Comparing Inspiration and Service

Hello Everyone,

Many teachers take time to reflect and think about their journey. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked what inspired me to teach. Who inspired me to teach? Ultimately, I think within all teachers we have service within us. I think about today being Martin Luther King and I see that he was a teacher too. He truly understood what service for others meant and with his words changed the world. Words mean a lot to me as language arts teacher. They truly have so much power to bring perspective or pain.

 Teachers are people who want to support and care for others.

When I am asked who inspired me to be a teacher the answer is, me.  Sounds kind of off but its true. I wanted to be a teacher and I was determined to help others and to serve others. It always felt like the right career choice for me. I have had people help me along the way and I have an inspiring teachers. I'm not saying I didn't.

 I can't give credit to only one teacher though. I had MANY great teachers who showed me how to be a citizen and how to be a compassionate person. I had many teachers show and guide me how to be a good person. Those people do that for everyone though. They do it for doctors, lawyers, construction workers, etc.

When I speak to a new staff members at our school I can see their excitement. I interviewed a young new staff member starting in the middle of the year. She was beaming with pride and joy. I can see they have enthusiasm but what inspires that person can be very different. It can be a parent that was a former teacher. It runs in the family. It could be a single teacher that showed them they were something more by singling them out. It could be they spent time searching for the right career not knowing at first this would be the fit. It could be their passion for the subject. areas. There are so many stories and scenarios behind people who became teachers. The point is they chose to make a difference and be a role model in a difficult field.

Being a teacher is one of the greatest joys. What journey brought you here? Does it matter? The journey is now inspiring others. These teachers all live it now. Thank you for your service.

Happy MLK JR Day!