As MiddleWeb readers entered the New Year, ToniRae asked a question
that pushed teachers past the daily concerns of restarting school to reflect
more deeply on why they keep coming back!
Greetings! I have taught middle grades for twelve years and am currently
working on my Masters degree. I am researching why some teachers stay in
the profession when so many are leaving. So whether you're a veteran or
a new teacher who wants to stay, let me know why you've stayed!! If you're
a new teacher thinking about leaving the profession, I would like to ask
you why?
I am also wondering if any pre-service programs or mentoring programs have
made the difference for anyone? Let me know!
-ToniRae
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Scott kept it simple.
This is my vocation. Other jobs are not.
I hope this is not too simple of an answer, but it really is the ultimate
truth.
- Scott
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Lori commented on the role of teachers in the lives of high-risk students.
I stay because I WANT to influence young adolescents in positive ways.
I was once one of those students who would have fallen by the wayside if
it were not for a few of my junior high teachers and one from High School.
I wanted to be invisible and was pretty good at it but a couple of teachers
saw something worth getting to know and made JH and HS bearable, even fun.
I want to be able to do the same thing for other youngsters.
- Lori
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Christopher explained how the challenge keeps him coming back for more.
I am in my third year of teaching and I intend to continue for a very
long time. I plan to stay because of the challenges that teaching brings.
Some nights I find myself tearing the buzzcut hair out of my head! Why don't
they get this? How can they really believe that Arizona is just north of
Georgia? We practiced for two weeks! After I stop ranting I find myself
pushing myself to be more creative, and more driven. Why didn't they get
it, becomes how will they get it? Some, as I've come to realize, will never
get it. But don't tell me that when I am trying to develop the lesson
and trying new strategies.
In addition to the challenges, my wife and I are both in education. We can
empathize with each other when we've had a rough day. So I feel that I will
stay in education because someone is there for support.
As a first year teacher I felt that I could have benefited from more support
from my school/staff/administration. I believe that absent support from
someone who can realistically sympathize and empathize, I would not see
myself lasting in education.
- Christopher
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Bill elaborated on the fulfillment that teaching brings to his life.
Three words: kids, kids, and kids.
Like Lori, I originally wanted to teach because I wanted to be available
to play the same role in kids' lives that a few special adults had played
in mine. Kids find ways to thank me and/or confirm that I make a positive
difference in their lives often enough to keep me going through the rough
times.
Like Scott, I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I need to be with
kids, and few if any other jobs can give you as much time with kids or as
much chance to make a positive difference in their lives as teaching does.
Additionally, and rather more selfishly, no other job I can imagine gives
me more time with my family, largely because I put off prepping and other
work until after my own kid (and often my wife) have gone to sleep.
I don't want to minimize the importance of collegial support, both at my
school and through MiddleWeb. Having those professional and supportive perspectives
also keeps my job fresh and exciting and gets me through the rough spots.
But ultimately, if it's not about the kids, than why teach?
I would certainly like to be making more money, and I would also like to
be able to get a full night's sleep every single night of my life. But those
two things are pretty insignificant compared with what teaching brings to
my life.
Take care,
Bill
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Linda shared her reasons for choosing teaching as a profession
I've been teaching middle level students for 20 years. I stay because
of the kids. I'm always fascinated by what they say or do. Sometimes they
have me laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes. Other times they make
me so angry I want to throttle one or two. There's never a dull moment.
Also, where else can a person connect with so many people in one day and
have the chance, each day, to mold and shape that person for the better?
Linda
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Ellen explored the idea of being "called" to teach
I cannot imagine doing anything else. Ever since kindergarten, I dreamed
of being a teacher. No other job has challenged me, thrilled me, or inspired
me to continue learning like teaching. Yes, there are days I feel like I
have been dragged through the dirt, but the days when everything clicks
for my kids more than makes up for it!
I feel I have been called to be a teacher. I have the heart to love our
sometimes-unlovable (this year, a lot of the time) kids. I try to look beyond
their warts to help them discover the talents they all have.
Nobody has a better job. I dare them to top teaching!
Ellen
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Joanne spoke of the thrill of synergy that comes when students connect
with the curriculum.
I am a first year (yet middle-aged) teacher. If I am offered a contract
for next year, I believe I will stay, too. Why? Like Bill said... because
of the kids.
Some of the aspects I love about teaching are when the students and I are
really connecting.... when the discussion gets going, or when they show
comprehension or mastery in unexpected ways. I love to see them using new
vocabulary words in unrelated writing assignments, for instance. When a
borderline student pulls through and hands in an assignment that shows real
effort and learning, I want to tell the world. There is nothing like that
feeling.
Maybe, just maybe, I am getting through, at least this one time. And if
once, maybe again!?! And I love 8th graders seeking me out because they
need someone who will listen to them. That they feel "safe" sharing
their lives with me is a great honor.
I also like having my own "world" ... I love my classroom and
feeling like I am my own boss. The students and I can decorate how we want,
and have fun with it. If we want to get off topic on occasion, we can. No
one is standing over us (including my own brain), saying, "Get back
on task." My task IS talking with my students. At times I find the
"off task" times together are some of the best relationship-cementing
times. And I am in charge of all of that... letting the kids think that
they are getting me off topic, when I usually have other motivations behind
allowing it to happen, even if it just expanding their information base
in non-Language Arts areas. (I am a big history buff, so we often segue
into related historical topics.)
Why might I leave teaching? Administrative hassles? Waste-of-time meetings?
Negativity from other teachers? But so far that has not been a big problem,
and I hope it never will be. If (when?) I become more experienced and confident
in the profession, I will want to be like Ellen and shake the pro forma
pot a little. If that becomes too frustrating, though, I will either quit
or stay in my classroom and hope I am at least reaching the students assigned
to me.
Joanne
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Deb connected her personal learning journey with her interactions with
her students.
I still consider myself a teacher, although I'm out of the classroom
working mainly with adults this year. I didn't plan to teach, but when I
had my own children I was fascinated with they ways they learned and grew.
I became involved in their schools, and the rest is history... I'm missing
the connection with the kids a lot this year. I love the way kids keep me
honest and help me learn!
Being in a Critical Friends Group was/is the most supportive context outside
of this list that I have found in my career.
Deb
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Satinder shared a favorite quote.
Aristotle summed up the answer to this provocative question for me:
"The fate of empires depends on the education of youth."
.... and since I'm using quotes, here's another one that I love: "Those
who know, do; those who understand, teach."
-Satinder
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Kara explained how motivating affecting individual lives can be.
I've been teaching in the middle grades for 10 years. I have stayed
and plan to stay because this is one of the most rewarding and purposeful
jobs I could ever imagine having. I have a new opportunity every day to
touch people's lives, impact their thinking, and help them to become wonderful,
independent thinkers in this world. To help someone learn a new skill that
they will use forever, or help them discover a skill they never knew existed,
is the best gift you could give someone. I get to do that every day in this
job. When I go home each day, I am so thankful that I have chosen this way
to spend my life.
- Kara
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Cindy shared how a love for teaching can be jeopardized by a negative
work environment.
Here's a unique situation for your research: I am an 11 yr veteran who
up until this year absolutely loved my job. I loved interacting with kids
everyday sharing knowledge and being there for them when they need an ear.
I really feel rewarded when I know
I have made a difference in the life of a child. Sometimes we are the only
people who actually listen to them!
This year I am working with the most difficult teachers I have ever worked
with in 10 years. They are "traditionalists" in terms of their
philosophies and I just don't agree it's what's best for our kids. I switched
districts but this is the second time I have done that in my career so my
reservations about continuing are not linked to the stresses of being new.
My major considerations for leaving are:
-lack of curriculum (my list is very vague)
-lack of materials
-lack of funding
Secondly, with all of the above, not having the support of my colleagues
makes it extremely difficult! My stress level has reached the point where
I am taking my job week-to-week, leaving the opportunity for resignation
open.
I am sad thinking about how I could go from an effective teacher who got
rave reviews to a fumbling idiot who can't handle the stress.
Are there any similarities with other responses?
Cindy
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Deb responded to Cindy's posting.
A few years ago, I changed positions at my school. I had a promise/deal
with my administrator that I would teach 1/3 of my building per marking
period. I knew it would be a stretch, switching from science to technology,
but I wasn't prepared for the shift in my reality. My administrator changed,
someone else did the roster and I was made a tech prep teacher, who taught
310 kids per week and attended none of the teacher planning sessions because
I was covering classes. I was miserable, felt like a failure...I still didn't
know all my kids' names at Christmas etc.
Anyway, I'm saying all that to let you know that you are not alone. I had
to find my community outside my immediate context. The kids working with
other teachers in a Critical Friends Group, keeping a reflective diary and
sheer stubbornness got me through the year. I hope you won't give up on
you. The kids really need you, especially in a situation like the one you've
described.
Deb
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Melba felt some empathy with Cindy.
Cindy, I feel so bad for you. I am in almost the same situation. I have
been teaching for 27 years though. This year I am the staff developer at
my campus and I agree with you; working with adults is not the same by any
means. Our situations are very much the same. But, you know what, we can
always go back to the classroom. So please, don't despair; you are not stuck
in any job. If your heart is not in it, then don't do it.
Melba
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Michaela summed up her thoughts in a quote.
I am in my 3rd year teaching in the Middle School. Prior to this I was
a Corporate Trainer for 2 years and a 1st grade teacher for a year.
I will give you a quote from my late husband that pretty much sums up why
I teach. This occurred after a visit to my school on a typical school day
before he had to go back to his state job in the Oklahoma Department of
Human Services.
"No wonder you love going to work each day. Your workplace is filled
with action, enthusiasm, and vibrancy. There is hope for the future and
anticipation of tomorrow in the air."
Enough said!
- Michaela
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Kathleen pointed readers to a thought-provoking list of affirmations.
As I have been reflecting on what I wanted to write in response to the
question "Why do you stay teaching? " I came across this and decided
it said it much better than I could have. It is much more articulate than
I tend to be.
"7 Affirmations for Teachers"
1. I am proud to be a teacher.
2. Teaching is one of the most honorable and noble of all professions.
3. I love what I do and know that my enthusiasm is contagious.
4. I bring knowledge, dedication, and understanding to my classroom.
5. I make a positive difference in my students' lives.
6. My students will be better people because of me and I will be a better
person because of them.
7. I know what I give to my students will come back to me in many wonderful
and unexpected ways.
This is excerpted from http://www.dailyapples.com/quotes.htm
- Kathleen
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Finally, Scott shared his secret with MiddleWeb readers.
Why do I teach? For the money of course!
Scott