Why Do Teachers Teach?

If you were to ask most teachers why they chose their profession, chances are that they would tell you it's because they want to help people or they want to improve the world.  They may even say that they are lifelong learners themselves and want to share their passion for a certain curriculum.  As an educator, I am proud of my job. I enjoy all of those aforementioned things.  It is nice to be in a profession where you truly do make a difference in people's lives.

So then, if you were a teacher who really believed in helping children and improving the world, how far would you go to make a difference?  Wouldn't you try your hardest to help those children? To improve their lives?  Do you only have a responsibility to the children in your classes, or do you view every child as your student?  What if you were asked to build up and support other teachers?  Does that sound unreasonable if you truly want to change the world?  Why then, do a lot of teachers protect their work like it's in danger?  Why do they safe guard every bit of information?  Wouldn't it be better to work together to help each other out?  Imagine a world where educators helped each other improve the lives of children.  Teachers, uniting to share ideas, philosophies, and practices to strengthen others in areas they are weak.  The idea of the PLC (which is not just used in education) is based on this idea.  Teachers working together to reach goals and share practices with others.  Free-flowing discussions that lead to revolutionary changes in methods of education that are used to help students.  That is education at its best.

Let's go back to 1776, here in America.  What if the French refused to aid us in our time of need?  How would America be different?  How about if Michael Jordan was only interested in HIS career? How great would the Chicago Bulls have been in the 90's?  If Morpheus never taught Neo, would we all still be in the Matrix?  I can go on with these examples, but I think you get the point.  In each of these situations, one party worked to help out another for the greater good.  Teachers are supposed to be the ones we look up to.  They should be able to rise above the selfishness that destroys motivation, inspiration, and dedication.

Teaching is NOT an easy job. I have known a good amount of people who have attempted this career as a second option, and found that out the hard way.  Heck, it's even difficult for people who specialized in the area.  Prolonging the career of other teachers would be more likely if they were given the assistance they needed from other professionals.  Working together can only make you stronger and benefit the children you are there to help.

I find it sad when educators lock themselves away and refuse to share their knowledge.  Those actions are petty and only serve to hurt the profession, the children and the educators.  If an educator truly is in this for the right reason, they would be able to forget their hubris and focus on what really matters: the children.

#lifelonglearer
 #21stcenturyeducator