As a brain drainer [ an activity for defocus to refocus!] last week I posed the question:
Why did you become a teacher?
At this point in the school year we all get so overwhelmed with all the tasks being thrown at us. I find it best to start at the beginning when I am feeling overwhelmed. I have been thinking about this question myself. When I first started, why did I become a teacher in the first place.
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe”
― Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
I often turn to this quote when I start to question if I am making a difference.
I loved school growing up. I played school at home. Later I wanted to be the teacher of reading and writing that I did not have when I was in school.
I believe in reading.
I believe it is the gateway to everything else.
The world makes more sense to a reader.
I want to help create lifelong learners – not because it sounds good in an interview, but because I truly believe it with everything I have.
Why did you become a teacher?
My teachers filled out their answers on a bright orange post-it note and they are all hanging proudly on an anchor chart in my office. I find myself wandering over there and rereading them a couple times a day. I continue to support them as a coach. Some days it is reminding them about the few sentences of writing on an orange post it. It can make all the difference.
You sound like an amazing inspiration in your building and you’ve definitely inspired me today! I think you just gave me my next slice idea (especially after returning to school after Spring Break today–even with good intentions and goals, I definitely need to spend some time reflecting on my why). Thanks for sharing this part of your teaching journey!
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Wow – your question certainly is a brain drainer. Like you, I love to read and I want everyone to love books as much as I do. Now I know that I’m teaching to help students dislike reading less 🙂 . Whatever works!
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Another thoughtful slice chock full of coaching ideas. I love the stickies on the anchor chart to remind you and your colleagues of the WHY. Thank you for the quotes and inspiration.
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I love how this simple reflection will not only help teachers, but help you connect to their purpose as you work through the details of teaching and learning.
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I want to become a teacher in the future too and I love your reasons and understand them a lot 😊
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It is an excellent profession…most of the time!
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