreams can come true. Teachers are great role models to children who need role models in a society where there is a void of positivity.
While I was talking to myself I reminded myself not to get caught up in only teaching the standards. I told myself it is my job to teach students practical knowledge but also teach them how to sustain a healthy mentality. My students go home to lives I cannot imagine and pressures I would not believe. We might teach them math, but also teach them life. We are their unofficial parent and we are a part of the “village” raising our future. I truly believe it is our responsibility as teachers, to help aid children in becoming productive members of society. Too many teachers forgot that we are molding actual human beings…building and shaping character, beliefs, and ideas.
As I ended my personal pep talk I reminded myself that there is a calling on my soul to teach. Every time my frustration pushes me away from enjoying my career, the love for developing our future brings me back. It is my second career but it is my most fulfilling. I feel like it is my job to tell my kids every day that they are amazing and if nobody believes in them; I do!
I hope my words inspire you to remember your purpose!
