On Becoming A Teacher: The List That Lives On Forever

Did anyone ever ask you why you went into a chosen field? It is an interesting question, especially for those who choose to teach. Many of my reasons for choosing the education field stem from my own childhood. Throughout the years, I maintained a list of these reasons so I could have the ability to self-reflect on personal growth as a teacher.

An effective teacher understands that teaching is not just a job; it is truly a way of life. Our days never end at 3:00 PM nor solely begin at 7:00 AM. As educators, we create relationships with our students that can carry through generations. We have the greatest privilege, the highest levels of responsibilities, and most of all, we give and receive the greatest gifts-the opportunity to help build the future in so many countless ways.

Below is a shortened list of reasons I kept over the years in regard to why I chose to be a teacher.

I know how challenging life can be without education because I lived it.
I love to read, write and learn.
I love to learn from my students.
I love the "ah-ha" moments.
I know the work I do in the classroom will forever affect the lives of my students, and today I continue to watch them grow into successful adults.
I have unbelievable mentors who inspire me and I want to inspire others.
I want to give back.
I love to see kids smiling. I love to see kids learn, and then I know I am doing my job right.
I am passionate about making a difference because I know small changes can lead to enormous results.
Change can begin with every one of us-and I want to empower my students to succeed and understand that one person can make a difference in the world.
I enjoy philosophical discussions with my colleagues.
I have a chance to advocate.
I am a mentor and a friend.
I am able to spend my days with the future.
At the same time, I can be a nurse, a cook, a psychologist, an ear to listen, a guide and a role model.
For some, I am the sunshine for those who don't receive rays of light at home.
I teach life lessons filled with compassion and encouragement.
I teach children how to read, write, add and subtract.
I teach my students how to tell their stories with passion.
I know how to engage my students.
I understand that every child shines in multiple and unique ways.
For my bilingual students, I speak in Spanish when my ESL learners are lost-so they know they are safe.
As an ESL teacher, I am a solid and safe place for kids who come to the United States. Many of my students are middle school learners (ages 11-13) who have never been inside of a classroom with no education base whatsoever.
Because I care, I tie thousands of laces and zip hundreds of coats.
I make sure hats are on tight in the winter and that all little hands are covered.
I wipe tears, tell jokes and see little smiles come back.

Do you have a list about your own career? If not, why?

I've always wondered how others chose their own career paths. How did you land where you are today? What motivated you?

My greatest achievements have been through my work in the classroom. There is nothing better than making a difference in the lives of children, sparking enlightenment, believing in them and guiding them toward the path of success, confidence and compassion.

If you are an inspiring educator who is looking for a job in the field, amazing resources, tools and teacher mentoring (yours truly), please join me over at TeacherMatch Quest.

About me: I am a certified elementary and ESL teacher in the state of Illinois. I taught many grade levels and launched and managed the first graduate advising program for National Louis University. Today, I am excited to be part of TeacherMatch, Quest, as the Lead Teacher Mentor, where aspiring teachers can find jobs, resources and much more-(mentoring from me)! Please stop by to learn more about the exciting new and updated resources coming January 2015.

You may have seen my LinkedIn Career Story in October of 2012. If you need a boost of inspiration, please stop by and read it here.