Why I Teach

I teach because I hope that I am making a difference in a child's life.  I teach because for 10 months out of the year I am a mom, a counselor, a shoulder to lean on, a nurse, a referee, a party planner, a decorator, a secretary, a confidante for all my students.  They are 'my' kids for the school year.  I care about them.  I think about them when I am not with them hoping they have a safe place to rest their heads or a good meal to eat.  I worry that they won't get their homework done or they won't get to bed on time.  A teacher never stops thinking about 'their kids'.  As the years pass I wonder about my former students.  Are they happy, successful, productive?  Are they pursuing their dreams?  So why do I teach?  I teach to make a difference!