Why Do You Teach?

I don’t care if you have been teaching 1 year or 30 years, it is important to be able to ask yourself the question, “Why do you teach?” There are many possible answers to that question. “I want to make a difference.” “I like to work with younger people.” “I like to have summers off.” I believe for you to be the best teacher you can, you have to ask yourself that question and be honest about the answer.

We all went into teaching for a reason. Is that the same reason why you are still in teaching now, or has it changed?

To motivate and inspire young people, you have to be motivated and inspired yourself. It is very hard to fake enthusiasm. Do you come into your class each day energized and excited for what will happen that day? If not, why?

Teachers hold very important positions in the formation of young people across the globe. Future generations will act, in the world, based in many ways on what they have learned and have witnessed in their school classes. What type of role model are you each day? You teach a subject, but what else do you teach? How aware are you of what they see? What other lessons are you teaching your class each day by your actions and your treatment of students?

An easy way to be a good role model for your students on a regular basis is to make sure you are having fun in the classroom. If students feel you are not interested or excited about what will happen that day in the classroom, how can they possible feel energized at the start of class? Do you have things in the room that keep it interesting and new for you. Create a classroom where you would want to be a student. Put yourself into their seats as much as possible.

If as teachers we can be more aware, each day, of the impact we have on the students in front of us, we are much more likely to be consistent positive role models. This will help us create exciting classrooms of learning.

How do you feel in your classroom? Are you excited to be there each day? Why or why not? What could you do to make the classroom a fun, engaging, environment for you and your students?