November 2012

 

Thanksgiving is a time to stop and take time from our busy schedule to think. Think about all that we should be thankful for in our lives. Taking time to reflect on our families and friends can be heartwarming.  How have these individuals touched our lives?  I am sure it has been in many different ways.  Have you ever been thankful for a teacher who made a difference in your life?

Teachers are often not given enough thanks, yet they impact lives on a daily basis.  We are often presented with negative news about schools and the teaching profession. Many know that some teachers are even leaving the profession. In a recent article in the online published version of  Education Week October 30, 2012, Paul Barnwell referred to Five Reasons Why Teaching Is Still Great.

•  He refers to the countless wins a teacher feels with the small victories she/he experiences each day.
•  Another reason even though teachers make "excessive personal and professional sacrifices", is that a teacher can focus their efforts on what matters. 
• For those of us who were teachers, we also realize that teaching it is not a desk job.  "The variety of challlenges and encounters keeps the work of teaching exciting." 
• With the growth of technology, teaching gives us an opportunity to be innovative with new tools that will impact the lives of our students. 
• The fifth reason refers to the fact that there are no limits to professional growth and exploration.

Check out his full article. We, as educators, need to be proactive and celebrate the teaching profession.  As DKG members, we can help keep teachers in the profession by supporting Early Career Educator Projects within our chapters and state organizations.  We are always educating and need to continue to celebrate and be thankful for all that teaching has given us.

I want to give special thanks to Mrs. Chase, my sixth grade teacher, who insipired me to become a teacher.  Thank you, Mrs. Chase!