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Why?

I can’t help it

Why?
Why? by BuzzFarmers via Flickr, CC-BY-2.0

This week’s Share #YourEduStory prompt: People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it – Simon Sinek. Why do you do what you do?

My friends and family know that where I’m concerned, the answer to the question, “Why?” is usually “Why not?” Not today. When I saw this week’s question, I knew the answer immediately. Why do I teach? I can’t help it. I have to.

I have never been able to stand by and watch someone struggle when it was within my power to help. I believe that, as humans, we have the obligation to do what we can to make the world a better place. Depending on who you are, and what your talents and resources are, the way you contribute to the improvement of this planet will take a different form. For me, it takes the form of teaching, and it always has.

I have been a teacher since I was a kid. (See next week’s post for a fuller explanation.) I strive to guide my students, both children and adults, and ignite their desire to learn. I scaffold, support, provide the resources, and then let them do the heavy lifting. Why? So they will be empowered, resilient, self-sufficient, successful, and happy human beings who will make a difference in the world, and by so doing, will allow me to make a difference as well. That’s why.