Why teach?

As time passes, many of us (including myself) get caught up in the paper work, the meetings, the professional learning, the back to school excitement, the end of year excitement, the parent conferences, the providing feedback, the progress monitoring, the writing IEPs, the pyramid of intervention, the flexible groups, the this and that and the list could go on...

We get SO caught up in it all that we forget to REFLECT upon the true reason we became a teacher in the first place. Well, for me, it is ALL about the children. My students. I am 'school mom' for 160+ days of the year, and that brings forth so much joy. My students. I truly feel the Lord shaped me into becoming a teacher. He prepared me all throughout my life to serve Him through my love for children.

I am entering my 11th year of teaching and somehow (even as early as I am still in my career) I lost sight of my true reason for becoming a teacher. In the midst of meetings, teacher evaluations, Common Core, and the rest, DO NOT allow yourself to forget the underlying reason that led you to teach. For some, it may be an entirely different reason. But for me, it is my love for the children - not even seeing the light bulb come on - just loving the children. Take time to reflect! Set aside a time each year to reflect upon the foundation that led you into the world of teaching.

When did I wake up and realize I had forgotten (not really that I had forgotten, but that other things had blurred my vision of it)? I was asked by a couple of colleagues to try for an Academic Coach position at our school. I was ready for it, I really WAS ready... Until... I prayed about it and asked the Lord to guide me. Wow... what an amazing feeling that was! Although I was ready for an interview, and even had turned in my application, my heart and mind were going in different directions. My mind was telling me that this was a great opportunity to move up, yet my heart (the Lord) was telling me that I needed to recall the very reason I went into this profession - the children and my love for each of them - this is where my joy lies. HE prepared me, HE opened doors for me, and now I needed to listen to HIM.

Don't get caught up in all the ins and outs and craziness that goes along with this amazing job of teaching. Instead, take time to truly reflect upon why it is you chose to become a teacher. There is no other job like ours, so remember why you are there. Please comment below about what led you to become a teacher...