If you had asked me 20 years ago when I graduated college why I wanted to become a teacher I would have said something along the lines of wanting to teach a future generation of musicians to love music as much as I did, or that I was going to educate the future doctors, lawyers and politicians of America. I was a bright eyed, new graduate filled with hope and ideas. Ready to take on the world one student at a time.
Long story short, I couldn’t find or get a job in the eight months after graduation. Eventually a job opened up at FHS that I was slightly qualified for and I took a chance. I wasn’t teaching the subject that I went to school for and the subjects I teach have changed several times in the 20 years but I have learned a lot. It hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve made some mistakes. Probably the most important thing that I’ve learned is that life is about building relationships.
I’ve had the opportunity to teach some of the best students in Macon County and they have taught me so many things in return. Some lessons, took a while to learn, but eventually they got through my hard head and I’m proud to say that I’m a better person because of it. I have had the opportunity to teach some of my best friends, students who have gone on to do some great things and now I’m having the opportunity to see their children come through the halls of Franklin High School.
So now when people ask me why I teach, my answer has changed. I’ve finally figured out my “why”. Now I teach to build relationships, friendships and a community. When students leave my class, and FHS, I want them to be able to look back and to know that they were part of something bigger than themselves. They were a part of a community who believed in them, even when they didn’t believe in themselves, and a community who cared for them. That’s my why.