Teachers, Don’t Lose Sight of Your “Why”
Teaching has been my calling since I was a child. At 10 years old, I made my own worksheets and had a chalkboard covered in reading and math problems. I even made my poor younger siblings do my handwritten worksheets and graded each one of them. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.
And I had a big “why”: I wanted to help kids.
Why I Became a Teacher
During my early years as a teacher, my passion for teaching shone brightly. I loved the difference I made in my students’ lives and the difference they made in mine. I loved the laughs we shared in my classroom and the relationships we built with each other. My students were my second family, and I knew being their teacher was my purpose.
Over the years, I strived to focus on my “why” and sustain my passion for helping students. Unfortunately, many teachers start to lose sight of their “why” over time. Paperwork, meetings, tests, curriculum planning, and pressure can easily pull your focus from the reason you wanted to become a teacher in the first place.
That’s exactly what happened to me. I let other people and tasks distract me from my “why.” As a result, I became increasingly focused on preparing students for multiple-choice tests instead of following my true purpose.
Teaching was never about testing for me; it was about helping.
I wanted to help students think critically and understand how to solve problems. I wanted to encourage them to ask questions. I wanted to show them how to engage in respectful debates with each other. And most importantly, I wanted to teach them to be kind and respectful citizens.
Yet preparing my students for tests had made me forget why I became a teacher. My “why” had been overshadowed by multiple-choice questions that would determine if I was an effective teacher.
As a child, I never imagined that a student’s test score could reflect my ability to make a difference. I thought my effectiveness as a teacher would be reflected in my students graduating from college and becoming successful business leaders, problem solvers, and good citizens.
When Your “Why” Shifts
When I felt my drive to teach beginning to diminish, I knew I needed to step away from the classroom to refocus. That’s when I realized that although my “why” was still helping others, it wasn’t limited to helping kids. It was time for me to start helping teachers.
I realize many teachers are overwhelmed and stressed out like I was. They’ve lost their joy for teaching. In order for teachers to help kids, someone has to uplift, support, and encourage them.
I still want to help kids, but I’ve realized that I can help them even more by helping teachers. In other words, my “why” hasn’t changed; it’s expanded. Sure enough, when I started coaching teachers, my passion returned. I had rediscovered my purpose.
The time I’ve spent as an instructional coach has given me a new perspective. I’ve met some amazing, influential teachers and helped many who were struggling. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the work of administrators and learned more techniques to help students.
You may be feeling today the way I did five years ago, letting outside pressures distract you from your “why.” Maybe you feel stuck in a system where you don’t believe you’re fulfilling your purpose. So I challenge you to remember your “why” today. What made you want to be a teacher in the first place?
Consider if your daily actions and words really align with your purpose. Life is too short to waste time not doing what we know we’re meant to do. Don’t let anything or anyone distract you from your focus, your passion, and your joy for teaching.
Rediscover Your “Why”
If you’ve forgotten your “why,” maybe it’s time to refocus or expand on it: change your grade levels, switch schools, or alter your teaching style. Perhaps you need to seek out professional development or go back to school yourself to mentally recharge. It may even be time to expand your focus and become an administrator or instructional coach.
Today, I often take the time to reflect on my purpose and ensure what I do every day aligns with my “why.” That’s why I write this blog: to reach and influence teachers all over the world. Sure, it doesn’t bring me fame and fortune or always fit into my day job, but it does help other teachers, and I know that at this point in my life, that is my purpose. Take note: you may have to venture outside of your job as a teacher to follow your calling and fulfill your “why.”
On a final note, I recommend you watch this video. Pay close attention to the last line, when Michael Jr. says, “When you know your ‘why,’ your ‘what’ has more impact because you’re walking in or towards your purpose.”
Take the time to think about your “why” this week so you can ensure you’re spending your precious time walking towards your purpose. As long as you don’t lose sight of what motivates you to get out of bed every morning, you can be sure you’ll always be fulfilling your “why”!
