Remember Why

It's Spring.

That means the plants are blooming, the sun is shining, and senioritis is in full epidemic mode.  

We are in the backstretch of the year, half a semester left.  The students and teachers can smell summer break.  Standing in the way is about nine weeks of school that include state testing, end of year conferences, and students asking what they can do to salvage their grade.

At this point in the year, it becomes easy to give in to the mundane and mediocre.  To enter survival mode.  But I want to challenge you:

Don't be that teacher.

Remember why you chose this calling- and why, perhaps, it chose you.

It has been an...interesting year in education.  Teachers have had a lot to deal with outside the classroom in this election cycle.  Remember that as difficult as some new laws or budget constraints from the state are, you chose this calling because you wanted to reach students, to make a difference.  It can be straining and scary to have so little control over your career- believe me, I know- but you chose this serve others.  Remember them.

I have seen advertisements for several television shows that are about teachers- all of them have the stereotypical "teacher behaving badly for comedic purposes."  Remember that teaching is a noble calling.  That we have an impact on the next generation that is potentially greater than any other influencer in their life.  Be that teacher that makes them love learning by being present and patient and by TRULY LISTENING to them.  Choose to focus on the positives each day- celebrate the amazing things your students and your peers are doing everyday and don't choose to air petty complaints or humorous (but demeaning) teacher memes.  I am not saying to share legitimate concerns and struggles- transparency is important- but do not neglect to remember why we believe educators accept a calling, not just a contract.

Remember that there is a student that needs a kind word.

Remember that there is a fellow educator who needs a pat on the back.

Remember that EOCs and STAARS are not the measure of our students' value- or our own.

Remember that as our time with our students draws to a close, we still have time to make a difference.

Remember that you started this year with hope for things to come- it would be best to end with hope for the seeds you've planted.

Remember that you are the story of your school that your non-educator friends hear.

Remember that as long as there is breath in your lungs and days on the calendar, you can still reach THAT kid.

Remember that as much as we chose to teach, education chose us, too.

​Remember why you do what you do.

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