Most teachers get angry when they hear someone say that because they think the person saying it doesn't understand what a teacher does.  I've always just assumed that the person saying it knows that the phrase is incomplete -- that the axiom is actually "Those who can be satisfied working for people, instead of with them, who can complain about the state of the world instead of doing something to make it better, who can leave the most important job to others, do.  Those who can't, teach."

 

I believe that in many ways, the world is broken.  I also believe that the only way to fix it is through education.  Education provides people with hope, self-confidence, and the tools to achieve their goals.  I made the decision to become a teacher because I am not content to simply shrug my shoulders and say "Oh, well" when I see a problem.  I want to fix it, and teaching is a great way to do that.

 

Each student comes to me with a unique set of skills and needs, and it's my job to make sure both are addressed.  It is my responsibility to show students what they can do and how they can impact the world around them. 

 

My goal is for every student to leave my class respecting themselves and what they can do.  It is my hope that the lessons I teach and how I teach them will lead students to recognize the power and strength that they have.