Why Become an Educator

WHY TEACH?

Teaching is a Calling

“Webster defines a calling as ‘a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action’. Teaching is just that. It is a desire to make a strong, positive difference in the lives of young people. The longer you work with them, the more you will realize what a profound effect you will have on their development and overall lives. You will want to motivate your students to create, to explore and to question. You will want them to succeed in whatever life throws at them. And when they do, wow, there is no better sensation! You will feel joy, happiness for them and a sense of euphoria for yourself. It's addictive!”-Mr. Steve Willeke (Retired, Director of Teacher Licensure)

Impact the Lives of Hundreds

“Teachers have the power to positively affect the lives of hundreds of people. Over the course of a 30 year career, with an average class of 25 per year, 750 children will learn to read, write, compute, reason, analyze, create, evaluate and prepare for their future lives thanks to you. Numerous studies have shown that the most important factor in student learning is the teacher and that ‘nothing matters more than finding people with the potential to be a great teacher’(Gladwell, 2009). Do you have this potential? We can help you develop it. Affect the future…teach.”-Dr. Mary Rycik (Chair of Early Childhood Education)

Make a Difference

“When you ask teachers why they decided to go into the profession, one of the most common responses you get is that they wanted a career where you made a difference. Living a life where your contribution may well live on long after you retire is a strong motivator. Think of thirty years of helping small children find excitement in reading and writing, or helping a confused middle school age child find peace in these troubled years, or getting a high school student to ignite an interest in science or math or art or music. Some years ago the phrase ‘pay it forward’ became part of our lexicon with a powerful movie about a teacher. That can be you.”-Dr. David Kommer (Professor of Middle Grades Education)