Why Do You Teach?

Last weekend as I was visiting my parents, I had the opportunity to have a short conversation with one of my high school band directors. He lives two houses down from my parents and whenever I am in town I try to visit with him and his wife. They go on mission trips 1-2 times a year and it is always fascinating to hear about their adventures.

He is currently filling in at a local high school for a band director who is on maternity leave. He was sharing some of his frustrations and also the joys of watching students learn and grow. After sharing a story about helping a clarinet player improve her technique he said "this is why we teach."

His comment stood out to me. This is why we teach... I'm sure most jobs are frustrating and stressful at times, but they all have moments of joy which entice people to keep working there.

What are your moments of joy as a teacher?

It is so easy to get caught up in the negatives, but there have to be positives or we would not keep showing up to our classrooms. I occasionally wonder what I would do if I was not teaching and I have never been able to come up with a good answer. I love music and I like seeing kids learn and grow. There is no feeling like listening to kids groove and perform a piece beautifully. I have learned many skills and lessons through percussion. Music is a tool and it is the tool I choose to use in order to help my students.

Why do you teach? What keeps you coming back to the classroom?

I enjoy helping people. I have a passion for music and I choose to use this as my tool to help my students learn and grow.