This morning, I asked my Twitter and blogging friends the simple question: Why do you teach?
While most of the responses came in via Twitter (limited to 140 characters), some also came in through the comments. What I found in my nonscientific cross sampling of technolgically literate teachers was interesting.
If you missed out on your chance this morning, feel free to add your own comments below! Without any further formalities, here were the responses:
I teach because I love cultivating the joy and efficacy of learning
I teach because is my vocation and passion. There is never a dull day. My goal is to make every day an A-HA! moment for my students.
To use tech everyday in practical ways, 2 impart my knowledge & experience, the holidays, the rush of ‘the trenches’ and 4 the kids.
because I’ve racked my brains to find something else to do with my life that would be just as meaningful, and I’ve failed.
I love Spanish and I love kids and I love seeing people learn/succeed, put it together and teaching is my dream job.
for fun
I teach because learning is the best gift we can offer another.
I teach bec besides being a mother, its the only thing that comes naturally to me and I love making learning fun. Its a lifestyle.
Teaching is a front-row seat to observing and cheering individual growth. I teach because I love seeing people learn.
I teach because I like to learn something new every day…
Why do I teach? Ans: To create learning experiences that provoke student reflection. #education
summer, winter and spring breaks, and, most importantly, the chance to meet, teach, learn from and laugh w/ 2morrow’s generation 2day
Take away helpless feeling. Improve lives. Impart knowledge. Re-direct. Encourage. Elevate. Motivate. Support. Discipline. Enjoy!
Now for a little bit of fun, I got some comments on the blog as well. I decided to run them through TweetShrink and see what came up. They still wouldn’t fit in 140 characters, but it got closer to the intended goal…
Drew:
I get 2 visit the world of middle schoolers everday. sum ppl think i’m crazy, but I get 2 study the world w/6th graders, wander the backroads of Texas w/7th graders, & watch the birth of a nation w/8th graders.
Linda:
Children. That is y I teach. They R the most amazing learning machines on the planet. The awe in their faces when U do something new is worth every second of teaching.
Personally, I think there’s something exhilarating abt watching sum1 grow & learn & somehow knowing that U wr a part of that building/learning process.
Yes,It’s all abt the kids. I started as a PE & English teacher abt 35 years ago. 4 the past 18 years ive specialised as a junior cmputr teacher. Recently we moved in2 the most beautiful cmputr lab. y? I luv technology & wnt 2 impart ths luv of learning through computers/technology 2 my kids. Also, I cn now teach all subjects & cn design my own curriculum w/in reason. I luv the excitement & tension w/in my classes & luv watching the little Grade 1’s grow through the grades in2 techno-savvy teens who advise their parents! I luv Web 2.0, wikis, blogs, twttr, integration w/ R library & sharing ideas w/ my wonderful staff.
I spent my 1st 20 years in the work force doing wht I had 2 do. I’m going 2 spend my nxt 20 doing wht I luv 2 do…teach. I’m driven by passion, not $$.
Honestly, I cnt imagine life w/out a classroom full of students. Teaching is a part of my bein, & i’m gd at it, b/c ive worked hard 2 be gd at it. I enjoy having a direct impact on young ppl, & helping them 2 develop in2 ppl they cn be proud of.
To read their original full-length comments, go to the original question. To add your own comments, add below. Why do you teach?
Because learning by osmosis doesn’t work! 🙂
I teach for a lot of reason. I love it. I can’t help it (it’s like, my Crack), and because it is the only sure route to immortality. Everyday, things you teach will roll down through the ages that follow as people you taught teach those things to others.
I feel I can make a positive difference in someone’s life.
because this is where I have been led by the Big Educator in the sky, for whatever reason. So here I am, to give back, help out, encourage, be a change agent, smile at the kid who needs it, maybe be the guy to turn on a kids learn-light.
I teach because it keeps me young and “forces” me to be a life-long learner.
@janetbianchini tweeted me:
Teaching is in my veins -it’s a fulfilling, exciting and ever-changing profession. It keeps me on my toes even after 30 years!
I am not a teacher. The reason I want to be one is that I like seeing people learn and enjoy learning. That is why 2nd grade is my most likely choice. They are just happy and sponges for knowledge.
Good idea Jason, by 3rd grade we have pretty much stomped that desire out of them:)