Why Do I Teach?

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. Before I even started Kindergarten, it was a common sight to see me and my best friend taking turns playing the teacher in our pretend games of "school." Over the years, though, teaching has evolved from being a childish dream to serious ambition of mine. 

The biggest reason I want to teach is to help students figure out the world in the same way my teachers helped me. I had a great educational experience from elementary age on through my college years. I have had plenty of teachers who have pushed me to be my best self and learn as much as I can to be successful in the world. I want to do the same thing for my students. It takes only one invested teacher to convince a student to look at college, explore a new field, or follow a passion. I want to be in a position to do that. 

I also want to teach because I'm passionate about my content area and know how crucial it is for students in the real world. Many people seem to think English class is just a place to waste time reading old books. I want to invert that kind of thinking and help student understand the value of the critical thinking that takes place during reading. Mostly, I want them to explore the value of writing. Too often, students think that writing for English is pointless. I am determined to make my students prepared to be successful writers in whatever path they choose in life. 

Ultimately, I love the learning environment that comes from schools and want my students to get as much out of it as I do. The classroom can be a hot-bed of great ideas, inspiration, connection, and creativity. I want to teach to open up that world for my students.