Teaching is important because we model the skills necessary to be successful in life. I used to believe that it was most important to help students understand and appreciate science. I thought that I could share my love of learning and of the natural world to inspire them to seek careers and hobbies involving science. While I still try to inspire my students to be curious and want them to be lifelong learners, I now focus on making sure that my students are getting life skills that are transferable across any subject and any role that they may take. They need to be able to work with others, handle conflict, think critically, and ask questions when things don’t add up. They need to realize that there are a multitude of perspectives, and it is okay if they don’t agree with someone else. Teachers play a critical role because we should be modelling these behaviors for them. They need to see us asking questions, not knowing the answers to everything, and being okay with being wrong. We must demonstrate how we find information, process what we have learned, and share our learning with others. We have to show them that we can keep trying when the work is hard or we are not motivated.

I also want students to see positive interactions every day. They need to know that they are loved and have worth - and so does every other person that they meet. Students need to see that we can maintain good relationships with people even when our viewpoints don’t align. Our world is continually getting bigger with the increase in global connectivity that social networks provide. Our students are going to encounter people that have vastly different experiences and viewpoints compared to them, and we need to prepare them to listen and consider the value in what others say. By creating strong connections and modeling these critical skills, we can help ensure that our students are ready to handle whatever life throws at them. And to me, that is the ultimate goal of teaching - giving our students what they need to be successful.

To me, teaching is important because I have the opportunity and honor of molding, connecting, and enhancing young learners. Teaching gives me the ability to foster kindness, empathy, resilience and responsibility in each student. I have the chance to empower them by creating engaging lessons that will cultivate academic and personal growth.
Education was instilled in me at an early age. My father was an educator and football coach. But even more than that, he taught me that building relationships with students was crucial, so they feel safe, secure, and heard. Once that is established, true academic learning can begin. I graduated in 1992 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and began my education adventure. When I moved to Indiana, I was blessed to stay home with my three children. As my children entered school, I was eager to get back into the classroom. I was fortunate to work as a special education assistant at Pleasant Grove Elementary. It was then when I realized my passion for Special Education. I loved every aspect of the job and learned an incredible amount. During my fifth year at PGE, I was approached by the Director of Special Education about a job at the middle school. It was the mild intervention program called TAP (Transitional Academic Program). This program is designed to help students with disabilities develop academic foundations, life functional skills and job readiness as well as meet each student at their individual academic and personal level. I immediately accepted the job and began my journey to get my Mild Intervention License from Taylor University.

It has changed my life for the better. Special education is important because it ensures equal opportunities and possibilities for my students. I love witnessing the small victories, personal and academic growth, confidence and sense of accomplishment all while learning at their own pace. I thrive on celebrating the small wins and building relationships with my learners. I also appreciate the trust that parents and guardians have in me to provide a quality
education and learning experience for their child.

Teaching will always be important because of the learning that takes place. Students have the opportunity to take what they have learned in a previous year and build on it during the next year. I am both humbled and honored to be one piece in this puzzle. There is no doubt that the content they learn will, at the very least, allow the student to
become a productive citizen in our society. After all, education holds doors open for students as they pursue higher education and eventually choose a career. Ideally, their education allows them to flourish! It is through the hard work of learning that students have the chance to discover something they love, sharpen skills needed to excel in a career, or develop the ability to think in a critical way. Teachers help to make this happen!

The attainment of knowledge is just one part of why teaching is important. I believe the most important reason for teaching has nothing to do with content. Teachers have 180 days to interact with young people who are made in the image of God. These young people deserve our respect, support, attention, and hard work. They need to feel valued, heard, appreciated, and challenged. I understand the realities of this world. Not every student has a great situation at home. This is beyond a teacher’s control. Even so, teachers can ensure that no matter what is going on in a student’s life, when the student is in class, he or she will experience a safe, caring environment. Yes, teachers should challenge the student to think critically, work hard, and push through difficult lessons. Teaching matters, though, because this is all done with a desire to treat students with the value and respect they deserve. Doing so will leave a lasting influence not just on a student’s mind but also a student’s heart.

To me, teaching is important because it makes a difference every day. Everyone can think of a teacher who has impacted their life, and I strive to be that kind of teacher in my classroom. I want to show my students that learning is both essential and exciting, and that school is not just a place they have to go, but a place they want to be every day.

Teaching is important because it shapes future generations. We have the power to influence how students think, grow, communicate, and even how they see themselves now or how they see themselves in the future. We can give them the tools to become responsible and kind problem-solvers. Teaching is not just about delivering lessons; it’s about shaping good humans who will contribute positively to society, and I can’t think of anything more important than that.

To me, teaching is important because it is an opportunity to honor the value and significance of every child’s life while also contributing to something far greater than the classroom. Each student brings unique gifts, experiences, and potential, and I believe it is my responsibility to help them recognize their worth and purpose. At the same time, education is the foundation of a strong and thriving society. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Teaching allows me to nurture both the individual and the future of our community, creating a place where students feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

Teaching is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Every teacher has the ability and desire to make an impact each day through the relationships they build and the lessons they teach. For me, that desire to make a difference is deeply personal for two reasons. Growing up, I was not a strong student, and learning to read took a lot of time and intervention. Because of that, I quickly learned that it felt easier for me, personally, to “struggle” quietly than to ask for help. As I got older, I continued to be the student who flew under the radar. I never excelled enough to gain special attention, but never caused enough concern to stand out either. I was shy, quiet, and often gave very little effort to my education because learning felt too difficult.  I did not yet see the value of pushing through.

When I had a few teachers in high school who took the time to invest in me, my outlook on my education changed. I felt seen. They talked with me, wrote encouraging comments on my papers and assessments, and helped me see that I was capable of accomplishing my goals and dreams, including the desire to become a teacher myself. Their investment in me may have seemed small to them, but it changed everything. I began to believe in myself, not just academically, but personally. Because of those relationships, I have tried to emulate that ability to invest in my students.  Those that shine and those that struggle all deserve a champion cheering them on.  I have always believed in starting my connections with my students with love. As both a former struggling student and now a teacher, I know that when students feel safe, seen, and supported, they are more willing to trust, learn, and grow. I want my students to know from the moment they walk into my classroom that I am in their corner. My hope is that they carry that sense of belief and support with them long after they leave my classroom. Knowing firsthand that learning does not come easily for every child, I want to advocate for and encourage my students in ways I once needed myself.

Prior to starting at Pleasant Grove Elementary, I experienced the loss of someone who was incredibly important to my heart and soul. Moving to PGES and returning to the classroom gave me a place to pour love, care, and attention into my students - the same love I once gave to the person I lost. Teaching my littles has given me both an outlet and a renewed sense of purpose. It allows me to continue giving of myself in a meaningful way and filling a void. Teaching is a rewarding career because, while I give so much of myself mentally, emotionally, and physically, I also receive so much in return. Watching students learn, grow, and accomplish goals they have worked hard toward is one of the most beautiful parts of this profession. Seeing them collaborate with classmates, trust when I tell them they can do hard things, and keep trying after they fail, reminds me daily why I chose this path. The teaching profession is hard. Education is not what it was twenty years ago, or even five years ago. Yet despite all of the changes and challenges, we still have the privilege of loving our students, facilitating meaningful learning, and as a staff, supporting one another as educators and friends.  I am thankful every day for the chance to teach.

Teaching is a way to help others succeed. There is so much potential in our world, and sometimes students need someone to see the gifts that they were given. I work hard every day to give to all my students. Sometimes I am exhausted, but I can’t give up because my students are counting on me. Our students are our future, and our world is ever-changing.  I feel lucky that I can be the person who inspires and innovates learning. If we didn’t have teaching, where would our society be? We would not have any growth or new inventions. We need education to help others find their purpose in life. By teaching, we can facilitate discussion and create thinkers.  

To me, teaching is important because I want to make an impact on young students and their families both academically and emotionally.  I knew I wanted to work with kids since I was a young girl. My passion for reading made me realize I want to be a primary-grade teacher. My goal as an educator is to build relationships with students and their families to feel safe and loved at school while making learning fun. Teaching allows me to make an impact in the lives of children and their families daily, while in return, they make an impact on me too. Each child is important, valuable, and comes with their own learning style. I love that each day I can meet them where they are, boost their confidence, and watch them grow as learners and individuals. Teaching is important and allows me to make a difference every single day, from the smallest lightbulb moment in a child to the academic and behavior growth over the course of the year. Education can be a tough place to be as it evolves over the years, but these kids make it the best place. Each year, I have a new class family!  Education is important in a child’s journey, so I make the content stick by engaging ALL learners, meeting ALL learning styles, and making ALL lessons memorable for my students every day! 

From wearing a clown wig, doing silly dances, singing rhyming songs, making characters come alive in read-alouds to cheering a student on when learning gets tough or helping them work through big emotions, my job is important. I want to make an impact on students, families, and my fellow teachers. This impact can stick with them their entire educational career and become outstanding adults later in life!

I believe all students have the ability to achieve great things. All students deserve to feel loved and safe. This is my main goal as a teacher. Once you have met these two needs, the educational aspect follows easily. Children spend such a large portion of their day and childhood in schools, and I think it is so important to make it a place they enjoy coming to and that helps them achieve great things. Especially as a preschool teacher, I am often the very first teacher these students and their parents have interacted with. I enjoy that I am able to set the stage for a positive educational experience and help them build a love for learning so early in their careers. Having a teacher that is able to see individual strengths and needs of each child and is able to foster that and help them create their own pathway is the impact of a great teacher.  Teaching has become so much more than just learning English and Math and having great test scores. The amount of growth these students do in their social and emotional skills is always so amazing to see, and being able to support and then celebrate that growth is why I love teaching.