Teaching gives me a chance to guide, inspire, and encourage our future leaders.  Every day I get a chance to work with young adults and show them that they can achieve things they thought were not possible.  I often see and hear both adults and kids say they are not good at math.  My hope for all the students who enter my classroom is to show them that math does not have to be their enemy or something they struggle with.  To help minimize the negative self-talk, I try to find a way to break down each student's wall.  Sometimes, it is as simple as talking about my love of all Denver sports; other times, it takes weeks of showing them that I am going to encourage them and provide extra help until they understand the concepts. 

 

Quality teaching is more important now than at any other time in human history. Our access to information is nearly unlimited, but so is our exposure to misinformation. The role of teachers can no longer be to simply present facts and assess how well they’re absorbed. We now face the far more important, and more challenging, task of planting the seeds of critical thinking.

Accessing information is no longer the issue; the internet has solved that. The real challenge is helping students learn how to evaluate that information, recognize bias, dig deeper, and clearly communicate their conclusions. These are skills that are sorely lacking in our society. I truly believe that teachers and schools must be the driving force for that change.

 

Teaching is important because it offers the unique opportunity to work with students academically as well as connect with students on a personal level. Both parts of this career are intrinsically woven in our profession.  As teachers, our community-driven responsibility is to collectively educate the students in our care. This is a noble endeavor, to be sure. However, the personal connections that are made are the memories that last through time. I remind myself every day that my kind words might be the only kind word a student hears all day. I am fallible as anyone else, but I do try to filter every word that I utter. My smile might be the encouragement that my student needs to continue on with a challenge.  My silly jokes might bring the only smile throughout the day. In the same way that I scaffold my lessons to reach all learners, I "scaffold" my interactions with my students to pull them in the best I can so that they feel seen and heard and cared for. When they feel valued, they are more apt to put their best effort into their academics. To me, the personal connections are what can make or break a year for a students.  That's a lot of responsibility to put on a teacher, but I think it's a mantle we gladly bear. When teachers combine both aspects into their teaching, that's when the magic happens!  If we help them feel successful at their level, hopefully we can develop life long learners.

 

To me, teaching is one of the most meaningful callings a person can pursue. It's not just a profession-it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students, families, and the broader community. Those who choose a career in education are choosing to invest in the future of our society. Many describe teaching as an art-and they're absolutely right. Each day, we step into our classrooms with the goal of sparking curiosity and inspiring engagement. Whether it's through expressive read-alouds, dressing up as historical figures, crafting hands-on experiences, building models, or inventing songs and mnemonic devices, teachers bring creativity to life. When students see their teachers approaching challenges with imagination and energy, they learn to do the same. They begin to understand that creativity is a powerful tool for problem-solving and growth. 

 

To me, teaching is important because of the profound impact I can have on my students. I strive to create a learning environment that is welcoming, exciting, and supportive for all learners. The most rewarding part of teaching is watching students grow, develop, and reach their full potential. As teachers, we have the privilege and responsibility of shaping the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

My interest in teaching began in elementary school, thanks to the incredible educators I had. They made coming to school every day exciting, and it was in their classrooms that I fell in love with learning. I realized then that I wanted to create that same spark of excitement for students one day. As I got older, I had the privilege of being taught by more incredible educators who further fueled my passion for teaching. Their influence solidified my commitment to fostering a love of learning in my own students. I aspire to ignite that same passion in my students, helping them discover the joy of learning and the confidence to believe in their own abilities.

 

To me, teaching is more than a profession– it is a calling rooted in hope and purpose. Teaching is important because it serves as the foundation of life for the current generation and our posterity. It is a powerful way to impart knowledge, not only academically, but through the personal growth that nurtures thriving individuals and is essential to building a stronger, more compassionate society. 

The reality of education in 2025 is that some of my students have already endured significant challenges at an early age. I view my role as being the Champion of Potential in my classroom—potential to learn, grow, overcome, persevere, and support one another. Each year, I relish the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact by creating a safe, welcoming space for them where they feel deeply valued. From the moment we meet, I want them to know that they belong, that their voices matter, and that they are capable of remarkable things. Every child needs a champion, and it has been the mission of my career to be that person for my students.

 

I have always loved being around kids and helping them in some way.  Teaching is important to me because I feel in order to teach kids you need to love them, love helping them, enjoy being around them.  Young kids are a lot of fun because they can be so eager to learn and excited about being at school.  Teaching kids at this stage in their life is very rewarding when you see them light up when they figure something out for the first time, or understand a concept.  It is like a little lightbulb just goes on and you can see the light shine in their eyes.  I also feel teaching is important because we can help teach valuable life lessons.  One of the most important ones I strive for in my classroom is being kind.  I want my students to enjoy learning and I also want them to be kind and loving to others and treat their classmates like family.  Teaching is a profession where you can have a lasting impact on someone's life and it can be very rewarding when you see how successful your students can be. 

 

I love my job! Teaching is important to me because it's my opportunity to ignite a lifelong passion for health and well-being in my students through mindfulness, nutrition, and enjoyable physical activity, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Furthermore, it's a privilege to actively contribute to the development of young minds, fostering their growth and building meaningful connections. I am deeply committed to their progress and value the continuous learning I experience alongside my students and colleagues. Being a consistent and supportive presence, meeting their diverse needs, and equipping them with essential life skills, resilience, and a voice in a safe environment are paramount. Ultimately, teaching is the foundation for all future paths, and I am honored to be a part of my students' journey, celebrating their achievements both inside and outside the classroom, now and in the years to come.

 

To me, social work is important because: school social workers advocate, empower, serve, and connect families to resources. School social workers help students overcome emotional, social, and behavior challenges. School social workers address barriers to learning and help provide basic needs. School social workers are important because they support mental health in the school setting and empower students to be successful. School social worker's help create compassionate communities. 

 

When I reflect on the importance of teaching, I am overwhelmed by the immense power and potential educators have to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  They have the unique opportunity to foster growth—in big and small ways—while nurturing students' confidence and self-belief.

In my role, I love the opportunity to support a child in need. My goal is to deeply understand a child's unique challenges and provide insights to the team that can positively shape their educational journey. By working closely with students, I strive to help them—and their parents and teachers—better understand the root of their struggles, eliminate any sense of shame or negativity associated with that, and empower them to embrace their individuality while feeling excited to learn new strategies.