What Makes Teaching Special?
(A Stream of Thoughtfulness)
“Why do you teach?” I inquired one day.
“Why do you teach?” I say.
“What drives you to the classroom day after day?”
“What motivates you?” I say.
So much to learn and share.
You say
Inspiring children to become leaders
Ensuring a high-quality education.
Unlocking every student’s potential
Helping others achieve their dreams
So much to learn and share.
You say
Creating lifelong learners
Expressing that we care
Giving equal opportunity to all students
Inspiring a love of learning
So much to learn and share.
You say
Working with those creating the future
Sharing knowledge with students and colleagues
Helping children be successful in school
Living life with people who care
So much to learn and share.
You say
Making a difference for those underserved
Always bringing something new to students
Watching students grow and mature
So much to learn and share.
You say
The opportunity to help everyone
Bringing life skills to every student
Unleashing passion and dedication
So much to learn and share.
So much to learn and share.
So much to learn and share.
The 6-word sentences used in this poem have been compiled by NJCTE Board Member Joseph S. Pizzo at the 2018 Student NJEA Annual State Conference held in Princeton on March 10. Both pre-service teachers and veteran teachers, professors, staff, and administrators are represented. A poetic framework has been added to the original comments. Some minor editing has been done to maintain the original six-word format for the comments.
Posted by Audrey Fisch, blog editor for NJCTE
New Jersey Council of Teachers of English 