Tinkerings

This has been a burning question on my mind for a few days.  I’m going to try to put down some thoughts in this blog, but please be aware that most of my blogs are first drafts.  They are a stream of consciousness at the time I feel I have to write.  Sometimes I look at them later and wonder, “What was I thinking?” or “I don’t remember saying that.”  This post may well turn out to be the same kind of thing.

I can tell you a big reason that is NOT why I teach.  I don’t teach for a paycheck.  Don’t get me wrong.  I like mine.  My creditors like for me to have it.  I know my daughter who is still in college is grateful for it.  But I don’t teach for the money.  If I did, this would just be a career.  It is more.  Much more.

I guess in simplest terms, I teach because I must.  I always have.  I was teaching adult Sunday school classes while still in high school.  Put me in a small group, and I’ll be the one explaining how things get done.  My kids hate it.  Their questions turn into mini-lessons from dad.  Sometimes it even gets me in trouble, but we won’t talk about those times here.

I am a teacher.  That’s not a career description.  It is a personality trait.  Every spiritual gifts inventory I’ve taken puts teaching at the top of the list.  Personality profiles all indicate I would be happiest in an area involving instructing.  I’m a helper.  Plain and simple.  Personality profiles indicate that I will often jump in to “fix” something without thinking simply because I know the answer.  Remember that statement about getting in trouble?  I’m still not talking about it.  If I wasn’t hired as a teacher, I would still be teaching…something….somewhere….to someone.

I teach because I love to see the light go on.  You know the one.  That little light bulb above every head that suddenly brightens when they “get” it.   I love the look of their eyes when the sparkle of learning something new sets in.  I love the fact that I have had an opportunity to change a life for the better….forever.

And I teach because I want to help teachers better themselves.  Some would say it is all about the kids.  I disagree.  Somebody has to be all about the teachers.  Someone has to want to help teachers be better teachers so they can reach more students.  OK, maybe that is all about the students in some convoluted way.  Streams of consciousness are tough to get out sometimes.

Why do you teach?  If you’re not a teacher, leave me a comment about one of your teachers that really showed you what teaching is all about.