When people ask you what do you do, how do you answer? Too often I hear people say, "oh, I'm only a teacher." Or, "I work with high school kids." But the truth is there is so much more to what you do so don't sell yourselves short. So what DO you Do?
As Rebecka says, "we are fueled by the equalizing power of public education to dismantle marginalization, eliminate systemic inequities, and end generational poverty." Each day you embrace students who are different and you impact the trajectory of the rest of their lives. You see the potential of who students can become and support them when they don't see that promise in themselves. You influence the lives of each student you interact with, and you choose to channel your influence for good. You model being lifelong learners and embrace the ever-changing landscape of education. You create opportunities for creativity and exploration so that you can develop independent thinkers.
According to AI, this is what being a teacher means:
Being a teacher involves guiding, instructing, mentoring, and inspiring students to learn and grow academically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Here are some key aspects of what it means to be a teacher:
Educator: Teachers are responsible for delivering subject matter content in a way that is accessible and understandable to students. This involves planning lessons, designing curriculum, and implementing instructional strategies tailored to the needs of diverse learners.
Facilitator: Teachers facilitate learning experiences by creating a supportive and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and collaborate with peers.
Mentor: Teachers often serve as mentors, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate academic challenges, set goals, and make decisions about their future paths.
Role Model: Teachers model positive behaviors, attitudes, and values for their students, serving as role models both inside and outside the classroom.
Assessor: Teachers assess student progress and understanding through various methods such as exams, quizzes, projects, and discussions. They provide feedback to students to help them improve and adjust their learning strategies.
Counselor: Teachers sometimes act as counselors, offering guidance and support to students facing personal or academic difficulties.
Advocate: Teachers advocate for the needs of their students, ensuring that they have access to resources, support services, and opportunities that will help them succeed academically and personally.
Lifelong Learner: Effective teachers are lifelong learners themselves, continuously seeking out new knowledge, honing their teaching skills, and staying current with developments in their field.
Community Builder: Teachers play a crucial role in building a sense of community within their classrooms and schools, fostering positive relationships among students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
Inspiration: Above all, teachers have the power to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential, instilling in them a love of learning and a belief in their own abilities to make a difference in the world.
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Being a teacher is not just a profession or WHAT you do - it's a calling that requires passion, dedication, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impace on the lives of others. So the next time someone asks you what do you do, please tell them truth and don't sell yourselves short.
Thank you for all that you do for our students, staff, community, and each other!
Ignite-Connect-Empower
