To me, one of the most amazing feelings in the
world is the thrill of discovery. I
don’t know if it is an innate sense that harkens back to early childhood when
those first connections are made. Or, if
it is something deeper and more instinctive, carried down from generations that
first witnessed the natural wonders of our planet. What I do know, is that it is the
quintessential essence of being a learner, and what better way to spend our
days, than being the guide for those on that journey?
Teaching isn’t easy. As far as jobs go, it doesn’t come with glamour,
fame, or money (usually). But when I
imagine my day without, who from day one undoubtedly become, “my kids,” I know
that there is no other job with any greater reward. The job becomes an adventure and the ride is
anything but even. The ups and downs of
the teaching process is as varied as the learners in our classrooms. We must stretch ourselves into a multitude of
roles, woven into a pattern that resembles a dance on a tightrope while juggling
plates. And we must do it in a way that reflects
effortless grace. We must do that
because we are the models for these students who are so much more than a number
or a test score. They are our “kids”
because we care for them in a way that recognizes the trust that is given to us
by the parents that love them as much as we do and know that we will keep them
safe and foster those glorious moments of inquiry that lead to discovery. It isn’t easy. But I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Our product is too great. Our role is too precious.
Without trust, respect, and community, the most
important messages are lost. No
classroom can function without that underlying foundation as the core for
successful learning. Caring for one
another is mandatory, personal best is purposefully given, and after those
needs are met, the real fun begins. When
students are nurtured and given a voice in the classroom, which becomes their
own small world, the bar we set could never possibly be high enough. After all, we aren’t just educating our kids
for right now, we’re educating our kids for their “right now.” My goal is to encourage them to take
ownership of their own educational journey, and set goals that define personal
success. Once they know and see, through
technology and real world connections, how their own lives can be enhanced and
how great that feeling of discovery can be, I am simply the tour guide on their
trip of self-discovery. That type of
passion is something I hope that the atmosphere of our classroom enables,
ignites, and allows the walls to come down so that they become their own
guides, their own teachers, and their own experts of information.
The purpose of education is not as simple as
the fundamental essentials of pedagogy and the specific information that comes
with standardized content. We teach
manners, technology, human relations, conflict resolution, decision making, and
so much more. Our purpose is not to help
kids pass a test (although that’s part of it), our purpose is to challenge our
kids to make the world better than how they found it. Within each of them is the potential to cure
diseases, invent new technologies, design beautiful art, and so many other
passions, just waiting to be discovered.
And my job, in the end, is to tell them that every day. And mean it.
Being nominated is an honor and I am humbled by
this experience. Thank you.
