Becoming a Teacher

Yesterday I stumbled on a new blog from a teacher. It really was quite interesting as it is being featured as the Weekly Blog at msn. She has two very important questions on her blog today and I decided that I am going to answer them as well.

1. Why did I decide to become a teacher?

On August 3rd, I wrote a little about someone trying to sabotage my decision to become a teacher. There is a quote out in the world that says, "Those who can't...teach". I hate that thing. Admittedly, though, that is EXACTLY how I "fell" into teaching as a profession. I started out to get a degree in Psychology. Didn't do so well in class #1 and the advisor said, "You better switch majors." He urged me to take "Intro. to Education".

This course, Intro. to Ed., was taught by one of the BEST teachers/professors I ever had. She really CARED about teaching and learning. And most importantly, she cared about kids. Everyday it seemed she would tell us stories about classrooms, kids, learning, and teachers who were making a significant impact on the lives of those they taught. I was hooked. I wanted to be that kind of person.

I really wasn't the best student at that time. I didn't know how to be the best student. The professor who told me to "get out" and "you'll never make it as a teacher" (see Aug. 3rd) just three-and-a-half years later watched me in my college classes and made this decision. I was quiet, didn't contribute much, and make just OK grades. The professor who told me with confidence, "She doesn't know what she is talking about." had seen me with kids. She had observed my teaching.

After wrestling with these two opinions of me and my future, I dove in. I am so glad that I did. I know it is exactly what I am supposed to be doing. Each and every day I get to live out my own passion for helping people learn and grow. It is so rewarding.

2. What do I teach?

Now, I get to teach adults AND kids. This is really exciting to me. I have been able to fine tune my teaching focus a bit more and have found that my true passion is teaching language arts. I am a Literacy Coach in a Title One elementary school (72% free and reduced lunch). I love what I do. I work with great people who share a vision for teaching well...and I get to help them achieve this goal. I also get to work with kids who find learning tough...it's so exciting to see the light go on when they finally "get it".

3. What do I do when it's tough?

I am adding this question to Ariana's list of questions. There are times when it is hard and tiring. I have grown weary at points along my 19 year journey. I have to stop and revisit my "calling". I have to get keenly focused on kids and realize that it's all about them. I have to step back, get introspective, look at my practice, and ask myself, "Am I doing the best I can?" and "Is there something else I should be doing?"

Yes, I really believe that this is the greatest profession. I am hoping that we are seeing shifts in opinions about those who decide to enter it. And I hope that anyone who is considering it will ask themselves the important "why do I want to do this" question before entering the classroom.

Hopefully the answer will be "I'm called to it." or "It's in my bones." I believe it's THIS type of passion and conviction that will continue to make a difference in public education.