My "Why"

If you ask one of the teachers that I work with why he is a teacher he will always tell you it's because of "180". What does 180 mean? Those are the number of the days per year that we work. He is implying that he is a teacher because of all of the time off we get. But for me I am a teacher because of the kids. I love kids. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a career I was unclear about the specifics but I knew it was going to be something with kids. When I was a teenager I volunteered at an after school program working with students in grades K-5. I loved every minute of it. Kids are so resilient and fun and they push you to be a better person.

It's hard to explain how I show my love of kids in my classroom. I guess one of the ways I do this is spending time talking to my students. I try to talk to each of my students every day, there is 115 of them this year. Before class, after class, in the hallways, or during work time - it doesn't really matter I am always checking in with them about their lives. I want them to know that I care about who they are as people, not just about their academics.

“It seems to me that the best teachers are the ones who are quietly rebellious.”

Are the best teachers those who are quietly rebellious? I think so. When I think of the best teachers I know I think of one in particular, Shelby Chollett. Shelby was my collaborating teacher when I was a student teacher and is now a trusted colleague and friend. I'll never forget the first time I was in one of "those" meetings. The kind of meeting where people were yelling and upset and I left the meeting feeling discouraged and angry. Shelby looked at me and said "as long as you are always doing what is best for kids then you are always doing the right thing, no matter what they tell you in a meeting".

I'll never forget this moment and this is something I still live by those. Do what's best for kids - always.