I Didn’t Become an Educator to Help Change Lives

We are off to a brand new school year with new teachers and a lack of experience. I am able to say that because I too was a new teacher not so long ago, seven years to be exact. Most people put it so eloquently when asked why they became a teacher, “I wanted to give back to my community so that students know they are able to achieve anything they put their minds to. I decided to become a teacher to inspire the next generation. I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher because I loved my first grade teacher…” Needless to say, I did not have the same sentiments when I applied for a teaching position at the ripe/young age of 23. I was a journalism major approaching my senior year of college when I realized that the job market for journalists were scarce. I couldn’t fathom having a degree and not using it, so I did what any good daughter would do. I decided to follow in my mother’s footsteps. Teaching was never in my vocabulary and I actually remember countless times telling my mother and sister (they are both educators) that I would NEVER be a teacher. I guess the old adage is true, never say never. Fast forward to my college graduation day where I literally left the ceremony and had an interview to become a teacher. I was offered the job although I had no real prior experience besides substitute teaching for a semester. Oh yeah, I was also able to pass my certification test, not one but two, Reading/ELA 4–8 and Special Education EC-12. At the time my motive was not some grand idea to help change the world one student at a time, no, to be quite honest I’m almost embarrassed to say why I became a teacher. Ahem, are you ready??? I became a teacher because at 23 $45,000 looked really good to my bank account as well as all of the paid time I would have off. Who doesn’t want two months off for summer break with pay??? I tell you all of this because I like many teachers stepped into the world of education without the right motives. Although we believe that we will help change students the focus is not on how the students will help change us. My first year of teaching I was nominated Rookie Teacher of the Year. With limited resources I made due with what I had at the time. After I continued to go to work day in and day out I realized maybe I did not choose to be an educator but education chose me. I have a genuine passion for students not just as it relates to academics but their make up as a whole, what makes them unique. I believe passion is what’s missing from many of our classrooms today. Many teachers started off like me but instead of finding passion in what they are doing, their lack of passion starts rubbing off on their students. I am no longer a teacher in the sense of teaching in the classroom (I am currently an educational diagnostician-I assess students for learning and intellectual disabilities), but what I have realized is that I will always be a teacher at heart.! What’s your why? Why are you stepping in the classroom without any experience? If you don’t know your why maybe when you start realizing your affect on the future you will have your answer. If you step inside the classroom and you never experience that spark, maybe that’s a sign from God that you may not belong there. I hope everyone has a great school year!