Why Teach?

People usually ask me, "Why on earth do you want to teach? Are you crazy to want to work with kids all the time?" 

There are many reasons behind my decision to become a teacher. I believe that each child has some unique gift, and that it is often up to the educator to help the child discover and develop this talent. 

            "People are like stained glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the 
            sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only 
            if there is a light from within."  Elizabeth Kubler-Ross 

Many children in today's society have little or no self-esteem, and believe that no one cares. I want to make a difference, however small, in some child's life, and to find that light within each child. Finding that light will not only help the child grow and develop,  it will in turn help each person involved in that child's life, and will create a link in an endless chain of love and caring. There is no greater gift than seeing the light in a child's eyes when he grasps a concept after struggling with it, or when he feels a sense of excitement about learning. I intend to be selfish and give myself and my students that gift as often as I can.

My mother, Mrs. Howell, is my role model.  For 30 years she has worked in the public school system, and her patience, love, and selflessness have touched the lives of countless children.  I grew up watching her, and have known since an early age that I wanted to be like her. I remember when I was a little girl, my favorite game to play was "school". I would make my little sister (Lisa) be my student, and would pass out worksheets and read books to her.  She and my dolls were always attentive (almost), and made me realize how much I wanted a classroom of my  own, just like my mother had.    

Her students have always been aware of how she cares for them, yet she maintains order and discipline in her classroom.  My mother is a wonderful teacher and model for me. I hope that I have been blessed with her gifts in the classroom, and that I can create a legacy of students as she has.