Teachers...Called not Chosen

Some see teaching as the ultimate backup plan; “if all else fails, teach.” Others see teaching as a means to an end; “just teach until you get your student loans paid off,” or “teach until you land your dream job,” or, my all-time favorite, “teach until you can do better.” Sentiments, such as these support the notion that “anyone can teach!” I, however, see teaching as a calling, a specialized vocation set apart for individuals with exceptional intellect, adaptability, and written, oral, and interpersonal capabilities. There exists no consensus that just anyone can become, for instance, a doctor, or a lawyer, or an architect. Contrarily, the general belief is that doctors, lawyers, architects, and numerous other professionals, are authorities in their fields, who possess specific skillsets that few others possess. In essence, these individuals are elite. If distinct characteristics and qualities are essential to success in those fields, then why not teaching? The assumption that anyone can teach makes light of, belittles, and renders insignificant the extensive formal and informal education of; the cultural, moral, and emotional influences of; and the societal roles and impact of teachers. Teachers possess unique, not universal, expertise. Teachers are highly educated, well trained professionals, and should be respected as such.

I believe that teachers are called to the profession, rather than chosen by default. I believe that, regardless of the means of teacher preparation, how one initially “learns” to teach and/or hones one’s “teaching skills,” or one’s path to the classroom, teachers have an innate ability and an undeniable urge to educate youth. The innateness of teaching is less about inborn traits, and more about the inherent, distinguishable attributes of educators. Whether certified via traditional education programs or via alternate means, or whether one’s intentions to teach were declared at age seven or at age thirty-seven, teachers are summoned to be captains of the classroom and are charged with making lasting impressions upon the lives of their pupils. To clarify, teaching is an excellent Plan B; but I see a huge difference between backup plan and a last stitch effort at a reputable career. Not only is teaching valuable and important in and of itself, but teaching can also be instrumental in equipping employees for promotion, elevation, and advancement within and outside of the educational arena.

Teaching is a noble profession that is the backbone of society. Teachers are consummate professionals who are worthy of honor and respect. Teachers do what few others are willing to, are equipped for, or are capable of doing. Teachers are leaders, counselors, problem-solvers, cheerleaders, team members, planners, managers, designers, conflict resolvers, creators, writers, and so forth and so on. Teachers wear infinitely many hats assume innumerable roles inside the classroom, the school, and, by extension, the community. Called, versus chosen does not bring to question teachers being “born” versus teachers being “created” (or taught), but rather educators recognized and respected as extraordinary practitioners of their craft.

Teachers…called not chosen, dispelling myths and changing lives, one student at a time.