Why I Teach.

Tonight, I have butterflies in my stomach, as I do every fall on the day before I begin the first day of the semester. It would be easier to just go about my late summer/fall, getting my own kids ready for back-to-school and taking care of my husband in his crazy football-season life. But, for some reason, I've thrown being a college teacher into the mix for the past 11 years. Why? Here is a list of some reasons that come to mind as I reflect on the "whys" of teaching.

I teach because.......I love learning, and teaching is one of the best ways of learning I know. You cannot be an effective teacher unless you keep learning yourself.

I teach because.......I had many wonderful teachers along the way who invested in me and encouraged me to shoot high in whatever I wanted to accomplish. Teachers like Mr. and Mrs. Racignol and Mr. Fredin and Mrs. Sauntman and Mr. Sanderlin and crazy Miss Morrow who almost made me believe that I could make a living being a artist (almost). They invested in me not just as a student, but took an interest in me as a person.

I teach because......I love having a part in that "aha" moment, where students finally make connections, see the big picture, see how all of the pieces fit. I love it when one of my Statistics students, who claimed "hating math" says "I love knowing how to do this stuff. I get it!"

I teach because......I believe that students need to know not just my subject matter, but how to THINK and DISCERN and BE GOOD PEOPLE WHO LOVE JESUS.

I teach because......I want my own kids to see that education is important, has value, and can change lives.

I teach because......of summers off! (Hey, just being honest here!).

I teach because......I love knowing how the next generation thinks, and having a hand in shaping tomorrow's leaders. I love being in a position to mentor students in making important life decisions. I love it when students come back to me years later and say "Thank you. I didn't see it then, but now I know."

I teach because.......This is where God has put me. I didn't plan to be a teacher. But God planted me here and is growing me. I feel privileged to start a new year and to see what He will unfold this year.

Teaching is a huge responsibility. In fact, there is a passage in the Old Testment that warns people to "not be quick to teach" because of the incredible responsibility it is. I want to start this year more aware than ever of making the most of each teaching moment.

I'm thinking I'll bring my camera along for the first day and document what it is all about. Maybe I'll have photos of my first day to share tomorrow. Off to sleep.