Why do you want to teach? It is a question heard in likely every single interview for a teaching job. I don’t remember exactly what I said when I was asked that question almost ten years ago, but I am sure it is different from what I would say now. I had the wonder-eyed, ready to change the world feeling when I was fresh out of college…just couldn’t wait to decorate a bulletin board and lead a line down the hall. Embarrassing to admit now, but THAT was what I couldn’t wait to do. Soon after that time, reality set in. Standardized testing. Budget cuts. Kids with no home support. Kids who struggle in everything they do. Kids who don’t struggle and need challenge. Kids who are misunderstood. The list goes on…and on. The list that drags you down, makes you question, at those really dark times, if you really even want to teach anymore. But, at the end of the day, the bell rings, the sun sets, and you end up with the promise of a brand new day ahead of you. You go back to the classroom, your kids come in, and somewhere along the way you realize that your purpose is so much more than just to teaching reading and math. You’re there to inspire kids. You are there to understand them, reach them, and help them be the best they can possibly be.
I’m feeling this way today because I finished reading “Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire” by Rafe Esquith. The book is full of reality. Full of ideas. Full of inspiration. Please answer the question, “Why do you teach?” I look forward to being inspired as I read your comments. 🙂 Afterall, we’re all in this together.
